The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, located just 1 kilometer from the Nice Thiers train station, is a beautiful representation of traditional Russian onion dome architecture.

Funded by Tsar Nicholas II and consecrated in 1912, it was actually named in honor of another Nicholas, Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsarevich of Russia, who died in Nice in 1865. The cathedral served the growing Russian community in Nice.

Starting in the mid 1800s, Russian nobility visited Nice regularly. In 1864 the railway line reached Nice, enabling even more Russians to visit, including Tsar Nicholas II, who was said to enjoy the lovely climate.

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the property of the Russian Federation, under the Moscow Patriarchate. It is also a recognized national monument of France. It is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia.

Visitors will want to walk around the cathedral and enjoy its beautiful architecture from different vantage points. There is a lovely garden with benches where you can admire the structure. You'll also see the chapel of the Tsarevich, a simpler structure.

The cathedral is topped with a variety of onion domes and spires, all beautifully decorated.

You may enter the cathedral and admire its many icons, paintings, sculptures, and overall design. (Note that no photography is allowed inside.)

There is no admission charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. Guided tours are available, for a fee (or with the Riviera Pass). There is also a small shop in the entry selling mementos.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral Saint Nicholas
Avenue Nicolas II
06000 Nice - France

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