Old Duke of Savoy Palace and Chapelle de la Miséricorde

The former palace of the dukes of Savoy and the chapel of Mercy

A contemplative stop on the Nice audio-guided tour, in the extension of the Cours Saleya, is the chapel of Mercy, known as that of the black penitents. It is considered the finest Baroque chapel in Nice.

The salt route

The chapel was built in the mid-eighteenth century on the site of the former salt stores of the king of Sardinia. Nice was long a stage on the salt route, which ran from the salt marshes of the Giens peninsula to Italy. The name of the cours comes from the salt tax, paid here: it was called the salted course, which became Saleya.

What to see

Do enter the chapel to admire the magnificent fresco on the ceiling of its dome. Just next to it, the former palace of the dukes of Savoy, now the prefecture, recalls the city's Sardinian past. Visit the chapel with quiet and respect for the place of worship.

Practical information

The chapel of Mercy is on the Cours Saleya, in old Nice. Like any place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence; opening days and hours should be checked depending on the season.

What is the chapel of Mercy ?

The finest Baroque chapel in Nice, known as that of the black penitents, built in the eighteenth century.

Where does the name Cours Saleya come from ?

From the salt tax, paid here; it was called the salted course, which became Saleya.