A prestigious delegation including Jeanick Brisswalter, the President of Université Côte d’Azur, made a remarkable visit to the Domaine de Valrose. The highlight of this visit was the discovery of the isba, a traditional Russian wooden house, which stands in the heart of Nice.
The isba, a Russian term for this type of traditional wooden dwelling, has a fascinating history. In the 19th century, Baron Von Derwies, builder of the estate, made the bold decision to move this house from Kiev to re-establish it in Nice. This initiative reflects the baron’s desire to create an intimate retreat on the Côte d’Azur while remaining faithful to his Russian roots. Thus, at the heart of a wooded area reminiscent of the baron’s native Russia, the Valrose isba has become a centerpiece of the Nice landscape.
This visit carries particular importance in the context of the ongoing restoration of the Domaine de Valrose. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera”, this emblematic site is regaining its former splendor. Université Côte d’Azur, in partnership with the Department of Alpes-Maritimes, is undertaking the restoration of the isba, whose dilapidated state requires urgent attention. Planned work includes a complete restoration of the dwelling as well as the restitution of lost roof ornaments, with the aim of preserving this historical jewel for future generations.
This visit marks an important milestone in the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage. The Valrose isba, a witness to a bygone era and a symbol of the ties between Russia and the Côte d’Azur, will continue to fascinate and inspire visitors to the Domaine de Valrose for years to come.
