MONACO-VILLE
A veritable acropolis overlooking the Mediterranean, Monaco-Ville is a place where the charm and history of the Principality are concentrated. We love to wander through the maze of its colorful streets, to meet at the foot of its cathedral or to watch the changing of the guard of the carabiniers on the Place du Palais Princier.
Monaco-Ville is the Principality’s oldest district. Situated at an altitude of 62 meters, the Rock and its fortress, built in the 13th century, are like a promontory offering a spectacular view of Monaco, the Mediterranean Sea and the French Riviera.
Now the Principality’s administrative capital, the district is home to government institutions and the Prince’s Palace.
At the heart of the House of Princes, visitors are invited to discover the majestic apartments, as well as exceptional frescoes from the Italian Renaissance. Bearing witness to the splendor of the 16th century, they also reveal the Principality’s centuries-old ties to the Mediterranean world and the great myths that have shaped its culture and influence in the Western world. Along the colorful alleyways, it is not uncommon to come across certain Renaissance residences, also integral parts of the precious heritage of the Rock’s history.
As a witness to another era in Monaco-Ville’s biography, Fort Antoine, built in the 18th century, is now a cultural venue where visitors can enjoy concerts or theater performances in a green setting steeped in history.
The Cathedral, whose first white stone from La Turbie was laid by Prince Charles III on January 6, 1875, is also a remarkable site in the historic district of Monaco, a Romanesque-Byzantine building. It was within its walls that the marriage of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III was celebrated and where their tombs are located, along with those of other deceased princes. Not far from the white church stands the Palace of Justice, and along the gardens of Saint Martin appears the Oceanographic Museum. An architectural marvel of the principality, the institute is dedicated to underwater research. This “temple of the sea” boasts the largest coral reef in the world, a 360° interactive room for total immersion in the marine world, and a roof with a breathtaking panoramic view.
It’s hard to decide where to look in the Monaco-Ville district, as it’s full of beauty. Before leaving, it’s impossible not to explore the Saint Martin Gardens. Suspended between the sky and the sea, the winding paths of this wooded park hug the side of the steep cliff and offer a panoramic view of the Fontvieille district and the Mediterranean Sea from nearly 60 meters. They create an unforgettable lush setting of pine forests, Mediterranean and acclimatized exotic flora, flower beds and ponds.
