Gesù Church

This little blue parish is the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church, commonly known as Gesu church. Its history began with that of a nicois merchant, who gave a significant amount of money to the Jesuits of Nice to found a college. This church is the college’s chapel built on the model of the Church of the Gesù in Rome. It marks the beginning of the Baroque art in Nice and has served as inspiration for the construction of many subsequent churches, if not all! The interior is worth a look. Baroque art is defined by a profusion of gilding and decoration, going against the simplicity and sobreity advocated by protestants. The counter-reformation wants to show God’s greatness and impress the faithful! Gesu church is a great example, as it is brimming with gilding and sculptures, as well as hundreds of little angels! It is listed as Cultural Property since 1971.