Where is Monaco located? The Principality of Monaco. The Queen of Monaco

Located in the south of Europe, one of the smallest countries on the mainland, almost from all sides surrounded by France, the principality of Monaco can safely be called a model of excellent taste and cheerfulness. Still, the interests here are the most magnificent: expensive yachts, swinging in the azure Ligurian Sea, a casino with thrilling rates and the breathtaking "Formula 1". And the royal family is in general the most important sight of the principality.

All this we will try to consider in more detail in this article devoted to the amazing and attractive country - Monaco. Let's go there!

A little more geography

To the Principality of Monaco, the map, alas, does not flatter. On it, it is noted only as a point drowned in the open spaces of France. And it is quite difficult to find it for an inexperienced person.

But this small size is one of the most attractive features, forcing tourists from all over the world to find a microstate on the map. How many people who want to get to this world of prosperity and refined taste, which, by the way, is guarded by an army of 82 people in all! Can you imagine? And this despite the fact that in the military orchestra of the same Monaco - 85 people. But they are not afraid, because France took responsibility for the security of the principality in case of an attack on it by other states. Like this!

And those who find it difficult to answer the question about where Monaco is located, we will explain: where the territories of France and Italy are approaching, about ten kilometers from the place of their docking on the Mediterranean coast, there is a bright spot attracting prosperity to itself , Success and success.

Meet the ruling family of Monaco

This is one of the few modern monarchies where the powers of the crowned person and the real head of state belong to the same person.

Monaco is ruled by the representative of the oldest dynasty of Europe, Prince Albert II, he is the son of Prince Rainier II and the Hollywood star, the beautiful Grace Kelly. Albert's wife, Queen of Monaco (quite in modern trends) is an athlete from South Africa, Olympic swimming champion Charlene Lynette Wittstock. The wedding of the monarchs took place in 2011.

Since the deserving ruler of this small state still does not have official heirs, Prince Albert's sister, Princess Caroline Louise Margarita Grimaldi and her children are considered so. But the principality is waiting for the appearance of a little prince who will lead a prosperous country in the future.

Where is Monaco and how to get there?

About where the principality is located, we have already told a little in the introductory part, but anyone who decides to go to this dreamland will be interested in details. For example, how to get there?

The easiest and fastest way to get to Monaco is to fly to Nice, and then - a bus (it takes 45 minutes) or a train (no more than half an hour). If you have a car, the journey from Nice to Monaco is only 30 minutes drive.

In the absence of direct flights to Nice, the flight is made to the capital of France, Paris, from where to the principality - 950 km, a few hours traversed by train.

By the way, the station in Monaco, photo of which we offer to your attention, is right in the mountain. And when you leave the car, the travelers get the impression that they are in some unreal world. What, in fact, not far from the truth!

A few words about where to apply for a visa in Monaco

Interestingly the fact that the permanent residents of Monaco - it's only 20% of its population, the remaining 80% - is plying from the principality and back rich and businessmen. But nevertheless it is not so easy to get into this miniature state. It should be mentioned that, since Monaco is a member of the European Union, a Schengen visa is required for a visit here.

Due to the fact that there are no representations of this country in Russia, the authorization to enter the Principality of travelers has to be registered in the French visa centers located in Moscow (Bolshaya Yakimanka, 45) and St. Petersburg (English Embankment, 42). There are the same centers in Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg.

The climate of Monaco

Since it is usually very important for travelers to know what the weather will be waiting for them at the place of stay, we inform that in the places where Monaco is located, the Alps serve as a reliable protection against the northern winds carrying the cold, and a cool sea breeze will make the summer heat not so exhausting .

Such a geographical position gives rise to a subtropical climate, characterized by dry, cool , dry summers and warm, wet winters. So, in July here the average temperature is about +23 ° C, and in winter, in January, does not drop below +10 ° C.

In Monaco, the best time to visit is the months from May to September.

Who lives there, where Monaco is located, or Features of the Principality

Autochthonous, that is, the original population of the principality is a people called Monegasques. It constitutes one-fifth of all inhabitants of Monaco and is recognized as a titular nation. Monegasks are exempt from all taxes, and only they have the right to settle in the old part of this city-state. Foreigners are prohibited. It's a pity! It is from here, from the hill at Cape St. Antoine, the most enchanting view of the sea and the surrounding area opens.

In general, in Monaco everything is arranged for the best pastime not only for the powerful, the number of which here exceeds all conceivable limits, but also for ordinary tourists. Here the air is saturated with contemplation and enjoyment of life. It's hard to imagine yourself unhappy.

And now about the sights

In addition to rattling the casino in Monte Carlo and "Formula 1" (by the way, its thunder is strong and not in a figurative sense: the visitors sitting in the stands at the start are forced to caulk ears to not lose their hearing), the country can offer a large Number of interesting places for tourists.

Monaco is located on the amazingly beautiful hills, descending to the Ligurian Sea (it is part of the Mediterranean Sea), and is the most populous state in Europe.

His heart can be considered the ancient capital, located on the top of the hill - Monaco-Ville. Here are the oldest buildings and not fitting into accepted stereotypes. The cathedral, built on the site of the ancient Catholic Church of St. Nicholas in 1875. Inside the cathedral are the canvases of the famous artist Louis Brea. It is here since the founding of the principality that all members of the ruling family are buried.

The facade of this cathedral is worthy of admiration for the Palace Square, where for seven centuries the residence of the princes of Monaco has been located. It is here that official receptions and international negotiations are held. Every day at noon, invariably since the founding of the principality, a solemn change of the guard of honor takes place in front of the palace, which a large number of tourists gather to see.

Noteworthy fortress of the 18th century Fort Antoine, named after the great lover of music of Prince Antoine I and is now an open theater.

A little more about the wonderful places of the Principality of Monaco

Where is the Oceanographic Museum, you will tell anyone in the city. Do not forget to visit it! It is considered to be a masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum is located on a virtually vertical cliff and has an underground aquarium. By the way, one of the very few where corals took root!

And how beautiful the gardens of St. Martin! This place in tiny Monaco allows citizens to hide from the hustle and bustle of a modern city in an almost primeval world, saturated with the scent of herbs and flowers. The garden was opened during the reign of Honoré V (first half of the 19th century). Standing along the small winding avenues of sculpture, decorated the garden - this is a topic for a separate essay. Be sure to visit here!

Do not ignore the church of Saint Devoted, which is considered the protector of the principality. By the way, on the day of the memory of this martyr, January 27, flowers always blossom around the temple.

Separately about museums

The most visited after Oceanographic in Monaco is the Museum of Old Cars, founded by Prince Rainier III, who was their admirer. He almost 30 years collected a collection of vintage cars, which he presented in his museum. There are more than 100 models.

And the Maritime Museum owns more than two hundred and fifty exhibits related to the sea.

The Wax Museum is a reflection of the history of the Grimaldi dynasty. All the figures are made in full size, and many are also dressed in antique clothes, preserved from the time of the founding of the dynasty.

With Monaco you can not say goodbye!

As you can see, Monaco is a state where there are not only wealthy local residents and visitors to entertain the powerful of this world, but also a huge cultural layer. And all this is at the most amazing point of our planet. Here there is the grace of the flowering gardens, and the sound of the sea, and the excitement of games, and the delight of tourists. And here you will definitely return!