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 Baroque Masterpiece |
Place Rossetti Nice 6300 France +33 4 93 62 34 40 http://www.nice.fr/mairie_nice... |
This cathedral's calm green façade belies its astonishingly luxurious interior. Marble columns, furnishings decorated by mosaics in colored stone (marquetry), gold mouldings, and massive murals combine to create true baroque splendor. Built by architect Jean-André Guibert - one of baroque art's greatest supporters - between 1650 and 1699 in honor of Saint Réparate (the city's patron saint), the church consists of three naves and a magnificent chancel. The bell tower was added almost a century after the cathedral was completed. Relics abound, as do several interesting paintings, including one by early 19th-century local artist Hercule Trachel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fairy-tale castle on the hill |
29 Avenue Jean-Lorrain 176, boulevard Carnot Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côted'Azur 6300 France |
On Mont Boron you can't help but notice the large pink castle amidst the throng of stunning villas. It's a rather peculiar sight, like something created out of a fairy tale as a treat for a good little girl. This fascinating structure was built in 1858 for Robert Smith, the English colonel of the Indian army which not only explains where the name 'Château de l'Anglais' (The Englishman's Castle) comes from, but also the astonishing architectural blend of Gothic forms and Hindu palace influences. Nowadays it is divided into private apartments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: CHRIS BONTEMPS  |
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Baroque palace in old Nice |
15 Rue Droite Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 4 9362 7240 http://www.nice.fr/mairie_nice... |
This Genoese-style palace was built in the middle of the 17th century for the Lascaris de Vintimille (a small Italian town near Nice); it was their family home until 1802. Tucked away in a narrow street, the richly coloured and decorated façade of this palace is flanked by old red and ochre buildings typical of Nice's old quarter. The interior is in sumptuous baroque style, its vaulted ceilings decorated with frescoes above huge sweeping staircases. There are also 12th century furnishings, Flemish tapestries, and on the ground floor a recreation of an 18th century pharmacy (and the gift shop). Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: willclinger |
 Photo: jpmiss |
 Photo: Annie Veschambre |
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Gem of the French Riviera... |
13-15 Promenade Des Anglais BP 1655 Nice, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6000 France +33 04 92 14 77 00 http://www.lepalaisdelamediter... |
The historic Palais de La Mediterranee from the 1930s re-opened its doors with its original facade and a contemporary art deco interior. Located in the finest district of Nice, this four star luxury hotel is 10 minutes from the Nice Cote D'Azur airport. Meander through the diverse influences of the Mediterranean in the hotel casino, the piano bar of Le Pingala Bar and Le Padouk restaurant. The indoor and outdoor pool are heated all year round and a fitness room and sauna are also at your disposal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hengky Kurniawan |
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Baroque chapel on market street |
Cours Saleya Vieux-Nice Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France |
This delightful chapel stands amid Cours Saleya, a bustling pedestrianized street with a fantastic Provençal market. It is a fine example of Italian baroque influence in the religious buildings in the region, particularly around Vieux-Nice, with its rounded form, mock marble, golden stuccoes, beautiful paintings and Trompe L'oeil illusions. Construction of the chapel took place between 1740 and 1786. It was handed over to the Brotherhood of Black Penitents - a religious order founded in 1422 clothed only in black, in keeping with the funerary role they fulfilled. Brotherhoods such as these originated in the Middle Ages and are still widespread today in and around Provence. There are beautiful seventeenth-century canvases as well as two altarpieces dedicated to the Virgin in the sacristy: one by Miralhet (1429), the other by Bréa (1485). Free entry. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Panoramic peak at 220m |
Route du Fort du Mont Alban Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côted'Azur 6300 France |
The Fort du Mont Alban is a fine example of 16th-century military architecture. Built on the hilltop at 220m above sea level, it offers a striking 360° panorama. To one side you have Nice itself, the bay opening out onto the sea, the airport and the Lower Alps region. To the other side your eyes wander over the pretty little towns and villages such as Villefranche and Cap Ferrat. The landscape is wild and densely covered in typically Mediterranean vegetation, such as scrubland, pine and oak trees. For the trivia-mongers among you, Elton John owns a vast estate just 300m from the fort, but unfortunately neither the actual fort nor the singer's home are open to visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Feather Pen |
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Magnificent Italian opera house by the sea |
39178 Rue Saint-François de Paule Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France +33 4 9217 4000 http://www.opera-nice.org |
Going at least once to a performance at the Opera de Nice is a must, even if it's just to admire the fairy-like theatre and its enormous chandelier. Each year the Opera de Nice puts on no less than 7 operas and 15 concerts! The productions are always of very high calibre. Good seats need to be reserved in advance for the operas. Concert tickets are obtained more easily. The Corvesy parking garage, rue Alexandre Mari, offers a special price upon presentation of your ticket. Check their website for the upcoming events and performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: musicfiend |
 Photo: jennifer chandler |
 Photo: James Cotton |
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Restored to its former glory |
1 Place du Palais-du-Justice (Rue de la Prefecture) Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6300 France |
This square recently received a lengthly (and long overdue) restoration process. Today, you see it at its best, with attractive stone paving in warm colors and a pretty fountain that catches the beautiful bright Mediterranean sunlight. From the top of an impressive staircase, the recently renovated law courts are a highlight of the area's architectural beauty. On the right, there's a small bell tower with a series of archways running behind. Pleasant café terraces dotted throughout the square are the perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mthomas50 |
 Photo: fred lopes |
 Photo: Ajay Jain |
 Photo: brian ravaux |
 Photo: Katalin Fazekas |
 Photo: i_am_neuron |
 Photo: Riikka Pystynen |
 Photo: Rebecca Gonzalez |
 Photo: Alice Tambellini |
 Photo: Der Meister (The Master) |
 Photo: arcadivs |
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Reconstruction of an Ancient Greek residence |
Rue Gustave Eiffel Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 6310 France +33 4 9301 0144 http://www.institut-de-france.... |
Villa Grecque Kérylos juts out over the sea and is surrounded by high, rugged cliffs, just a couple of kilometres from Nice. Enjoy an authentic recreation of life as it would have been in Ancient Greece. Although built at the beginning of the 20th century, this building takes you back several thousands of years. The guided tour of the villa is most informative and offers a better understanding of the subtleties of this ancestral architecture. As for the furniture, the richness of some of the materials used is astonishing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephanie Tomlinson |