Gazing upon the Statue de Charles-Félix, one might mistake him for a Renaissance king. His attire certainly suggests it. But here, overlooking the Port Lympia in Nice, stands a monument to a 19th-century monarch. This statue, erected in 1828, depicts King Charles-Félix of Sardinia. He gestures towards the port, a testament to his role in its development. At his feet, an eagle, the symbol of Nice, bears the Cross of Savoy. The Statue de Charles-Félix isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol of gratitude. The city’s merchants and ship-owners funded this monument to thank the King. He confirmed the privileges of the free port, crucial to their prosperity. It’s a unique tribute. Charles-Félix is the only Savoyard sovereign honored with a statue in Nice. The Statue de Charles-Félix also bears the scars of the city’s history. When Nice lost its free port status in 1851, riots erupted. The statue was damaged, losing the index finger pointing towards the port. A poignant reminder of a tumultuous period. The pedestal inscription, in Latin, reads “REGI CAROLO FELICI (To King Charles-Félix) R VICT AMED F (Son of King Victor-Amédée) R CAR EMMAN N (Grandson of King Charles-Emmanuel) OPTIMO ET PROVIDENTISS PRINCIPI (The best and most attentive of princes).” The Statue de Charles-Félix embodies more than just the King’s likeness. It reflects the complex relationship between Nice and the House of Savoy. It is a story of gratitude, loss, and a city’s evolving identity.
Statue de Charles-Félix
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Nice
Cagnes-sur-Mer-1
“Is this where the ‘Montmartre of the French Riviera’ once thrived?” you might ask, gazing upon the captivating Cagnes-sur-Mer-1. This
Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur
Across the vibrant landscape of the French Riviera, the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur stands as a testament to collaboration and
Port de Nice
Standing here, overlooking the lively Port de Nice, it’s hard to believe this bustling hub began as a humble swamp.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Is this where the legendary American writer, Aldous Huxley, found his muse? Villefranche-sur-Mer, a jewel on the French Riviera, has
Les anciens abbatoirs
“A city within a city,” they called Les anciens abbatoirs. It sprawled across two hectares, a testament to Nice’s industrial
David Statue
“A slingshot? Really?” a young boy whispered to his mother, squinting up at the David statue. He couldn’t believe this
Église Saint-Marc
In 1994, this very spot buzzed with construction activity. Workers were busy laying the foundation for what would become the