The cathedral dates from the mid-13th century (the bishopric was transferred from Antibes to Grasse in 1244). The architecture is influenced by both Liguria and Lombardy (layout, decorative elements, vaulting).
The main facade is simple and unassuming, reflecting the interior layout : a raised central nave and two side aisles.
In the 18th century, a crypt was dug beneath the cathedral and the interior tiling and steps were redone. The central doorway became the sole entrance through the façade, reached by a double staircase, with a statue of the Virgin above it.
The walnut doors were carved by two Grasse cabinetmakers, Deschamps and Raybaud.
The Grasse cathedral houses many artifacts, some of which are listed as historic monuments :
- St. Honorat, St. Clement, and St. Lambert, altarpiece attributed to the Louis Brea school.
- Christ Crowned with Thorns, St. Helena, and The Crucifixion are works attributed to Peter Paul Rubens and his school.
- Washing of the Feet painted by Jean-Honoré Fragonard in 1754 is one of the few religious works from this Grasse artist.
- The nave’s monumental cross is an 1830 mission cross.
- The organ dates from 1855 and was made by Toulouse organ-builder Jungk
- The Death of Saint Paul the Hermit by Charles Nègre (Grasse artist)
The cathedral has six stained-glass windows and four Baillet statues representing the four Evangelists : St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John.
Mass schedule :
- Sundays and holidays : 10:30 & 18:30 : Mass in the Cathedral
- Weekdays, Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 : Mass in the crypt
- Mass in Spanish the 1st Sunday of every month at 11:30 a.m. in the Cathedral
