Saint Elisabeth Chapel is beautifully located
Chapel Saint Elisabeth in Vence was built in romanesque style and dates back to the 14th century. Like so many rural chapels of that time, this also has a covered porch that protected passers-by from the elements as they traveled from city to city.
It is beautifully situated on a small elevation right where the old road to Saint-Paul de Vence starts (Ancien Chemin de Saint-Paul).
Beautiful frescoes by Giovanni Cavanesio discovered in 1924
The most interesting thing about the Chapel of Saint Elizabeth in Vence is the beautiful frescoes by the Italian painter Giovanni Cavanesio.
The frescos were painted in the 1400’s, but was “lost” for many years. They had been covered in a thick layer of lime and were discovered during a restoration work on the chapel in 1924. In 1927, the chapel was recorded as a historical monument.
Trompe l’oeil behind the altar
Behind the small altar is a trompe l’oeil decoration (which cheats the eye) which depicts the meeting between the Virgin Mary and her cousin Saint Elizabeth.
Bell tower a la Penitents Blancs
The chapel also has a small bell tower decorated with polychrome tiles, most likely inspired by the Chapel of Penitents Blancs in Vence.
The bell tower was added to the chapel later in the 19th century.
Mass is held once a year – the Monday after the first weekend of August.
By Tommy Sverre – 2021
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- Art
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- Markets
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- Wash-houses
Hiking Hike Vence – Baou des Blancs
The hike from the center of Vence to the top of Baou des Blancs is a stunningly beautiful and varied trip all year round. When the summit is reached, the reward is a fabulous view.
Hiking Hike to Saint-Paul de Vence
This hike to Saint-Paul de Vence from the center of Vence is neither too long nor too strenuous, but rather beautiful and cozy.
Advertisement Ranch El Bronco
Horseback riding and hiking from the top of the Col de Vence – for both beginners and experienced.
Markets The markets in Vence
A visit to the markets in Vence is a must if you really want to feel the character and authenticity of the city.
Art The Museum of Vence
The Musée de Vence / Fondation Émile Hugues is situated in the heart of the historic city center and is among the very popular sights on the Côte d’Azur.
Churches & chapels Cathedral Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité
Here in the middle of the old medieval town of Vence you will find France’s smallest cathedral. Usually one expects cathedrals to be large and impressive…
Fountains The Peyra fountain
It stands in the city’s most idyllic square and has been watered from the Foux spring since its birth in 1822.
Viewpoints Viewpoint – F. Moutet
From near and far you can see the Baou Mountains rising majestically on the horizon. Depending on from where one looks at the mountains, they assume different…
Wash-houses The Wash-house at Avenue des Poilus
The wash-houses have their own history, which dates from the 19th century and testifies to the challenges of the …
Museums Gombrowicz Museum
Dedicated to the Polish master writer Witold Gombrowitz and beautifully situated in Villa Alexandrine.
Churches & chapels Chapel Pénitents Blancs
This chapel is the largest and most interesting chapel in Vence. Centrally located, just a few hundred meters from Place Grand Jardin, on the ancient Roman road to Castallane…
Art Rosary Chapel by Matisse
The Rosary Chapel by Matisse is together with the cathedral in the old town Vence’s biggest attraction and one of Henri Matisse’s greatest masterpieces.
