Princely Palace in Monaco: description, photo, excursions

Monaco is a small European country that attracts tourists with a favorable climate and an abundance of entertainment. Many come here to watch car racing and play in the casino. If you decide to spend your holiday in this country, be sure to take the time and visit the unique attraction - the prince's palace in Monaco.

The history of the state and princely residence

In 1215, Fulco de Cassello began the construction of the Genoese fortress. It is on the site of this historic defensive structure that today stands the palace of the princely dynasty in Monaco. A miniature state begins its history in 1297. It was then that Francesco Grimaldi was banished from Genoa and, wearing a monk's clothing, managed to get inside the fortified citadel, and then grab it. The first time Monaco was officially considered a feudal possession. And only from the 17th century on the world level the Grimaldi dynasty was recognized as sovereign rulers, and the principality began to be considered a full and autonomous state. What is curious, the descendants of the princely family manage their possessions even today. The main palace was repeatedly rebuilt and restored. Today the residence not only looks great, but is also used for its original purpose. In the palace today the princely family permanently resides and all important state affairs are being decided.

Princely 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, Grimaldi chose a more practical renaissance for his palace, not forgetting to think about its security and inaccessibility. The exterior facade of the building is decorated with mosaic and white columns. From the side of the courtyard you can see the frescos restored in the middle of the 20th century. The princely palace in Monaco boasts a rich interior decoration of interiors. Most prevailing here are the styles that became fashionable under Louis XIV, which are examples of pomposity and luxury. In the palace there is an impressive collection of art objects, dating from different periods, which are family relics of the ruling dynasty.

The life of the princely residence today

The princely palace in Monaco is located in the most prestigious area of the resort of Monaco-Ville. 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 is equipped with a residential part, in which the members of the princely family permanently reside. Good news for those who want to explore the princely palace in Monaco in person - in the summer months there are guided tours. Usually the residence is opened for free visits, as soon as the prince's family moves to a less hot region.

How do members of the princely family live?

The prince's palace employs 112 people, and all of them, of course, are citizens of Monaco. Before the front entrance to the residence there is an area surrounded by a battery of battle cannons cast under Louis XIV. Around the palace is a splendid garden, which allows members of the princely family not only to admire the plants, but also to hide their private lives from admirers and journalists. To date, behind the green zone, 11 gardeners are taking care of at once. In order to understand whether the ruler is at home, it is enough to look at the princely palace in Monaco. Monte Carlo is a relatively small resort, all residents of which know, with each arrival of the prince above the residence the state flag rises. Security of the palace is provided by carabinieri. It's not the first century they are in full dress to guard the residence around the clock, changing the guard occurs at 11.55, this is a spectacular sight. Carabineers organize the honorary escort of His Highness, and also follow the order in the state.

Interesting Facts

In 1997 the dynasty of Grimaldi celebrated the 700th anniversary of the reign. Throughout this time the palace in Monaco is the only residence of the princely family. In the local archive you can see the exhibits telling about Grimaldi's rule from the moment of the founding of the principality. Here are stored many personal belongings, once belonged to members of the princely family, and various historical documents. In 2008, a monument to François Grimaldi was erected on the square in front of the palace. The statue depicts the founder of the clan in monastic vestments - this 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 in the courtyard of the residence, music concerts are held. Those who at least once attended such an event assure that the acoustics are unusually good.

How to get on a tour?

The Mediterranean climate is characterized by a rather hot summer. In the midst 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 here are held from April 2 to October 31, daily from 10.00 to 18.00. Tourists are advised to specify the schedule of the expositions several days before the scheduled visit - from time to time the residence is closed for official events. A visit to the palace is paid, an adult entrance ticket costs 8 euros, and a children's ticket (8-14 years) and a student ticket costs 4 euro. There are discounts for mini-groups. Of course, tourists do not drive tourists to the private rooms of the princely family. But to visit the museum and archive, as well as to inspect the main rooms during the tour can be. Tourists can see the members of the princely family. Representatives of the Grimaldi dynasty are depicted not only in family portraits, but also in the museum of wax figures.

Exact location

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Monte Carlo is the princely palace in Monaco. How to get to the prince's residence? Any local resident will tell you the way. Directly to the palace square there are many public transport routes, for example, buses Nos. 1 and 2. From the railway station you can walk on the picturesque streets in about 30 minutes. Many travel agencies of Monaco offer tourists excursions with 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 princely palace in Monaco. The description of this landmark does not compare with the impressions that you receive from a personal inspection of the residence.