After various functions, the Palais de la Préfecture de Nice is today the headquarters of the Prefét's residence, as well as a magnificent architectural monument to admire in the heart of the city.
Located in the heart of Vieux Nice, not far from the Palais de Justice (Nice's main court), this majestic building at the time was the residence of the Kings of Sardinia. Indeed, that's why it is also called the "Palais des Rois Sardes". Built in the sixteenth century, it was inaugurated by King Charles-Emmanuel
I of Savoy in 1613. It was subsequently assigned as a military hospital during the Revolution, and became the Prefecture of Nice when the city became part of France in 1860. Unlike the city's main historic buildings, the Palais de la Préfecture is only open to the public once a year, on the occasion of the Heritage Days in September. However, holidaymakers can admire its beautiful façade as well as its main entrance from the Cours Saleya, as they stroll through the stalls of the flower market. Nice's Palais de la Préfecture has been registered as a Historical Monument since 1996.
