The Soldier, The King, The Gardner, The Tourist: How The Caste, Fortifications and Walls of Nizza/Nice Became a Touristic Site (1821-1888)

The most important harbour on the Mediterranean of the Duchy of Savoy (1388-1720) and Kingdom of Sardinia (1720-1860), Nizza Marittima – the French Nice, after 1860 – was a sophisticatedly defended settlement: from a prominent hill the fortified castle dominated the bay, while a line of mighty walls surrounded the fortified triangular town. In 1706, the castle was positively destroyed: gradually, the whole system of fortifications came to be regarded as an old-fashioned relic of the past. In the meanwhile, an increasing number of foreign tourists started to enjoy the mildness of the weather on the coast, during the winter season. One century later, the castle was nothing but a useless heap of ruins, while the walls were just an obstacle to the growth of the new Nizza. Thus, from the 1820s onwards, the area on the hill was transformed into a luxurious garden, allowing for the enjoyment of the marvellous 360° panorama. Quite unexpectedly, by 1860 the tourist had already victoriously replaced the soldier.