Palais de la Préfecture, Prefecture Palace in Old Nice, France.
The Palais de la Préfecture is a palace in Vieux Nice showcasing Baroque architecture with a symmetrical facade, large windows, and ornate details across its white stone walls. The structure spans multiple stories and shapes the streetscape of the Old Town with its refined composition.
The building served as a residence for the Dukes of Savoy for 250 years, from 1610 to 1860. After this period, it became the headquarters of the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture, where it has continued to serve administrative purposes.
This building functions as the administrative hub for the Alpes-Maritimes department, blending government operations with historical heritage. Visitors can observe how modern administration takes place within such a grand classical setting.
The palace is normally closed to visitors but opens during European Heritage Days in September. Check ahead before visiting, as access may vary from year to year depending on administrative schedules.
The main staircase, facade, and roof were officially protected as historical monuments in 1996, making them the earliest safeguarded elements of the structure. These specific areas still display details from their original Baroque period.
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