Château de l'Anglais

The Château de l’Anglais in Nice is an impressive example of the exotic architecture of the 19th century on the Côte d’Azur. Built between 1856 and 1858 on the slopes of Mont Boron, the estate was purchased and designed by Robert Smith, a British engineer colonel. The construction draws on Neo-Mughal stylistic elements, with battlements inspired by the Red Fort in Delhi, which Smith himself had restored. The sprawling grounds once extended uninterrupted down to the sea and were dotted with numerous fanciful outbuildings in the same exotic style, including towers, kiosks, and belvederes.

Today the building is protected as a historic monument and houses a special architectural treasure: the former music rotunda. This circular building, with its openwork dome and neoclassical interior, forms a fascinating contrast to the romantic, exotic main building. While the château itself was converted into condominiums after World War II and the grounds were divided into separate lots, the rotunda is under comprehensive protection, including its underground connecting passage. The adjoining botanical garden is also listed as a historic monument.

Visitors can admire the fascinating mix of styles and the picturesque setting on the slopes above Nice. Since 2023, the estate has been undergoing restoration by private owners, with the aim of preserving the historic fabric and restoring the rotunda to its full architectural splendor by demolishing a later villa that crowds the edge of the rock face.