The Brotherhood of the White Penitents was founded on March 20, 1306. They were initially located in the Dominican church, which was situated where the courthouse now stands, hence the name given by the people of Nice to the area: Place Saint Dominique.
In 1518, the White Penitents moved and settled in a chapel near the Augustinian convent (Saint Martin Saint Augustine Church), where they remained until 1761.
The brotherhood was one of the largest in Nice, and the penitents found themselves cramped in chapels too small to accommodate them along with the faithful. Additionally, they never had a place of their own, first being with the Dominicans, then the Augustinians.
An opportunity arose, and they purchased the chapel of the Minimes convent, which they renovated between 1765 and 1767. The building was the size of a church, decorated by Antonio Spinelli. The White Penitents finally had their own, independent place.
The Sainte Croix Chapel, restored in the Baroque style, was consecrated on May 1, 1767. The building, confiscated during the revolution, was returned to them during the Restoration. The facade was added in 1875 when this chapel was renovated.
It has undergone other restorations up to the present day. Closed for safety reasons for a long time, the chapel has been classified as a historical monument since 1987.
The primary vocation of the White Penitents was the care of the sick. They founded a hospital on Franรงois Zanin Street and, wishing to expand it, moved it to 38 Route de Turin in 1849, on what is now known as the Rue de la Rรฉpublique.
Thierry Jan
