Sospel Cathedral, Cathedral in Sospel, France.
Sospel Cathedral is a yellow-facaded church with a two-tier front: a wooden double door with an inscribed plaque, four pilasters, and a triangular pediment topped by a cross. Inside, a barrel vault painted with oval frescoes covers the nave, which is flanked by side aisles and lined with dark wooden pews facing a high altar in white, grey, and gold.
Construction took place between 1641 and 1672, replacing an earlier church from the 12th century. The original bell tower from the medieval structure was preserved and remains part of the building today.
The church keeps furnishings from several Italian workshops: a tabernacle in ivory and mother-of-pearl marquetry made in 1746 by Luigi Prinotto, cabinetmaker at the Turin court, and an organ built in 1843 by the Agati brothers of Pistoia with a single 52-note keyboard. A bell wheel called a treizin is also kept here.
The cathedral is located in the center of Sospel and is easily accessible to visitors. Check opening hours before your visit to ensure you can see the religious artworks and architectural details inside.
Inside the cathedral is a wooden altarpiece by Francois Brea showing the Immaculate Virgin across three detailed panels that tell a religious story. This artwork is a rare example of this artistic tradition in the area.
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