Église arménienne Sainte-Marie de Nice

Église Sainte-Marie de Nice is an Armenian church building that incorporates traditional elements of Armenian religious architecture throughout its structure and design. The building sits on Boulevard de la Madeleine and reflects the craftsmanship typical of Armenian church construction from its era.

Construction of the church started in 1927 and was completed with its consecration just months later by an Armenian bishop from Marseille. This rapid founding established a new religious center for the Armenian community during the early decades of the 20th century.

The church serves as a gathering place for Nice's Armenian community, where people come together to practice their faith and maintain connections to their heritage. Walking through the space, you feel the presence of a tight-knit group actively keeping their traditions alive.

The church welcomes visitors to explore its architecture and interior spaces during appropriate times, with the courtyard offering a quieter area to walk around. Plan to spend time looking at the details and design elements, which are best appreciated at a relaxed pace.

The courtyard contains a Khachkar, a carved stone cross created by artist Albert Mkhitarian that displays the craftsmanship of traditional Armenian artistic techniques. This sculptural element represents an important symbol in Armenian visual culture that many visitors overlook.