Ancien palais du Sénat, Heritage center in Old Nice, France
The Ancien palais du Sénat sits at the end of Cours Saleya and features distinctive red Sardinian-style facades across three stories of historical architecture. The building combines classical design elements with local construction methods from the period when it was built.
In 1614, Duke Charles Emmanuel I established the Sovereign Senate of Nice County as the supreme court for the House of Savoy. This institution operated for centuries before the building eventually transitioned to other purposes.
The building now hosts a heritage center that presents exhibitions and programs about local history to the public. Visitors can explore the region's past through displays and events held throughout the year.
The center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, with guided tours available in multiple languages throughout the day. Visitors should note that weekend hours may be limited or different from weekday times.
Archaeological work beneath the building uncovered a medieval wall that once protected the lower city from sea storms. This discovery reveals how the site holds layers of local history spanning different periods.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.