Chapelle de la Miséricorde

On Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is a small Catholic chapel known for its Baroque interior. Step inside to see the elliptical nave, colorful decoration, paintings and gilt details; its compact scale gives the space an intimate feel. The chapel is also known as the Chapel of the Black Penitents and is a national monument. It makes a quiet pause among the old town’s streets and nearby religious landmarks. Public access is noted for Tuesday afternoons, and photography may not be permitted inside.

A chapel with several chapters

The chapel was built between 1747 and 1770 on the site of a former salt storehouse. Before becoming a place of worship, the building was used as a theatre. In 1828, the Black Penitents moved in, giving the chapel the name by which it is also known.

The Black Penitents were one of four religious brotherhoods in Nice. Founded in 1522, they were associated with some of the city’s wealthiest residents. Their original work included assisting people sentenced to death, a role that has since disappeared. The chapel’s history links its present use with a brotherhood whose responsibilities changed over time.

Baroque lines and painted details

The interior is arranged around an elliptical nave, with chapels along its sides. Curving forms carry through the space, a characteristic of the Baroque style. Paintings, frescoes and gilt contribute to the richly decorated appearance, while the chapel’s small size keeps these details close at hand.

From outside, the tiled dome and yellow façade make the chapel a distinctive landmark on Cours Saleya. The contrast between the ornate interior and the intimate scale is part of what makes a brief visit worthwhile. It is recognized as a national monument and is considered a major example of Nice Baroque architecture.