Vence - Cathédrale de la Nativité-de-Marie

Vence was known in Roman times as "Vintium". It was the seat of a bishop as early as 419. Parts of the cathedral date back to early Merovingian times.

The first church, built over the foundation of a Roman temple, was probably destroyed by the Lombards. It was rebuilt, damaged, destroyed many times over the century - and by now is a mixture of different styles from Carolingian to late baroque.

Here is one of the Carolingian carvings that are now placed on the columns. Note the details, there are birds, grapes, flowers..