Nîmes, St Perpétue church, Eclectic church in Nîmes, France
St Perpetue church is a Catholic house of worship topped with a 71-meter spire crowned by an 8-meter wrought iron cross above the Charles de Gaulle esplanade. The interior features marble columns, pointed arches, and decorative patterns inspired by the Alhambra.
The foundation stone was laid in October 1852 under Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, with construction completing in 1864 at the church's consecration. Those twelve years of building reflect the desire to create a structure of regional importance.
The church is dedicated to Saint Perpetua, an early Christian martyr whose veneration runs deep in local religious tradition. Inside, visitors encounter a blend of Moorish-influenced design and European architecture that shapes the entire visual experience.
The church sits directly on the Charles de Gaulle esplanade and welcomes visitors during services and guided visits. It is advisable to check opening times in advance, as the building may have restricted hours for tourists outside of service times.
The main portal shows the Mother of God presenting her Son to Angels for adoration, framed by pointed gables with arabesque patterns. This sculptural scene merges Christian and Islamic artistic languages in an unexpected way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
