Monday 2 February 2009

Lycée Masséna


This is the clock tower of the Lycée Masséna which stands opposite the theatre and modern art museum.
The building shared Nice's chequered history in that it started life as an Augustinian convent in 1623 but with the coming of the revolution became a school. It remained a school, though one governed by the Jesuits, when Nice was returned to Italy while turning back into a state school when Nice was returned to France. Since then the building has been largely rebuilt and extended to welcome a growing number of pupils. It now houses pupils from 16-18 years old though is mainly known for its classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles, more of which another day.

7 comments:

Hilda said...

What a magnificent building and such a colorful history!

That last bit sounds like review classes for university entrance exams.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous building with so much to tell!

Olivier said...

la tour de l'horloge est originale, elle est tres belle.

Catherine said...

What a stylish building ! That's sure that flowers and palm trees give a bonus charm to the composition.

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

What a beautiful architecture. If you notice closely, you can offer another apartment [ remember your apartment offer near the old church? :) ] just behind this historic place.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Nice really is so cosmopolitan yet remaining so French. It just oozes class.

Linda said...

How tremendously grand for a school - but then again as you say, it is offering classes preparatoires.