Prince's Palace in Monaco: description, photos, excursions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Monaco is a small European state that attracts tourists with its favorable climate and abundance of entertainment. Many people come here to watch car races and play in the casino. If you decide to spend your holidays in this country, be sure to take the time and visit the unique attraction - the Prince's Palace in Monaco.

History of the state and the princely residence

In 1215, Fulk de Cassello began the construction of the Genoese fortress. It is on the site of this historical defensive structure that the palace of the princely dynasty in Monaco stands today. The miniature state begins its history in 1297. It was then that Francesco Grimaldi was expelled from Genoa and, wearing the clothes of a monk, managed to get inside the fortified citadel, and then capture it. At first, Monaco was officially considered a fief. And only since the 17th century, at the world level, the Grimaldi dynasty was recognized as sovereign rulers, and the principality began to be consideredfull and autonomous state. Curiously, the descendants of the princely family still manage their possessions today. The main palace was repeatedly rebuilt and restored. Today, the residence not only looks great, but is also used for its original purpose. Today, the princely family permanently resides in the palace and all important state affairs are decided.

Prince's Palace in Monaco: photo and description

Throughout its history, the Principality of Monaco has fought for its own independence. While the French kings built luxurious baroque residences, the Grimaldi chose a more practical renaissance for their palace, not forgetting to think about its security and impregnability. The outer facade of the building is decorated with mosaics and white columns. From the side of the courtyard, you can see frescoes restored in the middle of the 20th century. The Prince's Palace in Monaco boasts rich interior decoration. The styles that came into fashion under Louis XIV, which are examples of pomposity and luxury, prevail here. The palace houses an impressive collection of art objects dating from various periods, which are family heirlooms of the ruling dynasty.

The life of the princely residence today

The Prince's Palace in Monaco is located in the most prestigious area of the Monaco-Ville resort. Today the residence is divided into four zones. The Napoleon Museum is open in the palace, there is also a historical archive of the family,some rooms are used for official events and ceremonies. The residence also has a residential part, in which members of the princely family live permanently. The good news for those who want to see the Prince's Palace in Monaco in person is that there are guided tours during the summer. Usually the residence opens for free visits as soon as the prince's family moves to a less hot region.

How do members of the princely family live?

112 people are employed in the Prince's Palace, and all of them, of course, are citizens of Monaco. In front of the main entrance to the residence there is a square surrounded by a battery of battle cannons cast under Louis XIV. A chic garden is laid out around the palace, allowing members of the princely family not only to admire the plants, but also to hide their private lives from admirers and journalists. Today, 11 gardeners take care of the green zone at once. In order to understand whether the ruler is at home, just look at the princely palace in Monaco. Monte Carlo is a relatively small resort, all the inhabitants of which know that every time the prince arrives, the state flag is raised above the residence. The security of the palace is provided by the carabinieri. For more than a century, they have been guarding the residence in full dress around the clock, the changing of the guard takes place at 11.55, this is a breathtaking sight. Carabinieri organize an honorary escort of His Highness, and also keep order in the state.

Interesting facts

In 1997, the Grimaldi dynasty celebrated its 700th anniversary of rule. Forall this time the palace in Monaco is the only residence of the princely family. In the local archive, you can see exhibits that tell about the reign of Grimaldi from the moment the principality was founded. It houses a lot of personal belongings that once belonged to members of the princely family, and various historical documents. In 2008, a monument to Francois Grimaldi was erected on the square in front of the palace. The statue depicts the founder of the family in monastic attire - that is how he once entered the Genoese castle. In the middle of the last century, Prince Rainier III introduced an interesting tradition: from time to time, musical concerts are held in the courtyard of the residence. Those who have attended such an event at least once assure that the acoustics here are unusually good.

How to get on the tour?

The Mediterranean climate is characterized by fairly hot summers. At the height of the tourist season, members of the princely family leave their residence and rest in a cooler region. It is during the absence of its inhabitants that the Prince's Palace in Monaco opens its doors to visitors. Excursions are held here from April 2 to October 31, daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Tourists are advised to clarify the schedule of the expositions a few days before the planned visit - from time to time the residence is closed for official events. A visit to the palace is paid, an adult ticket costs 8 euros, and a child (8-14 years old) and student ticket costs 4 euros. There are discounts for mini-groups. Of course, in private quartersthe princely family of tourists are not driven. But you can visit the museum and the archive, as well as inspect the front rooms during the tour. Tourists can also see members of the princely family. Representatives of the Grimaldi dynasty are depicted not only in family portraits, but also in the wax museum.

Exact address of attraction

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Monte Carlo is the Prince's Palace in Monaco. How to get to the princely residence? Any local resident will tell you the way. Many public transport routes run directly to the Palace Square, for example, buses No. 1 and 2. From the railway station, you can walk along the picturesque streets in about 30 minutes. Many travel agencies of Monaco offer tourists excursions with a transfer from other localities of the state. The exact address of the palace: Place du Palais, Monaco-Ville, Palais Princier de Monaco. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit the Prince's Palace in Monaco. The description of this attraction cannot be compared with the impressions that you will get from a personal inspection of the residence.