Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lympia Barracks, originally called the Nice Bagne, was built at the end of the 18th century under the impulse of Savoy's house. The long visible stone building, known as "Lou barri lonc" (the long wall) in Nice, was designed to house for the port's work. It linked two two-storey pavilions. Today, only the north pavilion, with its bell tower, and the lower gallery remain.

The bagne, operational between 1770 and 1854, could accommodate up to 200 prisoners. He had a first period of activity until 1792 and was reactivated from 1792 to 1811. Its gradual closure began in 1851 with the abolition of the free port. The last 76 prisoners (66 men and 10 women) were transferred in 1887 to the new prison in Nice. The site then became a military barracks until the early 20th century.

Ranked a historic monument in 1943 for its facades and roofs, the former bagne now houses the Yacht Club of Nice and the National Society for Rescue at Sea. Its heritage inscription underlines its role in the prison and port history of the region. The preserved remains, such as the north pavilion and the gallery, bear witness to its original utility architecture.

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