Beneath us stretches Cannes. But here, etched into the cliff face, stands the Monument aux morts du cimeti\u00e8re War memorial. It’s a powerful tribute to lives sacrificed.
This imposing structure was completed in 1927. It took three years to build this Art-Deco monument. Roger S\u00e9assal, a Ni\u00e7ois architect, designed it. He won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1913.
The Monument aux morts du cimeti\u00e8re War memorial reaches 32 meters high. An arch frames a niche carved directly into the stone.
Notice the reliefs on either side. They symbolize war and peace. Alfred Janniot sculpted them. He also created the Sun Fountain on Place Mass\u00e9na. These reliefs embody violence and appeasement.
Consider the inscription between the reliefs. It reads: “The City of Nice to its sons who died for France. Remember the works that your fathers accomplished in their time and you will receive an immortal name and glory.” Above this, see the eagle. It is the symbol of Nice.
Five steps lead to the niche. These represent the five years of World War I. In the center sits a large urn. The names of major war campaigns are engraved on it. Somme, Marne, Verdun, Artois. These places evoke the horrors of war.
Below the urn, the names of 4,000 Nice residents who died for France are inscribed. The Monument aux morts du cimeti\u00e8re War memorial ensures they are not forgotten.
Around the forecourt, you’ll find steles. Bas-reliefs adorn them. They represent artillery, air force, cavalry, engineers, infantry and navy. Every branch of the military is honored here at the Monument aux morts du cimeti\u00e8re War memorial.
Marshal Foch inaugurated the memorial on January 29, 1928. English, American, and Italian naval officers attended. Families of the victims placed identity plaques in a bronze reliquary during the ceremony. This reliquary was then sealed inside the funeral urn.
Interestingly, a bronze eagle-shaped reliquary was discovered here in late October 2018. It weighed over 31 kilograms. Scans revealed rings, bracelets, and nearly 2,000 plaques of fallen soldiers inside. After being exhibited, the reliquary was returned to its place of discovery.
The Monument aux morts du cimeti\u00e8re War memorial received the “Patrimoine du XXe si\u00e8cle” label on November 28, 2000. It also won first prize at the Troph\u00e9es de l’am\u00e9nagement urbain in 2004. It has been listed as a historic monument since May 24, 2011.
This monument stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the sacrifices made. It reminds us of the importance of peace. Take a moment to reflect on their stories.