Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral

The Monaco Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco) was first built in 1875 in the then-popular Roman-Byzantine architectural style. Its value is particularly reflected in its striking collection of pre-Renaissance artworks by artists from Nice. The cathedral is the burial site of Monaco’s royalty and also the final resting place of princes and princesses. It may spark even more imagination due to past coronation ceremonies, as well as the legendary wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly held in this very church.

Visitors to the Monaco Cathedral can admire the altar screen crafted by 15th-century Nice painter Louis Bréa, the main altar, and the bishop’s throne made of white marble. It is said that the white stone used for the exterior façade comes from the village of Doubs in the French Alps. A four-keyboard pipe organ was installed here in 1976, and major religious concerts have been held here ever since. The church’s entrance features solid wooden doors adorned with finely cast metal floral decorations, adding to its solemn and majestic atmosphere. Although the church’s nave may not be as grand as those of Milan or Rome, it exudes refinement and dignity. The main altar and its decorative screen seem to carry a history of a thousand years, with exquisite white marble shining under golden embellishments. On holidays, solemn episcopal liturgical ceremonies are held in the Monaco Cathedral.