“Remember the works.” The inscription echoes around the Monument aux morts du quartier Saint-Isidore. This monument stands as a silent testament to the sons of Nice. They died for France. It’s a place to reflect. It’s a place to remember their sacrifice.
The Monument aux morts du quartier Saint-Isidore is not just a stone structure. It is a repository of memories. It is a symbol of resilience. The monument reminds us of the past. It also inspires hope for the future.
The war memorial stands as a somber reminder. It commemorates the 4,000 residents of Nice. They lost their lives during World War I. The monument honors over 3,600 men from Nice.
The Monument aux morts du quartier Saint-Isidore tells a story of dedication. It speaks of sacrifice and remembrance. The architect Roger Seassal designed the monument. He ensured that the structure fused with the historical Castle Hill. The white neutral look is wrapped on its sides. Green shrubs and rocks from the hill complete the design.
The monument’s construction finished in 1927. It followed three years of dedicated work. Roger Séassal, Grand Prix de Rome in 1913, was the architect. The war memorial is 32 meters high. A niche is carved into the stone. It is framed by an arch. Reliefs symbolize war and peace. They also represent violence and appeasement. Alfred Janniot sculpted them.
To reach the niche, climb five steps. They represent the five years of World War I. An enormous urn sits in the middle. Engraved on it are the names of main campaigns. They include Somme, Marne, Verdun, and Artois. The names of 4,000 Nice residents are inscribed on the wall below. They died for France.
Steles adorn either side of the forecourt. They have bas-reliefs. The bas-reliefs represent artillery, air force, cavalry, engineers, infantry, and navy.
Marshal Foch inaugurated the monument on January 29, 1928. English, American, and Italian naval officers attended. Families of victims placed identity plaques in a bronze reliquary. It was sealed in the funeral urn.
A bronze eagle-shaped reliquary was discovered in late October 2018. It weighed 31 kg 500 and measured 28 cm high and 42 cm wide. Scanning revealed rings, bracelets, and almost 2,000 plaques inside. These plaques belonged to soldiers. They fell at the front in the First World War.
The bronze eagle was exhibited at Nice town hall. After ceremonies, it was returned to its place of discovery.
The Monument aux morts du quartier Saint-Isidore received the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label. It also won first prize at the Trophées de l’aménagement urbain in 2004. It has been listed as a historic monument since May 24, 2011.
Standing here today, let’s take a moment. Let’s honor those who sacrificed everything. Let’s keep their memories alive. The Monument aux morts du quartier Saint-Isidore stands as a timeless tribute. It is a place where their stories live on forever.