Parc du Château, Nice, France - History and Surroundings (Part I)

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Lightbox (53) Tags: architecture europe france french-riviera history landmarks parks scenic-place tourist-attraction Posted: Jan. 3, 2010 by Bysilot

Château de Nice and the city of Nice in 17th century when it was
called Nizza (from old lithograph)

A Bit of History

La colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), considered to be the birthplace of the town of Nice, is an old fortified site that was occupied by Celtic Ligurians. Called at the time Nikaia, it derived its name from Greeks when they set up a trading post near the coast in 3rd century BC. Conquered by Romans in early Christian times, it developed into a higher lying medieval town where the former cathedral of Saint (Virgin) Marie (Mary) stood.

Protected by the castle of Counts of Provence, then the Savoy sovereigns, the whole area became a formidable stronghold with mighty walls surrounding the lower part of the town (known now as Vieux Nice or Old Nice).

Following Louis XIV order, the whole defense system was dismantled in 1706 when, during the war of Spanish Succession, the area was occupied by France. After that, the Castle Hill lost its strategic importance and became the place for new cemeteries. It was converted into a park at the end of 19th century. That was also the time when a magnificent waterfall was added to the hill.

Château de Nice - plan of fortifications as of 1691 from old
lithograph. The citadel which once stood here was destroyed in
1706. It was built on top of Colline du Château (Castle
Hill) 92 m or 302 ft high.

Entering La Colline du Château

There are several ways of getting to the top of the hill (including taxi or using entrance from the port side of Nice), but mist likely you will use one of four below. My personal recommendation is to use a combination of last two - walking and using stairs. It will give you an opportunity to explore most of the park as you move without going through same places twice.

Ascenseur du Château located at the end of rue des Ponchettes - the best option for people who do not like physical activities. Minuses are: you may have to wait in line and you have pay for using the elevator.
A "mini-train" from the Promenade des Anglais (opposite Jardin Albert 1st) - part of its 45 minute ride includes Parc du Château. It also reduces to minimum any physical effort and it is very good for those who have limited time. Obvious problem is that any exploration of the park and castle ruins is not possible. On the other hand, during this ride you will also be able to see part of Nice including Vieux Nice (Old Nice).
Stairs at the front of Colline du Château from the Quai des Etats Unis (end of Promenade des Anglais and very close to Ascenseur du Château). There are 213 steps from here to the observation platform on top of the Naval Museum.
Through Vieux Nice using rue Rossetti or rue du Chateau. Whereas stairs require a burst of energy, walking uphill may be more suitable for some people.

The small gallery below should help you understand you preferences in planning your visit to La Colline du Château.

Rue des Ponchettes - Ascenseur du Château (Nice, France) is in the background	Ascenseur du Château (Nice, France), close-up. The gallery used by the elevator was originally the 85-yard deep designed by the engineer Bergante to supply the castle with fresh water.	Ascenseur du Château (Nice, France) - entrance; long passage goes inside the hill where the elevator itself is located.	To access Château de Nice (or what is left of it) you can walk up the stairs at the front of Colline du Château from the Quai des Etats Unis. There are 213 steps from here to the observation platform on top of the Naval Museum (round tower - see right top of the photo).
Walking up the stairs to the top of Colline du Château (Castle Hill). The massive building on the right is Tour Bellanda, a round tower built in the 16th century. Currently, the tower houses the Musée Naval (Maritime Museum). The Tour Bellanda was built in 1826 on the exact location of the former tour Saint Elme destroyed in 1706.	While you are going higher and higher you see more on more of beautiful vistas on Nice (France)	Observation platform on top of Tour Bellanda. The Tour is linked to Hector Berlioz composing his Overture King Lear (Le roi Lear) in 1831 during Berlioz's journey back to France	Alternative access to Colline du Château (Castle Hill) is through the Vieux Nice. You start from the Place Rossetti

From Place Rossetti take rue Rossetti and move uphill towards the hill.	Rue Rossetti becomes steeper - the entrance to the park is close.	If you happen to stumble upon rue du Chateau (which goes parallel to rue Rossetti) you can use it as well.	Rue du Chateau will also lead you to the park entrance.
Entrance to the Park of Chateau in Nice, France.	Another way of getting to the top of the hill is to take the "mini-train" from the Promenade des Anglais (opposite Jardin Albert 1st) for a pleasant ride to Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill). Although a convenient solution for quick sightseeing, it may be not the most comfortable - you will be jammed into a narrow car with four seats in every row.	A sign near the terminal of Les Trains Touristiques de Nice on Promenade des Anglais (opposite Jardin Albert 1st). The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs €7 (price 2009). Click thumbnail to enlarge it and you see that the train itinerary goes through Vieux Nice to the top of Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill).