FIG. 186. GRASSE CATHEDRAL, WEST END.
The most important building in Grasse is the cathedral. It is the first church we have seen, on our way eastwards, which represents a type essentially different from that of Provence, and markedly akin to the architecture of Italy—a characteristic which we shall find more and more strongly developed in our progress along the Riviera. The plan ([Fig. 185]), like that of most of the churches of Italy, consists of a central nave and side aisles, all originally terminated with eastern apses, the
FIG. 187. GRASSE CATHEDRAL (Campanile at N.E. angle).
existing choir, which is square, being a late addition. The character of the exterior is essentially Italian ([Fig. 186]), being similar in its forms and ornament to the churches of Pisa and Genoa, with which towns, as above-mentioned, Grasse had commercial relations. The arcaded ornament at the eaves is very Lombardic, and the doorways of the west front and north side ([Fig. 187]) are of the ordinary Italian design of the thirteenth century, with low pitched roof. The tall and simple square campanile is also Italian in conception. The design of the interior ([Fig. 188]) is somewhat remarkable, the massive circular piers with their cushion caps having more of the character of a Northern than of a Southern edifice. They remind one, however, of those of Carcassonne. The solid square groins of the vault, springing from very simple corbels, are of a usual Provençal form—such, for instance, as those of Fréjus Cathedral. Close to the cathedral stands one of the square towers ([Fig. 189]), similar to that of the Mont du Chevalier at Cannes, which we have noticed as being common in the towns of this
