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The Albert I Garden was designed by Nice engineer Joseph Durandy. It connects Place Masséna to the Promenade des Anglais. Overall, it covers an area of more than 3 hectares. Many events are organized in the Albert I Garden, such as the Christmas market, part of the Carnival, the Book Festival, etc. And since 2011, it has also hosted the Nice Jazz Festival.
First, in 1852, an Italian-style garden was created with 26 stone benches. Then, in 1890, it was enlarged with French-style lawns to acquire the size it has today. Next, it was embellished with a swan pond, which no longer exists, the Triton fountain, and an artificial grotto, later replaced by the open-air theater. Finally, in 1892, the Centenary Monument was added.
The garden has changed names many times: Jardin Paradis, Jardin des Plantes, Jardin Masséna, etc. In the fall of 1914, it was renamed Jardin Albert I in honor of the King of Belgium and his courage in the face of the German invaders. In 1946, an outdoor theater was added to the center of the garden. The Jardin Albert 1er was inaugurated that same year.
Visitors can discover
This old carousel is beautiful and brings joy to many children.
The bandstand and refreshment bar were built in 1868. Nowadays, on sunny days, it is not uncommon to hear the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra playing. The municipal orchestra usually plays there for free on Sundays.
In 1893, it commemorated the decree of Convention, promulgated in 1793, attaching the county of Nice to France and creating the Alpes-Maritimes department.
The National Convention declares, on behalf of the French people, that it accepts the freely expressed wish of the sovereign people of the former county of Nice in its primary assemblies, and decrees, consequently, that the former county of Nice is an integral part of the French Republic decree of January 31, 1793.
The centenary monument is the work of sculptor annexation of 1793, but also that of 1860. Since 2009, it has been listed as a historic monument.
Thus, the conquest of Nice was not achieved by force. In 1960, the mayor of Nice recalled this fact. .. there is perhaps no other example in the world of a change of nationality taking place not through violence following an armed conflict, but in peacetime through the free agreement of two governments, sealed by the support and enthusiasm of the populations concerned, in a climate of serenity and joy... Excerpt from Jean Médecin's speech.
Work by Antoniucci Volti, a French sculptor, draftsman, and lithographer of Italian origin. In Nice, you can also admire another work by this sculptor. Nikaïa, a 4-meter-high work, was originally located in front of the palace of the same name. However, since the palace was destroyed, it now stands behind the disused municipal slaughterhouse building. This fountain represents the three Graces of the Romans or the three Charities of the Greeks.
They are always depicted naked and embracing each other. They are believed to be the daughters of Bacchus and Venus.
Aglaea represents beauty, Euphrosyne represents joy, and Thalia represents abundance.
Colorful lights illuminate them during the holiday season.
This bust, the work of sculptor Georges Petit, honors Albert I, King of Belgium, for his attitude toward the German occupiers (World War I). On April 24, 1933, the bust was inaugurated in the garden that bears his name.
This monumental work was installed in 1988 in the center of the Albert I Garden. It was created by Bernar Venet.
The 115° 5 arch follows the curve of the Baie des Anges. It is 19 meters long and is the second version. The first version, called the 124.5° arch, is located in Berlin.
This bronze tiger from 1869 is the work of animal sculptor Clovis Masson. It is holding an antelope under its paw. The statue is entitled Tiger and Deer.
It was made by the Tusey foundry in the Meuse region. In fact, the public often confuses it with a panther, as the tiger's stripes are not visible. But the head is definitely that of a tiger, with its mane of hair at the back of its head. Tigers are larger than panthers and have black stripes. Panther, on the other hand, are mostly black in color.
From 1825 to 1852, newts decorated the first fountain installed in the Bourgada district. It was dedicated to Marie-Christine, wife of Carlo-Felice (Charles Felix), King of Piedmont-Sardinia. Then, in 1852, it disappeared. Finally, in 1868, it was found in the Jardin des Phocéens.This is why it is also called the Fontaine des Phocéens. The fountain consists of four white marble tritons. Beneath the tritons, ram's heads and garlands of flowers and fruit are visible. The tritons carry a basin.
The only known origin is that it was brought from Greece to Nice by a member of the Lascaris family. Thus, Pierre-Joseph Arson, who owned it from the Lascaris-Vintimille family, donated it to the city of Nice. Since 1920, the Triton Fountain has been listed as a historic monument.
The bust of Hector Berlioz is the work of sculptor Henri Blattès.
Hector Berlioz was captivated by Nice during his first visit. He was traveling through Italy and stopped in Nice in April 1831 on his way back to Paris. However, on May 21, 1831, Berlioz left Nice, simply because the police mistook him for a spy and expelled him.
I arrived in the blessed city of Nice, still grumbling a little. Now I breathe in the warm, fragrant air of Nice with full lungs; now life and joy rush to me, and music embraces me, and the future smiles at me; and I stay in Nice for a whole month, wandering through the orange groves, diving into the sea, sleeping on the heaths of the mountains of Villefranche, watching from this radiant observatory as ships come, pass by, and disappear silently. I live entirely alone, I write the overture to King Lear, I sing, I believe in God. Convalescence. This is how I spent the twenty most beautiful days of my life in Nice. O Nissa!
In 1844, Hector Berlioz returned and stayed in the Bellanda Tower. Then, in 1868, he stayed at the Hôtel des Étrangers. In his memoirs, the reader finds numerous references to Nice. These are, quite rightly, Hector Berlioz's vibrant tributes to the city of Nice. I have seen nothing more beautiful than this inspired hill. Neither Capri nor the radiant bay of Salamis can compare to it. I have found my city: it is Nice. And this spell, with all its colors and harmony, makes the intimate song of resignation resound in my heart." A vibrant tribute from Hector Berlioz to the city of Nice.
The Plateau des Brumes in the Jardin Albert 1er in Nice is paved with natural basalt and limestone. It is a 1,400 m² space that diffuses a cloud of mist thanks to 960 misters, i.e., 60 boxes each equipped with 16 nozzles. This delights children of all ages, who feel as if they are walking on clouds.
It was built in 1946 in the center of the garden and is Greek-inspired. The open-air theater is the work of architect Francois Aragon. It consists of two statues overlooking a stone wall and amphitheater-shaped bleachers. Tragedy and Dance are the works of sculptor Victor Nicolas. Many great artists have performed in this open-air theater, including Piaf, Aznavour, The Clash, Téléphone, Sting, and many others.
There are dwarf palm trees and fragrant roses, as well as various plants from Japan, China, the Americas, Australia, and the Himalayas... Not to mention those from Mediterranean regions, such as carob and juniper trees, as well as bay laurel trees.
Jardin Albert 1er in Nice, Google Maps location
See our other pages:
Place MassénaPromenade du PaillonMiroir d'eauFontaine du Soleil in Nice
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