Cathédrale Saint‑Nicolas

About

The Cathédrale Saint‑Nicolas in Nice is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside Russia and one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II and consecrated in 1912, it was built to serve the growing Russian community on the French Riviera. Its design, inspired by traditional Moscow churches, features vivid onion domes, ornate façades, and richly decorated interiors. The cathedral stands on the site of a chapel erected in memory of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, who died in Nice in 1865. Surrounded by gardens, it offers a serene retreat while symbolizing the deep cultural ties between Russia and the Côte d’Azur. Recognized as a national monument of France, Saint‑Nicolas Cathedral remains both a place of worship and a masterpiece of architectural heritage, blending spiritual devotion with the cosmopolitan history of Nice.

Nice France

Location

Cathédrale Saint‑Nicolas is located on Avenue Nicolas II in the Thiers district of Nice, set amidst a tranquil green garden just north of the city center. The cathedral is easily reached on foot from Nice-Ville train station in under 20 minutes, and the Alsace-Lorraine tram stop is less than a 10-minute walk away. Nearby, you’ll find the picturesque Jardin Alsace Lorraine, bustling Libération market, and the lively Avenue Jean Médecin shopping district. The area is dotted with popular cafés and local restaurants, while the historic quarter of Cimiez and the Promenade des Anglais are accessible within a short walk or tram ride, placing this celebrated Russian Orthodox cathedral near many of Nice’s main attractions and transit hubs.