St. Nicholas Cathedral

Built by the Royal Family for the Russian community exiled to the French Riviera, it follows the plans of a Greek cross and has a bell tower dome covered entirely with gold leaf.

The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Nice and the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Built between 1903 and 1912 with the support of Tsar Nicholas II, the cathedral reflects the strong connection between the Russian aristocracy and the French Riviera during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Nice was a favored winter retreat for Russian nobility.

The cathedral was constructed near the site where Nicholas Alexandrovich, the heir to the Russian throne, died in 1865 while visiting the city. Its striking design features colorful onion domes, ornate decorations, and traditional Russian architectural elements that stand in contrast to the Mediterranean style commonly found in the region. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, the cathedral remains an active place of worship and offers visitors a glimpse into the international and aristocratic past of Nice during the Belle Époque.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Nice
Massena Square
Nice's most spectacular square and the largest in Vieux Nice, surrounded by Neoclassical façades.
Opéra de Nice
Nice’s opera house is one of the most spectacular buildings in the city, and hosts world-class classical concerts.
Prefecture Palace
Also known as the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy, or the Palace of the Kings of Sardinia, this former Royal residence in Nice is now home to the local government.
Palais de Justice
Neoclassical courthouse in Old Nice, the Palais de Justice anchors a lively square with cafés, markets, and elegant architecture from 1892.
Hotel Negresco
Standing proudly along the Promenade des Anglais, Le Negresco is one of Nice's most famous hotels, built in 1913 & known for its distinctive pink dome.
Place du Palais de Justice
At the heart of Vieux Nice, Place du Palais de Justice is a wonderful display of the city's Neoclassical heritage.

Related Tours

Private Full Day Tour of Nice

Discover Nice on a full-day tour, with a half-day spent wandering Old Town and the afternoon spent in the comfort of a private vehicle, exploring other city highlights less easily reached by foot.

On your private full-day tour, you will:

  • Spend the morning traversing Old Town on foot with your private guide. 
  • Explore the Italian-influenced city, with its distinctive Mediterranean flavour, and the mixing flavours of fresh produce at the daily local market.
  • Stroll the city’s highlights, including Bellanda Tower, Place Rossetti, and Opera de Nice.
  • Climb Castle Hill for the best views over the city, with views of the pastel-painted city, striped umbrellas, and mega-yachts in the neighbouring harbour. 
  • Pop back into the city centre, where you will enjoy lunch at your leisure. Your guide will be happy to recommend locations. (Price of lunch not included in the tour).
  • After lunch, hop into a private vehicle with your guide to see more of the city’s highlights, including Le Negresco, the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, Mont Boron, and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum.
  • After your tour, your guide will happily take you back to your hotel in Nice. 


Step into one of the most iconic and idyllic cities in the French Riviera with a private guide to show you the best of the city. On your tour, you will explore the elegant square Masséna, see the many quaint boutique stores, the Opera de Nice, and the Palace Square, home to the stunning Palace of Justice. On the colourful Saleya Square, you will have time to enjoy the famous flower market stalls and some of the many local delicacies on offer when the market is operating (mornings, most days of the year).
The Old Town has some great eateries, old-fashioned bakeries, classic Italian ice-cream parlours and chocolate stores, and your guide will happily recommend several which you can pop into or return to after your tour. You will have time to try it all as well as to take wonderful photos of old Italian Nice.

Then visit Nice’s Castle Hill, which was the original site of the trading town founded by the Greeks 2,500 years ago. Not only will you visit Bellanda Tower and the sweeping waterfalls which cascade down to the sea, but also the magnificent viewpoints over the Bay of Angels and Old Town. After descending the hill, your guide will take you into the city centre or back into Old Town to enjoy an hour’s respite for lunch.

In the afternoon, hop in the car to cruise through several more of the city’s highlights, including Promenade des Anglais, a favourite walk-way of the European nobility of the last century and home to the magnificent Hôtel Negresco, the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Le Opera de Nice. Then ascend Mont Boron for spectacular views over the mountainous and seafront landscape. Visit the Garden of Arenas Cimiez, ancient Roman ruins, which sit atop one of the hillsides of the area. After your tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or in the city centre, which you can discuss with your guide on the day of the tour. 
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