How to Visit Castle Hill in Nice, France
The sizable hill that separates Old Town Nice from the Port of Nice is known as Castle Hill. This natural fortress is similar to the one just up the Mediterranean coastline at Monte Carlo, where the early principality of Monaco originated. This rise allows for a strategic defense against opposing armies coming to shore and was probably the reason the ancient Greeks selected it when they founded the city and named it after the goddess of victory: Nike. The ruins of Nike can be visited here. Looking from the hill's northern vantage point, the ruins of Nike’s conquerors, the Romans, are visible in the distance near Cimiez. Castle Hill provides a panoramic view of Old Town, the Port of Nice, and the Mediterranean and is a choice spot in which to relax in the afternoon.
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Instructions
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An Afternoon in Nike
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Walk the Promenade de Anglais up the coastline toward the Port of Nice and notice the red brick staircase attached to the Castle’s hillside. Take the steps up to the hilltop. Note that there is an elevator as well.
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Enter the park area after climbing the stairs. This is Nice’s premier city park. Take the coastal route for sweeping views of the Mediterranean. The city allures expensive sailboats and yachts.
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Walk around toward the eastern side of the hill and view the Port of Nice below. This long rectangular inlet provides picturesque opportunities for photography. The finely painted buildings of various hues that line the port avenues are particularly notable.
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Tour ancient Nike, located in the central portion of the park. While much of the ruins have collapsed into rubble, there is an area where a central courtyard is defined by an L-shaped building of arches and columns.
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Dine at the café just behind Nike. The establishment serves comfort food, fine wine and gelatos. This is a great location to spend a couple of hours and people-watch.
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Continue northward and visit the Jewish graveyard. Amazing for its historical significance, the cemetery is centuries old, as the uniquely sculptured mausoleums and headstones will attest.
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Continue around toward the western side of Castle Hill and view Old Town Nice below. The Nice of the renaissance consists of narrow avenues and houses constructed in a maze-like fashion. An early European mosque is a landmark in Old Town.
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Notice the man-made fountain and waterfall constructed at the park's west side; it's a great location from which to take photographs. Or just relax on the park bench nearby.
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Relax in the park before descending down the steps to the Promenade. The many trees shade the area and offer a slightly cooler temperature than the city below. Ducks, squirrels and pigeons compete for leftover human food. There are places for the children to play as well.
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- Photo Credit James Barnett
