Antibes Cathedral
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2013) |
Antibes Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea d'Antibes | |
---|---|
Religion | |
Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
Province | Bishopric of Antibes |
Region | Alpes-Maritimes |
Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
Status | Active |
Location | |
Location | Antibes, France |
Geographic coordinates | 43°34′52″N 7°7′42″E / 43.58111°N 7.12833°E |
Architecture | |
Type | church |
Groundbreaking | 13th century |
Completed | 18th century |
Antibes Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Platea d'Antibes) is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Antibes on the French Riviera, France. It is a national monument. During the 5th or 6th century a cathedral was built on the site where a pagan temple had once stood, the remains of which can be seen in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. It is said that St Paul was arrested here on a journey to Spain in 63 AD.
The church has undergone many transformations over the centuries. Partly destroyed in 1124, the church was rebuilt by the early 13th century. Its layout features three naves and a large organ to the rear.
The current facade is in the Italian style, dating from 1747 when it was rebuilt after heavy bombardment. In the interior are a number of masterpieces from the Renaissance and Modern periods; a crucifix from the middle of the 15th century is visible in the choir. The transept chapel was painted by Provençal artist Louis Brea in the 16th century, representing The Virgin with the Rosary. The carved portal by Jacques Dole is from the beginning of the 18th century.
It was formerly the seat of the Bishops of Antibes, later the Bishops of Grasse. The see was not restored after the French Revolution and was added by the Concordat of 1801 to the Diocese of Nice.