A Roman-Byzantine style of sober majesty
Built of white La Turbie stone in 1875, the Cathedral 's architectural harmony is truly impressive. Inside, visitors can admire a high altar in white Carrara marble, an episcopal throne and an altarpiece by Louis Bréa, a Renaissance painter from Nice, dated 1500. This religious masterpiece is a precious testimony to Mediterranean artistic heritage.
From Saint Nicolas church to today's cathedral
Between 1215 and 1240, the Rocher became a fortified town. On December 6, 1247, a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent IV erected the first independent parish of La Turbie and authorized the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Nicolas, patron saint of sailors. Completed in 1321, the church was built on the site of today's cathedral.
Over the centuries, several chapels were added, creating a rich and complex place of worship. But in 1868, when the territory of Monaco was detached from the diocese of Nice, the decision was taken to build a new cathedral. The old Saint Nicolas church was demolished, and on January 6, 1875, Prince Charles III laid the foundation stone for the present building.
The cathedral was dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and placed under the secondary protection of Saint Nicolas and Saint Benedict. It was officially consecrated on June 11, 1911.
A great organ unique in Europe
The grand gallery above the narthex houses a monumental organ, built in 1976 by Jean-Loup Boisseau, in collaboration with Pierre Cochereau and Canon Henri Carol, who was organist until 1984. It was then taken over by René Saorgin, then by Olivier Vernet, titular organist since 2006.
Completely rebuilt by Manufacture d'orgues Thomas (Belgium), the organ, completed in December 2011, is a musical and architectural masterpiece. It comprises 4 manuals, 79 stops and almost 7,000 pipes.
Noble materials were used: Vosges fir for the bellows, maple for the console, oak for the front. Backlit Plexiglas panels visually translate the sound color of the organ stops, for a unique multi-sensory experience.
Installed in 1976 by Tamburini (Crema, Italy), the choir organ provides a sober accompaniment to liturgical celebrations.
A lively place of celebration and culture
Monaco's Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée is much more than a monument: it remains a place of worship and gathering, vibrant to the rhythm of major religious festivals.
Pontifical offices are celebrated here on major liturgical feasts, including :
- January 27, the feast of Saint Devote, patron saint of the Principality
- November 19, the Monegasque national holiday.
Every Sunday from September to June, the 10 a.m. mass is sung by the Petits Chanteurs de Monaco and the Cathedral choir, perpetuating a vocal tradition of excellence. Numerous concerts are also organized, featuring the great organ and the sacred repertoire.
A place of contemplation and admiration, the Cathedral is open to all, respecting religious customs.
Combining architectural beauty, spiritual history and cultural life, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco is a landmark of Monegasque heritage. Through its presence and traditions, it embodies the strong link between the Principality, faith and art.
Free access every day, except during religious services.
Correct dress required. Shoulders must be covered. Mini-skirts and short shorts are forbidden (Bermuda shorts are accepted).