©Drone De Regard
Baroque
The baroque movement,
an exciting history
The baroque style appeared in mid-16th century Italy and stood out as a break away from classicism. The Roman Catholic church saw it as a reaction to protestant solemnity with the aim to touch the worshipper’s soul, awaken the senses and inspire emotion. It was the dawn of a new architectural and aesthetic era. Elevated and tragic baroque gave its all to religion.
Baroque gems
from the coast to the valleys
Whilst big baroque names like Caravaggio, Rubens and Velázquez have gone down in history for their vivid style, the baroque movement’s influence on religious art in chapels and churches in the Roya and Bévéra Valleys and the Menton area isn’t so well-known. And yet the area is teeming with baroque gems. Here are just a few: Sospel Cathedral, Menton Basilica, Tende Collegiate Church and Saorge Monastery. Step inside, it will lift your heart!
Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica in Menton,
the beating heart of baroque
This jewel of baroque art was built in 1639 and overlooks the old town from its 53m high belltower, the symbol of Menton. Step inside and feast your eyes on trompe-l’œil paintings by Cerrutti-Maori in the main vault and an amaranthine Genoa damask that captures the building’s baroque heritage.
Follow the guide down Menton’s “memory lanes”: a guided tour of shaded squares and narrow lanes to experience Menton old town’s baroque side!
Sospel Cathedral,
one of the biggest churches in the area
Sospel Cathedral was built in 1641 based on the baroque model on the site of a medieval church, as you can see by its Romanesque belltower.
It was listed as a Monument Historique in 1951 and is one of the biggest churches in the Alpes-Maritimes. Inside, the trompe l’œil, golden cherubs, plays on light and stucco embody the rich exuberance of baroque. The platform plays host to the organ crafted by the famous Tuscan Agati brothers! If you’re looking for an acoustic experience to remember, watch a baroque concert at the cathedral!
Saorge Monastery,
a unique example of baroque monastery architecture!
Franciscan monks founded their monastery on the edge of Mercantour in 1633 in a leafy haven overlooking Roya’s village and gorges. One of the last examples of baroque monastery architecture! Soak up the baroque yet understated atmosphere true to the Franciscan order: frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, allegories of the virtues, sundials and trompe-l’œil showcasing the cloister and refectory. The church has all its original features. Feast your eyes on the stunning sculpted woodwork!
Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption or Tende Collegiate Church,
a cathedral past
The former cathedral is a catholic church in the heart of Tende old town. Once you’ve stepped through the eye-catching Tende green stone door set in the red walls, you’ll see that this Gothic interior stands out for its 18th century baroque design. Altarpieces and altars celebrate saints including Saint Eligius, patron saint of mule drivers. A great experience paired with the Museum of Wonders!
On the
baroque route
You need to travel the mountain paths in the Roya and Bévéra Valleys, stop at a cross, oratory or chapel to really get to grips with how much the locals love baroque. Hit the roads paved by the Savoy Princes to connect the Savoy Duchy to the Mediterranean and have a unique sensory experience drinking in the beautiful mountain landscapes and baroque religious buildings.
The baroque route rocks!
Baroque music
Baroque style may be best known for its architecture but it also appears in music. An art of movement, harmony, dissonance, contrasting movements, baroque music has a lot in common with architecture. The turning point: instrumental music changed. The main reason for the change was the growth of musical instrument making, especially organs. The valley’s organs date back to this time from the 17th to the 19th century making it listed heritage of unrivalled cultural wealth! Sospel’s Les BaroQuiales and the annual baroque art festival pay tribute to the valleys’ musical legacy. Use your break as an excuse to seek out the historical organs in the Roya and Bévéra Valley churches. Their platforms are real works of art!
