Place Massena, Nice

Massena Square is Nice’s geographic centre. Originally created in 1832 has the name of one of the city's most famous citizens. Jean-André Masséna (1758–1817) was born in Nice and he was famous as military commander during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The square is big enough and it is a relaxing point for the people passing by and you can have some nice photos near the fountains. We did this, we checked the statues and the pine trees and after a while we had to choose of going to the shops near by like most of the locals usually do or entering the Old Town. We did the second of course...

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This huge square can't be missed when in Nice.

It's surrounded by the Albert I and Massena gardens and the imposing red-coloured buildings. Not to mention the fountains.

This is where a parade, show or other events often take place.

Considered the centre of the city, Place Massena is the stage for the festivities during le Carnaval de Nice. The elegant buildings around the square date from 1850 and mix the arcades of rue de Rivoli in Paris with Italianate architecture. The most distinguishing feature is the rose coloured façades of the encircling buildings.

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The Place Massena was opened in June 2007. It is a wide-open pedestrianised square, watch out for the trams though. The square has its critics, due to lack of shade & greenery. I loved the open feel to it, especially when the sun lit up the surrounding buildings. It was busy with people both day & night, and a great place to sit & relax.

The square contains a fountain as well as seven figures sat atop giant poles facing each other. Both the fountain and the sculptures are illuminated at night.

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Unfortunately, place Massena was still being restored while we were in Nice, but it was impossible not to notice how beautiful this square is. I was really impressed by the lines that dominate this wonderful spot. Take a look at my pics: everything moves around round lines.

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Place Massena is nice place to visit in the daytime, but it looks wonderful in evenings. Look at photos - in evenings Place Massena get sensation of mysteriousness and fountain very good belongs to this atmosphere.

Massena Square - Fountaine du Soleil. No doubt one of Nice’s most famous places where the cities life revolves. Originally created in 1832, it has been redesigned several times since then and in 1852 it was finally named in honour of one of the city's most famous citizens.

This beautifully landscaped plaza of fountains, statues, trees, flowers, etc. Residents and tourists alike can be seen strolling around this square and admiring the pretty gardens and lovely architecture.

This is the true heart of Nice. On the northern side of the square you will find elegant buildings with arcades tinted in that famous Pompeian red. To the East, enjoy a beautiful perspective with a view towards the hills with their Tuscan charm. The huge fountain, whose bronzes signed by Alfred Jannoit represent the planets of the solar system, is a favorite meeting place for tourists.