The religious heritage of Nice is once again being restored with the work on the Sainte-Croix chapel in Old Nice, which began in February 2014. Éric Ciotti visited the building to observe the progress of the renovation work.
“The work is almost completed“
The intervention party proposes to ensure a restoration identical to the chapel and the current decorations from the 1875 campaign. The interiors of the chapel are very deteriorated, especially the eastern lateral parts. The damage is particularly located in the lower parts of the walls due to rising damp.
The project plans for the identical restoration of the wall paintings, after the consolidation of the masonry. “The Department of Alpes-Maritimes will not let our traditions die. 29 cases are still under examination because restoring these buildings means prolonging the history and life of our territory.“, expressed Éric Ciotti. Several phases of work have been carried out since 2004 to restore the chapel’s choir, the nave, as well as remarkable objects and paintings located in the chapel.
A religious symbol
The construction of this building in the 18th century is attributed to Antonio Spinelli. The building has been listed as a historical monument since 1987. The Chapel of the White Penitents consists of a single nave, divided into two bays. The nave is extended by a rectangular sanctuary, housing the altar.
The interior decoration mainly dates from the end of the 19th century following the annexation of the County of Nice to France. In fact, the Chapel underwent a work campaign in 1875, with the implementation of a grisaille decor and floral panels integrated into the architecture, complemented by large figurative compositions on the vault.
In total, the cost of the restoration amounts to €1,645,000. The funding is provided by the Archiconfraternity of the White Penitents, a brotherhood that assists the sick and the destitute, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs, the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes, and the City of Nice.
