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Place Massena, Nice. Author Herbert wie .

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Place Massena

The Place Massena is a historic square in Nice, Alpes -Maritimes, France. The layout of the square was designed by Joseph Vernier from 1843 to 1844. Place Massena was named after André Massena.

The square is lined with palm trees and stones. Since its construction, Place Masséna has always been the spot for great public events.

During the night, the seven statues in the square are illuminated in different colours. They were designed by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa.

Place Massena is a two-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais and Albert 1 Garden. It is also a large crossroads between several of the main streets of the city: avenue Jean Médecin, avenue Félix Faure, boulevard Jean Jaurès, avenue de Verdun and rue Gioffredo.

Let’s learn more interesting facts about Place Massena.

1. Place Massena is Named after a French Military Commander

Marshal Massena, Author Ferdinand Wachsmuth. WIKIMEDIA

The square is named after Andre Massena. He was a French Military Commander. This was during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. He was one of the original eighteen Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon.

2. The Place Massena is the main Square of the City

Place Massena is the central square of Nice. However, it Was not always so. Before, there was a bridge at the square that connected two smaller squares and Old Nice with the rest of the city.

This often flooded the city. A decision was made to cover the river. The Paillon river flows under the city centre. The square was designed by Joseph Vernier in 1844. It is spacious and bordered by ochre-coloured Italianate buildings.

3. Place Massena is where Two of Nice best Shopping Districts Meet

The two best Shopping Districts meet at this beautiful square. These are Avenue Jean Medecin and the Zone Pietonne.

Avenue Jean Medecin hosts all the main high street brands such as H&M, Zara and Mango. As well as the Nice Etoile shopping mall.

Rue Massena is at the heart of a network of streets known as the Zone Pietonne (pedestrian zone). This is where you will find many designer brands along the lines of Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier.

4. Square used to be the Site where the Former Municipal Casino was Located

In 1879, an idea to build a casino was conceptualized. It was financed by Omar Lazare. The Casino Municipal opened in 1884.

Local people called it the brain. This was to mark their dislike of it. However, in early 1979, the town administrators directed by former mayor, Jacques Medecin, declared the casino no longer in harmony with the town architecture. For this reason, the casino was pulled down.

5. Explore an Open Sky Art Museum at Place Massena

La place Massena. Author Hermes from mars.

At the square visitors and locals get to enjoy the open sky art museum. A collection of quirky and unique Sculptures are found.

These are the 7 Buddha statues which sit at the top of poles. They symbolize the 7 continents that represent the international population in Nice.

At night these Buddhas light up the square in an array of colors. As the colors pass from one Buddha to the next, it almost symbolises a unified dialogue between all of them.

6. The Buildings around the Square are not Very French

Place Massena Nice, France. Author Dacoucou

Most of the buildings around the place Massena resembles Italian-style architecture instead of France. This is because Nice has been a town in France since 1860.

Earlier, the town belonged to the House of Savoy, Italy Empire. Which was the ruling family of Sardinia at the time. Moreover, quite a lot of Italian restaurants are around the square.

The buildings have the same deep beautiful rich red colour. Vibrant red facades and pastel green shutters on the windows keep out the bright sun.

7. Stare at a Large Fountain Comprising Five Sculptures from Greek Mythology

Place Massena. Author Mister No.

Place Massena has an amazing large fountain. The fountain pays tribute to Nice’s ancestry as a Greek and Roman Colony.

The statue that stands in the centre is the Greek God Apollo. In Greek mythology, Apollo has to carry the sun up into the sky every morning.

A rather fitting choice of Deity given Nice’s year-round sunshine. The slightly smaller characters which surrounded Apollo are the Roman Deities: Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and Venus

8. The Greek God Apollo Statue at the Centre of the Fountain had been Demolished before

Place Massena. Author Mister No.

That the statue of Apollo is completely naked. Apparently, in 1970, he was removed so that no passers-by would be shocked. Today, however, you can admire the sculpture in its entirety.

9. Massena is Surrounded by Beautiful and Wonderful Gardens

On one side, you will find the Promenade Paillon. This is a large open green recreational park. The park is long and it will take about 10 minutes to the entire length.

However, a very beautiful park nonetheless. It is filled with beautiful shrubs and palm trees. They offer the locals a little shade from the beating sunshine. The park is also home to nice little features such as large play areas for children, water dispensers, park benches and a Mirror Fountain.

Opposite the Promenade de Paillon is yet another garden, the Jardin Albert 1e. This garden is covered in a stunning collection of vibrant and exotic flowers from all over the world. But most notably, is the Arc Monumental de Venet which sits proudly in the centre of the park.

10. A Spot for Great Public Events and Traditional Celebrations

Since its construction, the square has always been the spot for Great public events. The square is used for concerts, particularly during the summer festivals.

The Corso Carnavalesque is held in February. The military procession of 14 July (Bastille Day), other traditional celebrations and banquets.