Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Nice, Baroque church in old town Nice, France.
Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Nice, on Rue Saint-Joseph in Vieux Nice, has a tall, narrow Baroque facade in pale yellow and cream stucco, divided into tiers by horizontal cornices. The upper tier holds a large oval window framed by sculpted stone and paired flat pilasters, topped by a curved pediment. The lower tier has a rectangular doorway framed by columns and a triangular pediment, and a small bell turret stands at the upper left.
The structure was rebuilt between 1765 and 1767 under architect Antoine Spinelli's direction as a new construction. The facade underwent later modifications toward the end of the 19th century.
The chapel belongs to the Archconfraternity of the White Penitents, a brotherhood that grew out of Dominican preaching in Nice in 1306. Its decoration centres on the Cross: the vault shows the Cross of Constantine with the motto "in hoc signo vinces", and paintings depict Saint Helena's discovery of the Cross in 326. The sanctuary stalls, arranged on three sides and two levels, were made for the penitents' prayer.
The chapel is located in the old town and can be reached via Rue Saint-Joseph. It is advisable to check opening hours beforehand, as visits are limited to specific days and times.
The facade displays a pelican feeding its young, a symbol with religious meaning. This image is connected to the history of a local brotherhood and gives the chapel a distinctive identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,347 contributors worldwide.
