Russian Orthodox Cathedral closed to visitors

The building is in bad condition and needs a lot of work to restore its beauty for the 100th anniversary in December 2012.

An architectural gem, St Nicholas Cathedral is considered by many to be the most beautiful Russian religious building outside Russia. After June 2011 saw the church close for a full surveillance of long-term damage to the building, doubts arose over the amount of care it was receiving from ACOR.

More fuel was added to the fire when ACOR closed the cathedral for a second time on Monday, saying they could not afford to keep it open for tourists after the Russian Federation stopped them charging an entrance fee.

Russian ambassador to France, Alexandre Orlov, described the decision as "scandalous", going on to argue that the Nice Orthodox Association was wrong to close it. "They are restricting Nice residents and holidaymakers from experiencing this historical treasure. It is outrageous," he told the press.

However, in a bid to win back their precious cathedral, the Russian Federation has agreed to allow an entrance fee of 3 euros to be charged to visitors. "As soon as they give us back the keys to our cathedral, we can begin renovations. The building is in a bad state of repair and we need to restore its beauty for the 100^th anniversary on 17^th December 2012."

St Nicholas Cathedral will reopen its doors on Saturday and Sunday for Nice’s European Heritage Day.

Louise Kirby