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The Alhambra: between architectural synthesis and orientalis

By 23 July 2024July 26th, 2024No Comments

Located in Nice’s Cimiez district, the Alhambra is distinguished by its aesthetics, born of a unique fusion of architectural influences blending regionalist, art nouveau and neo-Moorish styles. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the building has been listed as a Monument Historique since June 20, 2000, and was awarded the “Patrimoine du XXe siècle” label on March 1, 2001, attesting to its remarkable place in Nice’s urban landscape.

Hotel Alhambra Leospo 

In 1860, when Nice became part of France, the town’s French-influenced architecture became a favorite vacation spot for the international bourgeoisie. With each new commission, its architecture evolved to embrace the eclecticism in vogue at the end of the century.

In 1900, Viscountess Gabrielle de Pierre Bernis wanted to open a hotel for a privileged foreign clientele. She entrusted her project to Nice architect Jules Sioly, who designed the Alhambra with an oriental inspiration.

He designed a building composed of three main sections, arranged from east to west. The facade, dressed in warm colors, blends in with the typical heritage of Nice. A pair of bulbous minarets pointing upwards from the roof, the use of two-tone horseshoe arches over the bays and diamond-pointed cladding create a resolutely Moorish decorative register.

The entrance is topped by a monumental Art Nouveau canopy in wrought iron and glass, and the rectangular windows complete the bold synthesis of architectural styles.

This building is a landmark of Nice’s architectural identity, and a precious testimony to the city’s constructive and artistic history, in its relationship with modernity and the avant-garde.

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Colleen Bittel