It's no wonder that people refer to this church as Ste-Réparate, as its full name is Basilique-Cathédrale Sainte-Marie Sainte-Réparate. It is a major landmark in the Vieille Ville or old town of Nice.

The site first hosted a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in 1049. Then in 1060 the relics of Sainte Réparate arrived in Nice. Réparate was a young martyr in Palestine, who was tortured and killed for her faith. Legend has it that her body was placed in a boat and blown by the breath of angels to the Baie des Anges in Nice. Regardless of how she got here, Réparate is considered the patron saint of Nice, and this is her cathedral.

Over the centuries various churches were built on the site, with the current one started in 1649 and consecrated in 1699. The bell tower (clocher) was added in the 18th century. It was named a basilica in 1949.

Today the parvis, or area in front of the church, is a social center of the old town. Restaurants, shops, and a fountain create a warm and welcoming ambience. You are sure to pass through here as you visit Nice. If you're looking for ice cream, you have plenty of options here.

Of course the cathedral offers regular religious services. And when I stopped in on a weekday afternoon, I happened upon the organist rehearsing, always a delight. The church is generally open from 9 to 12 noon and 2 PM until 6 PM (Sunday hours 9-1 and 3-6).

Interior of Ste-Réparate on a quiet afternoon.

Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
3 Place Rossetti, 06300 Nice, France

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