Lost in thought I wander these hallowed grounds. Here at Cimetière du Mont Gros even death has a certain allure. The Cimetière du Mont Gros in Cannes transcends its function. It offers a serene escape with historical depth.
Dark tourism finds a place even on the sunny French Riviera. While the region promotes beaches and the Riviera lifestyle, some seek history. They follow in the footsteps of famous individuals who lived and died here. Cemeteries on the Côte d’Azur boast both famous residents and prime real estate. They offer stunning views.
Consider the Cimetière du Château in Nice. It stands on Nice’s old citadel. This fortress was built in the 16th century. It once ranked among France’s most secure strongholds. The cemetery was founded in 1783. It holds 2800 graves. It is popular for its function, history and scenic city views.
Many notable figures rest here. Freda Betti was an opera singer. Robert Borwick became the 1st Baron Borwick. Alfred Van Cleef was a jeweller. Louis Feuillade was a film director. Alexander Herzen was a writer and novelist. Gaston Leroux wrote detective fiction. Emil Jellinek-Mercedes made his mark in automobiles. Carolina Otero charmed as a dancer. Renée Saint-Cyr graced the screen as an actress. Léon Gambetta served as a French statesman. José Gustavo Guerrero led the International Court of Justice. Agathe-Sophie Sasserno composed poetry. Édouard Corniglion-Molinier excelled as an aviator, general, minister and film producer.
The Cimetière du Château boasts more than 2,800 tombs on terraces. It offers views overlooking Nice and the Mediterranean. Created in 1783 burials inside churches were prohibited. The cemetery occupies the site of Nice’s old citadel. The oldest tombs are from the 19th century. They feature a neo-classical style imitating Roman sarcophagi. There are also neo-Gothic chapels.
A Jewish cemetery was built near the Christian cemetery. It replaced the one used since the Middle Ages. An area for non-Catholics was created in 1845. After the Opera fire in 1881 a pyramidal monument was erected in the cemetery.
The Cimetière du Château ranks among France’s most beautiful cemeteries. It is a great place to wander. Visitors enjoy views. They visit tombs of famous people. Or they admire funerary monuments.
Rosa Garibaldi’s mother is buried here. Emil Jenillenk founder of Mercedes also rests here. Léon Gambetta an important statesman rests here too. Jacques Monond a Nobel prize winner is here as well. Renée Goscinny creator of Asterix is also buried here.
Emil Jellinek had a firm influence on the automobile industry. He proposed creating a lighter vehicle with a bigger engine. The result was the Mercedes 35hp. Jellinek’s trademark was named after his daughter Mercédès. He changed his surname to Jellinek-Mercédès in 1903. Monsieur Mercedes is laid to rest in the tomb of his first wife Rachel Goggman Cenrobert. The Cimetière Colline du Château has amazing views over Nice.
The Cimetière du Mont Gros like other cemeteries holds stories. Stories whisper through the stones. They echo in the sea breeze.