This Thursday, a site visit allowed the discovery of the first flights of the metal staircase of the Saint-François Tower. This marks a new step in the major project to rehabilitate the Saint-François heritage complex.
The Regional Conservation of Historical Monuments and the Regional Archaeology Service consider this project as one of the most important among those carried out in city centers across France. Saint-François Square and its buildings are part of the Safeguard and Enhancement Plan of Old Nice, chaired by Jean-Luc Gagliolo.
Started in the spring of 2018 and with a planned investment of €1,250,000, this project aims to clean and preserve the ancient parts of the Tower, to consolidate all the woodwork, to install a helical metal staircase, as well as to integrate appropriate lighting and safety equipment.
“We are committed to the preservation of our heritage, its research, and its past. Therefore, the tallest tower in our city will be open to all those who wish to visit from September,” explains Christian Estrosi.
Following preliminary scientific and technical studies, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) gave a favorable opinion on the interior development work of the Saint-François Tower, which will allow an opening to the people of Nice during the next edition of the European Heritage Days, from September 20 to 22, 2019.
The Saint-François Tower
Inseparably linked to the history of the Church and the Franciscan convent, of which it originally served as the bell tower, the Saint-François Tower became a communal clock tower after the Revolution. Listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments since 1993, it is now an observation tower reaching 50 meters in height, offering an exceptional panorama of the City of Nice. So mark your calendars for the opportunity to overlook, from Old Nice, the capital of the French Riviera.
