The center of Nice is the location of one of its main attractions - La place Massena. In the center of the square is installed a very unusual monument in the shape of an arc. Quite a notable fact - each guide and local resident has different explanations of the purpose and meaning of the arc. The reason for this is in the absence of legends about the origin of the monument. Besides the mysterious monument the square is full of beautiful fountains, amazing flower beds and cozy alcoves, in which it is so pleasant to stay in a hot day.
Discovering the architecture of Nice from bird's eye view! Sainte-Reparate Cathedral, Hotel Negresco, Nice Observatory, Villa Valrose, all those monuments are defining the image of Nice … Open
Notre-Dame de Nice, Musee Matisse, St. Jeanne d Arc Church, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Nice … Open
Nearby is another place that must be visited by all lovers of anthropology and history. We are talking about Musee Archeologique de Nice-Cimiez, where you can see the ruins of the amphitheater, baths, and fragments of streets. This place brings to mind the Roman period in Nice – the fact is that on the site of this area stood the Roman settlement of Cemenulum. Also in the museum you can look at traditional household items from that period. Crypte Archéologique – another place for lovers of anthropology – is located next to the Museum of Modern Art. Here you can see the ruins of the fortress towers and walls. Among other museums we will recommended for visiting, it is worth noting Palais Lascaris. The palace once belonged to the Laskaris-Ventimiglia dynasty and was built in the 18th century. The Genoese style was chosen. The first floor is used as a museum with a huge collection of pharmaceutical instruments and old musical instruments. Palais de Justice, looks striking with its neoclassical architecture. The thing is that there is something off about its exterior when it comes to the style of the entire ensemble, but in no way contrasts with the rest of the city. In its place at some point, was the Dominican monastery, which was destroyed in the year 1882.
Famous boulevard Promenade des Anglais (English Embankment) is, without a doubt, the most attractive and noteworthy part of Nice. The boulevard stretches for five kilometers, and keeps … Open
City tours, excursions and tickets in Nice and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Nice: churches, museums and castles
Sainte-Reparate Cathedral, Nice
Location on the map: Facts:
» Sainte-Reparate Cathedral was built in 1699 in honor of the patroness of Nice. » According to the legend, young Reparata from Palestine professed Christian faith and died in agony for this when she was 12 years old. Angels brought a boat with the young saint to Nice, to the shore of the Angel Bay that was named after this event.
» The cathedral is located in an old part of the city. It is a typical construction built in baroque style.
» The facade of the building is decorated with niches and saints’ statues. It is crowned with a dome decorated with colorful mosaics.
» The bell tower that is located to the right of the entrance was built later, in the 18th century. Despite this, it fitted well into an architectural ensemble.
» The interior of the cathedral is decorated with moldings, ornaments, and statues.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice
» According to the media, the cathedral is the biggest Orthodox temple in Western Europe.
» The construction lasted from 1903 to 1912. At that time, the cathedral was under the Orthodox Russian Church.
» The Romanovs’ generosity was reflected in the choice of construction materials. These were Italian granite, gilded crosses and dome, German bricks and facade mosaics from Florence.
» The main relic of the temple is the miraculous icon of St. Nicholas. When the relics of St. Nicholas were transferred, the faded picture on the icon started brightening. Soon, everyone could see the miraculous icon of St. Nicholas with Christ and the Mother of God on both sides.
St. Jeanne d Arc Church, Nice
» The place for the construction of a new church was chosen not accidentally as it is here where Giovanna d'Arco was burned alive.
» The church exterior is very unique so the building is unlike traditional temples.
» The church resembles a fire with its shape. It symbolizes the heroine of France burned alive.
» The construction lacks strict lines. The roof covering resembles scales.
Musee Matisse, Nice
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Museum devoted to artist Henry Matisse deserves special attention. The museum is not only an art exhibition, but also a great artist’s house. » The museum collection includes not only his canvasses, but also his belongings. For example, you can see marble tables and Venetian rocking chairs here.
» In total, the museum collection includes 236 drawings, 70 sculptures and a lot of paintings that depict the life of the great genius.
» Near the museum, there is a small hotel named “Regina”. Matisse spent the last years of his life here. The view of the city the windows have inspired the artist for new works.