Nice Castle Hill

Nice, France

The Castle of Nice was a citadel used for military purposes. Built at the top of a hill, it stood overlooking the bay of Nice from the 11th century to the 18th century. It was besieged several times, especially in 1543 and in 1691, before it was taken by French troops in 1705 and finally destroyed in 1706 by command of Louis XIV.

Nowadays, Castle Hill is used as a park. It's the most famous public garden in Nice, and a 'must see' place for the numerous tourists who visit the city. It offers many amazing panoramas, and provides a beautiful view all day long from sunrise to sundown, highlighting various landscapes depending on where one looks: the Harbor at sunrise, the Promenade des Anglais at sundown. That's why Castle Hill is called 'the cradle of the sun'.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Clayton Cohn (2 years ago)
FYI there is not actually a castle on this hill, but it is worth visiting nonetheless! At the base of the hill (by the #ILoveNice selfie sign) TAKE THE STAIRS (as opposed to the elevator) all the way to the top of the hill and be captivated by the breathtaking city and Mediterranean views along the way. Take a stroll through the park and make your way to the lookout offering a beautiful panoramic view of Port Lympia. On the way down the other side, cool off under the hidden waterfall...if you can find it! Excitedly, Clayton Cohn
Tania Castro (2 years ago)
We stayed at an Airbnb right by this and decided to go on a walk without realizing where we were. It is a great hike, and the views at the top are unreal. We fell in-love with Nice and this was a big part of the reason why. Views of the ocean, Old Nice and the port are just breathtaking. Definitely a must see if you are in the area.
Myriam Antoun (2 years ago)
Love the view over all nice. Lots of stairs though but worth it.
Luke (2 years ago)
Amazing well worth going we walked up the side took about 25 minutes to get to the top. Take the lift if you don't like walking.
Vlad Merariu (2 years ago)
5 star views. If u go to Nice, this is a must see place
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Bengtskär Lighthouse

Towering 52 meters above the sea, Bengtskär lighthouse is the tallest one in Scandinavia. The building started in in 1905 after the shipwreck of S/S Helsingfors and was completed in 1906. The lighthouse was designed by architect Florentin Granholm. On December a special petrol lantern, designed and built in Paris, was brought to Bengtskär and installed atop the tower.

German fleet bombarded Bengstkär in the First World War in 1914. Since the Gulf of Finland was heavily mined, it was not until 1919 that the surrounding seas were declared safe for shipping, that the light was lit again.

After the war the military value of Bengtskär increased as part of the defence system of independent Finland. In Second World War (1941) Soviet Union made a suprise attack to island. After a bloody battle, the small Finnish garrison emerged victorious. Intermittent repairs to the facility continued during the post-war period.