Parish Church Saint-Sauveur
Description
Completed around 1498 after a terrible fire, this church in the County of Nice was "baroque" in the 18th century. You will be struck by the slender grandeur of its decorum of stuccoes, rocailles, gilding, and its shades of mauve and salmon.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Additional information
Price(s)
Free access.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera & Merveilles - 02/05/2024
www.menton-riviera-merveilles.fr/boutique/
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Open period
All year round, daily.
Contact
Phone :
04 93 04 51 23
04 83 93 70 35
Fax : 04 93 04 55 25
Email : breil-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr
Website :
www.saorge.fr
menton-riviera-merveilles.fr
History, culture and heritage
This church replaces the old Romanesque building destroyed during the great fire of 1465 which ravages the houses of the village still covered with shingles and stubble. It has a nave and two aisles divided by cylindrical columns in gypsy wood imitating marble, topped with golden Corinthian capitals on the leaf. The church was remodelled in baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. The imposing bulbous bell tower covered with glazed tiles was built in 1812, while Saorge is attached to imperial France.
ORGAN
In 1840, it was decided to replace the old organ with a new instrument. The Lingiardi brothers undertake to carry out the work for 3000 lire, and obtain the market to the detriment of the famous Agati brothers, the instrument is transported to Genoa and loaded on a sailboat that disembarks it at the port of Nice. The coins are transported by mule to Saorge. The old manual rope system for pulling the bellows is replaced by an electric wind tunnel; the bellows system itself has been restored.
TABERNACLE OF THE MAJOR ALTAR
Like the altarpiece, this tabernacle is carved in marbles of different nature. The two heads of cherubs placed above the door in gilded and worked metal are surmounted by a marqued pediment. According to oral tradition, the tabernacle of the altar dedicated to Saint Joseph was once that of the major altar, removed when the church is decorated in a baroque style. The artist who carved it in a block of white marble engraved the date of its execution: MDXXXIX.
GOD HOLDING THE TABLES OF THE LAW TO MOSES (18th century)
In the heart of the church of Saint Sauveur, above the door giving access to the former presbytery, there is a curious carved motif in the panelling of the back choir stalls. He is a bearded character holding the Tables of the Law. He could re-present God giving the Tables of the Law to Moses.
VIRGIN OF PROCESSION
This Virgin with the child, placed under a canopy supported by twisted columns and covered with a double crown, is the work of a local artist. The name of Charles Bonfante engraved on the base may indicate the sculptor or a notable who gave the work to the church.
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