Église Saint-André

Built in 1601 the Église Saint-André in Cannes has a rich history. It wasn’t always a church. This building has witnessed centuries of change. It once served as a temple for a Freemasons’ lodge. Father André-Jacques Astre inherited this family home. His ancestors had bought it from the Freemasons. In 1784 the lodge established itself as “La Constance”. They installed a temple within the house. Imagine Napoleon’s emissaries. In 1815 after his escape from Elba Napoleon sent emissaries to Antibes. Fifteen men were imprisoned in the Saint-Esprit chapel. Five officers were held in “La Constance” lodge. A plaque on the building recounts this episode. In 1999 Father Astre inherited the house. It needed extensive renovations. He partnered with the state to convert it into social housing. During the renovations frescoes were uncovered. They confirmed the temple’s existence. After the renovations the apartments were rented for 17 years. Father Astre gradually reacquired the apartments. He moved into one and removed the temple from the rental market. He decided to restore the temple. The Saint Andrew’s Day celebration inaugurated the restored space. Mass was celebrated by Father André in the presence of friends. Many people contributed to the restoration. The Église Saint-André stands as a testament to the passage of time. It is a silent observer of history’s unfolding drama. Its walls hold the echoes of centuries of events. It stands as a symbol of resilience adaptation and preservation. The Église Saint-André in Cannes is more than just a building. It is a living link to the past.