Peeking out from Rue Droite. That is where the Église du Gèsù, Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur stands. This imposing Baroque monument dates back to the seventeenth century. Originally, it was a chapel for the Jesuits. They transformed it into a monument. It showcased the art of the Counter-Reformation for the County of Nice. Its influence can be seen in the region’s rebuilt religious buildings.
Let’s delve into the history of this remarkable church. A wealthy merchant from Nice named Pons Ceva made a large donation in 1603. He was living in Rome. Saint Philippe Néri advised him to fund a Jesuit college in Nice. The Jesuits settled near a communal mill in 1603. By 1606 the college was open.
The first stone of the college was laid in 1607. The Jesuits began buying houses nearby to build their chapel. These purchases continued until 1612. The first stone of the church was laid. It was dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus and Saint Just.
To expand the church, the Jesuits bought another house next door. Construction of the new church began in 1642. The main structure was completed by 1650. The Jesuits sold the vault’s construction supports to the Bishop of Nice. The church’s similarities to others suggest Jean-André Guiberto was the architect.
In 1651, two family chapels were built. Senator Blancardi and Jean-Baptiste Fabri commissioned them. After Pope Clement XIV suppressed the Jesuit order, they were expelled in 1773. The college and church became royal property. In 1802, after the Concordat of 1801, the church became a parish. It was named Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur.
The current Baroque facade was completed in 1825 by Aycart. The Église du Gèsù was classified as a historical monument in 1971.
The Église du Gèsù stands as an example of Baroque architecture. Historians note its architectural similarities. They compare it to the Church of the Gesú in Rome. The Nice church shows Piedmontese Baroque influences. It also demonstrates Roman architectural constraints.
The facade features Corinthian elements. Mannerist decorations suggest a 17th-century origin. Some decor elements are Neoclassical. The bell tower rises 42 meters high. Its exposed brick is rare in Nice. The dome base is covered in Ligurian tiles.
Inside, the semicircular vault stretches 36 meters long and 14 meters wide. It shows scenes from Saint Jacques le Majeur’s life. These were created in the 19th century. Nicoise painter Hercule Trachel designed them.
The Église du Gèsù has several chapels. On the right side is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Next is the Chapel of Saint Joseph. Lastly, the Chapel of Saints Louis-de-Gonzague and Honoré.
On the left side, you’ll find the Chapel of Saints Crépin and Crépinien. The Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel is next. Then there is the Chapel of the Madonna of the Rosary.
The pulpit dates from the early 19th century. A Jesuit’s arm emerges. It holds a removable cross. This allowed the preacher to emphasize his sermons.
The ceiling paintings were redone in the early 19th century. They are based on drawings by Hercule Trachel. Medallions depict events from the life of Saint Jacques le Majeur and Christ.
Église du Gèsù, Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur is not just a building. It is a layered story etched in stone and art.