Built around the year 1250, this holy place located in the heart of Old Nice, has seen it all. Transformed at different times into a hotel (the Golden Eagle), housing, shops, a cinema (Le Capitole), a nightclub, offices, and even a garbage dump, the Church of the Franciscans will soon regain its authenticity.
A truly rocambolesque history! “In 2010, when the CGT offices left the communal palace on Saint-François square, we discovered that it concealed a 13th-century church behind it,” says Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice. “This monument therefore represents one of the greatest patrimonial treasures in the history of our city.”
Extensive renovations
Over time, walls, partitions, floors, and false ceilings had literally invaded the structure to the point where the church disappeared under all these superfluous layers. Since its discovery, and particularly since 2016, demolition operations have been carried out. Over 1,500 tons of rubble, as well as waste, have already been removed from the building.
To mark the beginning of the interior restoration work, the mayor of Nice takes a sledgehammer to one of the twenty-four support posts, which, in a few months, will become part of the past. The old floor of the cinema hall will also be destroyed.
What future for this historic monument?
In the autumn, anyone will be able to appreciate the magnitude of this space: 47 meters long, 12 meters wide, and 17 meters high. As for the Golden Eagle and the communal palace, they will form a cultural hub centered on the history and tradition of Nice.
“Once this place is rehabilitated, we will undertake, in the next two years, a thorough effort to ensure it regains its full ancient character and can be preserved so that no one ever damages this heritage again,” concludes Christian Estrosi.
The Church of the Franciscans and its neighboring buildings still have bright days ahead!
Solène FALAISE
