On the occasion of the 30th edition of the European Heritage Days, Nice is celebrating the centenary of the founding law of December 31, 1913, for the protection of historical monuments in France.
This law has helped to protect many monuments in Nice, such as the Fort of Mont Alban, the facade of the Palais de la Méditerranée, and the medieval and modern fortifications of the Pairolière gate in Nice, also known as the “Archaeological Crypt.”
Every year, Nice makes these days a highlight for discovering its rich heritage, whether secular or sacred, institutional or traditional, and the public always comes in greater numbers.
Here are already some suggestions…
Visit to the former Senate of the County of Nice.
Accompanied by a building archaeologist, come explore the rehabilitation site of a symbolic and essential place in the history of Nice and its county. After more than a century devoted to charity and the sheltering of the most deprived, this baroque palace, located in the heart of Old Nice on Jules Gilly street, opens to the public for a few days to unveil some of its facets rich in heritage value.
For the first time also during these Days, the Archaeological Crypt, listed on March 13, 2012, will be open freely to the public.
Other visits are also offered: the dreamlike discovery of the Temple of Love at Chambrun Park or that of the little-known Saint-Barthélemy Cemetery where great names of Nice’s bourgeoisie and celebrities rest, the commented visit of the exhibition on archaeology at the Bellanda Tower which presents recent archaeological discoveries in Nice followed by an overview of the archaeological site of the excavations on the Castel Hill.
Exceptionally, the Grand Orient of France opens its doors to the public and invites them to discover Freemasonry since its creation and its role in society. It is an opportunity to discuss Nice’s masonry and encounter some famous figures such as Masséna, Garibaldi, and many others… Commented visits of the Bonaparte Temple (located at 27 Bonaparte street) with a presentation of the exhibition “Freemasonry and Secularism.”
The very beautiful building of the Italian Consulate will also open its doors.
The consulate of the Kingdom of Italy was established after the annexation of Nice to France in 1860. In 1923, the Italian government purchased a property located in the Santo Stefano district (currently bd Gambetta). It was inaugurated on April 8 of the same year. A lyric concert is planned there on Saturday at 5:00 pm “Tribute to Verdi and Italian music” (by reservation)
A soulful supplement to the Heritage Days, a program of high-quality concerts.
Friday, September 13, at 8:00 pm at Sainte-Réparate Cathedral – Old Nice
“Sacred chants and traditional chants. A cappella”
Polyphonic chants from the County of Nice by Corou de Berra
Saturday, September 14, at 8:00 pm at Saint François de Paule Church – Old Nice
“Concert at the court of Savoy: The Torments of the Human Soul”
Lully, Charpentier, Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell
By the Ancient Music Society of Nice
Claire Brua, mezzo-soprano – Michèle Alamelama, soprano – Sybille Schuetz-Carrière, viola da gamba – Michaëla Chétrite, harpsichord.
Sunday, September 15, at 4:00 pm at Saint François de Paule Church – Old Nice
“Nice and the Great Names of the 19th and 20th Century Artistic Heritage”
Berlioz, Fauré, Debussy, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Gounod …
Vocal ensemble La Sestina
Aude Sardier, soprano – Benjamin Laurent, piano – Stephan Nicolay, direction
