The convent of Cimiez
E
n 1543, after the destruction of their Convent of Ste CROIX (where the Marble Cross is currently located) by the Turks, the MINOR BROTHERS OBSERVERS OF SAINT FRANCOIS settled in a private house at the bottom of the town of NICE.
On November 15, 1546, the Benedictines of St PONS ceded to them, in CIMIEZ, an ancient chapel dedicated to Notre Dame with adjacent land in exchange for the gardens of their convent of Ste CROIX.
In 1644, a wing of the large cloister with a double row of cells was built on the east side.
On September 21, 1660, lightning destroyed the steeple of the convent which was to be repaired in 1662.
Thanks to subsidies from Jean Paul CAISSOTTI, count of RIGAUD, MASSOINS and TOURNEFORT, a portico of 3 arches was built as we can see it today, after restoration in 1846.
In 1663 a bell dedicated to Ste. Mary Immaculate of the Conception.
In 1681 the sacristy and the library were established.
In 1700, another wing of the cloister was completed on the south side.
In 1716 the wing was built on the sunset side.
In 1739, the 4th wing of the great cloister was built on the north side.
In 1758 the novitiate was installed on the 2nd floor.
On September 29, 1793, the Church and the Convent were declared national property and seized.
In 1816, two years after the return from Nice to the Maison de SAVOIE, VICTOR EMMANUEL I authorized, by decree, the restitution of convents and the reinstatement of religious.
