With its lively markets, narrow streets and flamboyant churches, Vieux Nice looks as it must have two centuries ago and its architectural landmarks reflect this. One of these main landmarks is that remembering Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Garibaldi was born in Nice on July 4th, 1807 and since he was young, he proved to be full of courage. For example, when Garibaldi was eight he saved a woman who had fallen into a ditch and later on avoided the shipwreck of some companions. Garibaldi’s first battles were in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
The most memorable
movement of Garibaldi was creating “The Thousand” out of his volunteer fighters who were determined to bring down the unpopular Bourbon King of the two Sicily islands, Francis II. By 1860, Garibaldi’s forces, along with local support, had taken Sicily and Naples and had toppled the kingdom of Francis II. After all of his successes, Garibaldi was stopped from conquering Rome, where French troops guarded the pope.
Today, the Place Garibaldi has recently been renovated to highlight the elegant townhouses and arcades surround the statue of Garibaldi.
Giuseppe Garibaldi is nicknamed the “Hero of the Two Worlds” in tribute to his military expeditions in both South America and Europe.
Named famously after this political figure is the garibaldi biscuit which is eaten worldwide! On the street walls of Vieux Nice, you can view several plaques commemorating other French citizens who fought in previous wars.