Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Puy
This church, built in the Provencal Romanesque style, was first mentioned in 1154 as the church of Saint Marie. It was elevated to cathedral status in the mid-13th century when the bishopric was transferred from Antibes to Grasse in 1244.

Architecture of Italy
The architecture is influenced by both Liguria and Lombardy (church layout, decorative elements and vaulting).
The main façade is simple and modest, which is also reflected in the interior appearance: a raised central nave and two side aisles. The cathedral has six stained glass windows and four Baillet statues representing the four evangelists: St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Paul and St. John. Mark, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John. Luke, and St. John.

In the 17th century, a crypt was dug under the cathedral and the interior tiles and steps were renovated. The central doorway became the only entrance through the façade, reached by a double staircase with a statue of the Virgin above. The two doors made of walnut wood were carved by two Grasse carpenters, Deschamps and Raybaud.

Next to the cathedral is the former episcopal palace, which is now the city hall.

*The courtyard in front of Hotel de Ville, the former bishop’s residence – ©cityxee.com*

The cathedral contains many spectacular effects
Grasse Cathedral houses many artifacts, some of which are listed as historical monuments. See the paintings in the image gallery below:

St. Honorat, St. Clement and St. Lambert, altarpiece by Louis Brea.
The Coronation of Christ, St. Helena, and the Crucifixion are works by Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Helena, and The Crucifixion are works by Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640).
The Washing of Feet painted by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806) in 1754 is one of the few religious works by this Grasse artist.
The monumental cross in the nave is a mission cross from 1830.
The organ dates from 1855 and was made by Toulouse organ builder De Jungh.
Death of Saint-Paul painted by Charles Nègre (1820-1880, photographer from Grasse).

Today, the cathedral is a national monument.

By Tommy Sverre / 2021

Image gallery: