You would never suspect what is buried underneath Place Garibaldi… it’s a hidden museum, the Garibaldi Crypte…!
Most people walk right past it and never even notice since there is almost nothing above ground. Even most locals don’t know about it, or if they do, have never set foot inside; it was previously complicated to get in… accessible only by advance reservation for small guided tours, and only in French.
Well great news: the Garibaldi Crypte Museum is now open to the public, and now features brand new audio-guides in English!
While jack-hammering up Place Garibaldi for the tramway, the city discovered the ancient city walls just 10 centimeters below the sidewalk! Place Garibaldi had been slapped over the ruins of the fortress walls guarding the entry to the old town and complete with notched turrets, a moat and drawbridge, and an aqueduct from the mountains.
Now you can see it for yourself at your leisure (no reservations or tours required), with everything explained by English audio-guides. The Garibaldi Crypte Museum takes just 30 minutes to see and is really interesting. Flat shoes are the only requirement since you will be walking on grates suspended above the Medieval ruins.
To find it, just go to Place Garibaldi and walk to the flat area to the left of the Monoprix: look for the free-standing elevator and sign, and that’s where you will find the 30 stairs… that will take you back 600 years!
New Hours: Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm; and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-1pm and 4-5pm.
Tickets including the audio-guide are 5€; or 3€ for seniors, students, and handicapped (access by elevator); and free for children under 18 (but no toddlers allowed for security reasons).
Buy your tickets at the entry (credit cards only) or online. The Crypte Museum is unfortunately not included in the Nice Municipal Museum Pass, but it is included in the French Riviera Pass.
By the way, its actual name is Crypte Archéologique in case you want to Google it or look it up on Tripadvisor.
You will never look at Place Garibaldi the same way again!
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