The Palace of the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture in Nice is an outstanding building that is hard to miss. Its history began in the mid-16th century when Duke Emmanuel Philibert decided to build his residence next to the Dominican monastery. To do this, he invited an Italian architect and military engineer, Domenico Ponsello.

In 1613, the mansion received the status of the monarch's residence and became home of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy. Then the palace began to be actively mended and expanded. For example, in the middle of the 18th century, it got part of the Dominican monastery thanks to the rulers of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.

After the occupation of Nice by the revolutionary troops in 1792, the garden was destroyed, and the palace was looted and transformed into a military hospital. The restoration of the palace was undertaken by King Victor Emmanuel I. He decorated the royal apartments with luxurious furniture from the palaces of Genoa and Turin.

In 1826, Victor Emmanuel abdicated. So his brother King Charles Felix and his wife settled in the palace.

In 1860, it became the office of the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture. By the way, there took place the meeting of Napoleon III and Alexander II.

In the next 40 years, the building was constantly under finishing construction. As a result, only the central staircase and the entrance hall remained from the original palace of the House of Savoy.

Today, the interior of the palace consists of wooden carvings and gilding, beautiful frescoes, and paintings by Jules Cheret. The ceilings of the rooms are decorated in the Baroque Revival. Besides, there is even a winter garden in the western wing of the palace. And everyone who wishes is invited to see all this splendor.