© Wikipedia
Eglise Sainte-Devote
Church to honour the patron saint of Monaco
Sainte-Dévote is the patron saint of the Principality of Monaco.
In the very early 4th century, in Corsica (which was a Roman province at that time) the Roman governor, Diocletian, ordered the great persecution of the Christians.
A young Christian, Devote, was arrested, imprisoned and tortured. She died without denying her faith. After her death, the governor of the province ordered for her body to be burnt, but the Christians saved her body and placed it on a boat bound for Africa, where they believed she would receive a proper Christian burial. When a storm struck it is said that a white dove flew from her mouth and guided the boat to Monaco.
This church is built on the site where a storm-struck ship carrying Dévote's body docked in Monaco. The small church dates back to 1870, further refurbished in 1891 in a Neo-Greek style.
Worth knowing
In Monegasque tradition, the bride of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco lays her bridal bouquet at the chapel after the wedding ceremony.
Visitor comments
- "It's hard to miss this beautiful church as it is just next to the train station. Beautiful architecture, and a peaceful spot to visit. So glad we stopped in!" - Trip Advisor
- "We walked by the church a few times last week and loved it's charm as well as architectural design. It was very quiet and relaxing all around there and well worth stopping to check it out as it is very pretty and serene." - Trip Advisor
- "Saints Devote is a little jewel box of a church, quite lovely in its setting tucked up against the looming cliffs. Beautiful decorations inside, and the Rallye route and statues just outside along the street." - Trip Advisor
How to get passes
Entry to the church is free.
