On the hill shows the district Cimiez Cimiez is a district that rises above the old town on the hill Mont Gros. In addition to some stately villas, which serve as winter residences for the European aristocracy, visitors encounter here especially the Roman history of the city. The famous museums of the painters Chagall and Matisse are also located here.
Excursion into Roman history
As early as the 3rd century in Roman times, around 20,000 people are said to have lived in Cimiez, then called Cemenelum. At the highest point, there is the Roman amphitheatre, which had room for around 5,000 people. Today, the arena is still used for Nice's annual jazz festival in July. Also on the site are the remains of very well preserved thermal baths. On the excavation site is the Musée et Site Archéologiques de Cimiez, which presents finds from the area. The museum is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm, closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. Admission to the museum is free.
Magnificent buildings in Cimiez
Right next to the excavation site is the magnificent Palais Régina. The palace once served Queen Victoria as her winter residence. The stately building was completed in 1897 and boasts a beautiful façade. The painter Matisse also lived here for some years. Meanwhile, the palace serves as an apartment complex for those who can afford it.
Also on the hill is the Eglise et Monastère de Cimiez, a Franciscan monastery from the 16th century. The façade of the monastery is neo-Gothic and the entire building stands in the middle of a magnificent monastery garden that promises magnificent views of the Peillon Valley. The monastery houses a triptych by the painter Lous Bréa and a Pietà from 1475 that is well worth seeing. Visits to the monastery are possible every day except Sundays between 10 and 12 and between 15 and 18.
Some of the most beautiful art museums in Nice are also located in the Cimiez district, the Musée Marc Chagall and the Musée Matisse.
