Collegiate Church Notre-Dame de l'Assomption

A collegiate church is a church which, while not under episcopal authority or housing a diocesan see, is the meeting place of a college of canons responsible for liturgical services. In the heart of old Tende stands a remarkable collegiate church, built on the initiative of the Count of Tende, Honoré Lascaris, known as "the Great". Completed in 1562, the building bears the signature of sculptors from the Genoa region, who created what is considered their masterpiece. It is also a singular example of patronage in the region: the construction was largely financed by Count Honoré himself, depicted among the devotees kneeling before the scene of the Assumption. Its imposing architecture, typical of the Lombard style, can be recognized by the arches visible under the roof. Inside, the elevation towards the ribbed vaults gives the space a striking verticality. The organ, whose original case dates back to 1673, was restored in 1807 by the Lombard organbuilders Serrassi, whose instrumental aesthetics became renowned throughout Italy. The altars and altarpieces bear witness to the wealth of the noble and middle-class families of the Baroque period: generous gilding, dazzling colors, effects of movement and marked contrasts are abundantly displayed. The catacombs - now closed to the public - house the tombs of the Lascaris nobles and several members of the Counts of Savoy family. A virtual tour is available here : https://drone-de-regard.fr/VR/FACIM/06_Tende_Collegiale.html