The Kingdom of Monaco is a small Mediterranean country bordering France. It is part of the Schengen area, so if you do not want to make a visa for a trip, you can get there freely from most European countries.
The principality has long attracted rich and famous people from all over the world, therefore it is considered one of the places with the highest prices. This is only beneficial to the indigenous people of the country - Monegasques have various privileges, including not paying taxes ... It's good to be a Monegasque!
Prices for accommodation in any city in Monaco are quite high, which is why I decided to devote exactly one day to the country so as not to spend money on a hotel. In addition, the area of the state is only two square kilometers, there are not too many attractions, so there was simply no point in staying for a long time.
The main cities of Monaco are the capital itself, bearing the same name with the country, Monaco (in French "Monaco-Ville"), as well as Monte Carlo, the famous city of casinos, where gamblers from all over the world come to try their luck. The amazing views of the first deserve a separate post, so I'll tell you about Monte Carlo some other time.
To get to Monaco I had to take a bus, however, with other transport, difficulties may arise: the nearest airport is in Nice, and by train from Aix-en-Provence, where I lived at that moment, getting to Monaco is not only expensive, but also difficult. In general, it is more convenient to travel in France and neighboring countries by private car, even though there are toll roads.
Monaco is located on a hill, on a rocky coast above the blue Mediterranean Sea. Probably, it is worth going there, at least for the sake of the views that open from the coast.
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True, one should not look back at the endless sea distance and light white sailing ships, because one should turn away and the romantic picture will collapse - in front of you are the densely built up modern quarters of the commune of La Condamine.
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What can you do, I'm not an urbanist and the old houses of French villages are dearer to me. However, for those who prefer to see the historical appearance of the city, there is something to see - the past and the future are too closely intertwined in Monaco. So, one of the attractions that conquered my heart is the creation of the late 19th century, the Oceanographic Museum, built by the architect Paul Delefortrie. Outside, it turned out to be more attractive than inside, but this is exclusively for my taste - marine flora and fauna attract a little less than the strict contours of the building, as if ingrown into the rock.
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Which from the facade does not look so harsh, perhaps it's all about crabs ...
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There is a sculpture of a rather cute octopus near the museum.
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You can reach the prince's palace bypassing the garden, where, despite the cool March, bright tulips bloom ... And unfamiliar exotic plants.
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There you can also find a monument to Albert the First, the eleventh prince of Monaco, who served as a navigator in his youth, and it is this fact that explains the unusual costume of the representative of the Grimaldi dynasty, which ruled the principality with varying success since the 13th century ...
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The facade of the palace of the princes of Monaco, like the palace square, is striking in its modesty, causing a certain consternation: after the St. Petersburg Hermitage and the Moscow Kremlin, you expect more luxury from royalty. Unfortunately, it was not possible to see the residence from the inside. Tours are held only in the summer, when the ruling family moves out of the city.
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It is the oldest area of the tiny principality, rising on a 60-meter rocky Cape Saint-Antoine and perfectly visible from the Mediterranean Sea. The small size allows you to walk around it in just half an hour, and the Palace Square, with the Princely Palace flaunting on it, acts as a central landmark here. Every day, 12 soldiers are on guard at the entrance to the building, at certain times replacing each other and have long been causing increased interest among numerous tourists visiting the miniature state.
Peculiarities
The whole of Monaco-Ville is replete with pretty footpaths and low-rise buildings, reminiscent of a puppet town, with paved pavements, dwarf trees and flower beds that smell wonderfully in the summer, filling the air with magical aromas. In addition to the aesthetic enjoyment of the local landscapes, guests of Monaco-Ville have the opportunity to visit local restaurants, go shopping or go to the beach in order to have fun in the sea, explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean or sunbathe on the azure coast under the rays of the gentle sun.
general information
The area of the territory of Monaco-Villa is only 0.18475 sq. km, with a population of about 1.15 thousand people. The time zone is UTC + 1 and UTC + 2 in summer. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in the summer and 2 in the winter months. Calling code +377.
A brief excursion into history
Cape Saint-Antoine, on which today Monaco-Ville is located, even in ancient times served as a refuge for primitive people, and 2 thousand years before our era there were Ligur tribes. According to mythical legends, the founder of the city was the great Hercules, in whose honor a temple was even built here. During the Roman era, this place was of great strategic importance. It was through Monaco-Ville that the road passed, connecting this area with Marseille. Here, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, the sea waves nailed a boat with the body of Christian Devotus, who was executed by the Romans, who later became the patron saint of the principality. The Genoese became the historical founders of Monaco-Ville in 1215, laying a fortress on the site of the present Prince's Palace. Over time, a whole state was formed around it, the rulers of which for many centuries have been the descendants of the Genoese patrician Francesco Grimaldi.
Climate
The principality has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Winter is warm and rainy here, with an average air temperature of about +10 .. + 15 degrees. Summer is characterized by an abundance of sunny and hot days. In July-August, the thermometer regularly rolls over the +30 mark. Tourists come here throughout the year, although the greatest excitement occurs in the period from May to September.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Monaco-Ville is by air flight to, and then by bus or train. In the first case, the journey takes about 40 minutes, and in the second, no more than 30. Also, you can get here from the same way, but it will take much longer.
Transport
On the territory of the capital of the dwarf state, only cars with numbers or the French department of Alpes-Maritimes are allowed to enter, and after 10 pm travel on cars and gasoline motorcycles is prohibited at all. However, the area of the district is so small that there is simply no need to move on anything.
Attractions and entertainment
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Monaco-Ville is the Princely Palace, which has the status of the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family. Its main advantages, emphasizing the luxury and high value of the palace, are the magnificent Hercule Gallery, an exquisite double staircase made of Carrara marble and the Throne Room, with a white fireplace complementing it. The right wing of the building houses the Museum of Napoleonic Memories, which stores personal items of Napoleon Bonaparte. Also, there is a historical archive with documents telling about the history of the principality. Another reason for pride is the inimitable Saint-Martin Gardens, founded about 200 years ago, and to this day delight guests with their captivating floral aromas.
Kitchen
Despite its tiny size, the capital of Monaco can delight fans of delicious food, an abundance of all kinds of cafes and restaurants, where you can try a wide variety of culinary creations, from meat and vegetables to seafood and sweets. It is worth taking a special interest in traditional French wines.
Shopping
The local shops and boutiques offer a wide selection of clothing, perfumes, jewelry and antiques.
Monaco-Ville is an integral part of the dwarf state and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of luxury and well-being reigning here. Wonderful natural landscapes and a magnificent mild climate serve as an excellent addition to the appearance of the flourishing principality.
Find your way in Monaco:
Monaco is divided into 4 quarters: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille. The capital of the Principality of Monaco is the city Old Monaco (Monaco-Ville) located on a picturesque cliff on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The most populated city of the principality, the resort of Monte Carlo, is located in the northeast of Monaco, with the main attraction in the form of the casino of the same name. The port in Monaco is located in the southwest, in the La Condamine area.
History of Monaco:
Monaco became the property of the Grimaldi clan, a family from Genoa, already in 1297.
Princess grace
The Principality of Monaco has been a symbol of glamor for a century. Additional fame to this tiny country was brought by the marriage that took place in 1956 between one of the most sought-after bachelors of his time, Prince Rainier III, and the famous American actress Grace Kelly. Grace died in 1982 and Prince Rainier in 2005. The story began at the Cannes Film Festival, where Grace presented her film.
Monegasques - residents of Monaco - rejoiced at the birth of their first daughter in 1957. But they were especially triumphant for the son, whom Grace gave birth to in 1958. Under the 1918 settlement, Monaco should have become an autonomous state of France if the Garibaldi dynasty ended. The third daughter, Princess Stephanie, was born in 1965. Although Princess Grace was not particularly happy in her new role, she earned the respect and adoration of her people. In 1982, while driving a sports car with her daughter Stephanie, she lost control and fell off a cliff, crashing to her death (Stephanie was only injured).
Attractions in Monaco:
Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville- the capital of Monaco is built on the top of a cliff (“Rock” - “Rocher” in French, often Monaco-Ville is simply called “The Rock”), at an altitude of 60 m above the sea. In this part of the country, there are a lot of historical sights of Monaco. Among them - the Cathedral of Monaco and the official residence of the princes of Monaco - Grimaldi. Attractions Monaco-Ville:
- place du Palais - the traditional changing of the guard daily at 11:55.
- Fort Antoine (1710)
- Notre Dame Cathedral (see below)
- Princely Palace of Monaco (see below)
- Hôtel du gouvernement (19th century)
- Park jardin de la promenade Sainte-Barbe
- jardin des remparts
- jardin Saint-Martin (see below)
- Former Hôtel des Monnaies (19th century)
- Former monastery of Vizitacion
- 18th century carabinieri barracks (caserne des carabiniers)
- Fountains and statues in place Saint-Nicolas
- Home of the local sculptor François Joseph Bosio
- Oceanographic Museum (see below)
Monte Carlo
Casino Monte Carlo
Casino de Monte-Carlo Is a prestigious casino built in the Belle Époque style in 1879 by Charles Garnier, the author of the famous Parisian opera. The first casino on this site was opened in 1863 by Prince Charles III of Monaco and François Blanc, founder of the Société des Bains de Mer. The company has now become Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM and still owns the casino.
The decision to open a casino was made already in 1856 - in order to get more money from it, of course. The prince's first attempt to open a casino failed. Then he decided to turn to the already successful owner of a casino in Hamburg - François Blanc. The newly built casino turned out to be so financially successful that the Grimaldi still do not collect taxes (except for VAT) in their principality from local residents (this is an exceptional situation for Europe). Several famous films have been shot in the casino, including Never Say Never Again with James Bond (1986), another Bond film GoldenEye (1996) with Pierce Brosnan, and Coco (2009).
- Gardens of St. Martin- picturesque gardens with beautiful sea views. Among the pines, agaves and aloes are fountains and bronze sculptures. The gardens are located on the "Rock" in Monaco-Villa.
- Japanese garden- an area of 7 thousand m2, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This is a unique place where stone, water and plants are combined in a single ensemble. Waterfalls and ponds are decorated with artificial islets. Traditional teahouse, bamboo fences, stone lanterns - all this was specially brought from Japan.
- Princess carolina street Is a cozy pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Orange trees, baskets and flower beds in the evening are complemented by lighting and music.
- Exotic garden(Jardin Exotique) - located on a mountainside. The garden contains several thousand species of tropical plants and over 7 thousand kakutos. At the foot of the slope you can see a grotto with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Fontvieille district- its main attraction is a huge commercial center, which houses the museum of vintage cars of Prince Rainier III (see below). Louis II Stadium is a huge stadium with 20,000 seats, which has all the necessary equipment for high-class international competitions. This is one of the best sports facilities in the world.
Churches of Monaco:
- Cathedral of Notre Dame(Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée) in Monaco-Ville - paintings by the famous artist Louis Brea are used in the interior of the cathedral. During concerts of religious music and holidays, the organ sounds. The cathedral was built in 1875 in the Romanesque style of white stone on the site of the former church of St. Nicholas of the 13th century. The cathedral houses the tomb of the princes of Monaco.
- Chapel of St. John the Baptist(Chapelle palatine Saint-Jean-Baptiste) - built in the era of Prince Honore II (early 17th century). The chapel was consecrated by the Bishop of Nice in 1656.
- Sacre Coeur Church (Église du Sacré-Cœur de Monaco), Moneghetti quarter - built in 1926-29 for the Jesuit order of monks.
- Church of st. Carla(Église Saint-Charles de Monte-Carlo) in Monte Carlo. - the first stone of the church was laid in 1879. The construction work was supervised by the same architect who was involved in the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Monaco-Ville and the Cathedral in Nice. The opening of the church took place in 1883.
- Church of Saint-Devo(Église Sainte-Dévote), late 19th century, built on the site of an 11th century chapel. A small and quaint church located in the La Condamine quarter.
- Church of st. Martin(Église Saint-Martin), Plati quarter, 1976.
- Church of st. Nicholas(Église Saint-Nicolas de Fontvieille) - 1989.
- Synagogue, avenue de la Costa
Monaco museums:
Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
Musée d'anthropologie préhistorique.
- 56 bis Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, .
- To get there: bus 2 in the direction " jardin exotique " to the final.
- Opening hours: daily, except November 19 and December 25. May 15 - Sept 15: 9 - 19, Sept 16 - May 14: 9 - 18.
- Ticket (for visiting Jardin Exotique, Grotte de l'Observatoire and Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique) - 7.20 €, children 6 - 18 and students under 30 - 3.80 €, pensioners 5.50 €.
Museum of Oceanography
Musée océanographique. Located on the legendary "Rock" of Monaco-Ville, the Museum of Oceanography was created over 100 years ago by Prince Albert I. Together with the underground aquarium, the current museum is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum has created a unique aquarium with waters from 90 seas. This is one of the few aquariums in the world that contains live corals that do not normally live in captivity. A visit to the aquarium and museum is worth about 2.5 hours.
- Opening hours - daily, except December 25 and the Grand Prix race: Oct-March 10 - 18, Apr - June 10 - 19, July and Aug. 10 - 20:30, Sep 10 - 19.
- Entrance: adults 14 €, 13 - 18 years old and students: 10 €, children 4 - 12 years old: 7 €.
- Address: Avenue Saint-Martin - Monaco-Ville, www.oceano.mc
Museum of Postage Stamps and Coins
Musée des timbres et des monnaies. The museum displays a collection of stamps from the Principality of Monaco, as well as related materials used to print stamps, from the very first, issued in 1885, to the present day. The museum also displays coins and banknotes from the principality from 1640.
- Visit time: approximately 1 hour.
- Opening hours: 1 oct. - June 30: hedgehog. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1 July - 30 Sept .: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm.
- Entrance: 3 €, 12 - 18 years old: € 1.50.
National Museum of Monaco
Nouveau musée national de Monaco - Villa Sauber / Villa Paloma. - Temporary collections of contemporary art are presented in two villas.
- Villa Paloma - 56, boulevard du Jardin Exotique, by bus 2 towards Jardin Exotique, stop "Villa Paloma". Bus 5, stop Hôpital. Parking "Jardin Exotique".
- Villa Sauber - 17, avenue Princesse Grace, bus 6, stop "Grimaldi Forum / Villa Sauber". Car parks "Grimaldi Forum" and "Place des Moulins".
- Opening hours: Oct 1 - May 31: 10 - 18, June 1 to Sept 30: 11 - 19, closed January 1, May 1, 4 days during the Grand Prix race, November 19, December 25.
- Entrance: NMNM (Villa Paloma + Villa Sauber): 6 €, NMNM / Jardin Exotique and Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique: 10 €, free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Museum of Old Monaco
Musée du Vieux Monaco. The museum can be viewed free of charge on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm from June to the end of September. The museum has a collection of antiques, ceramics, paintings, furniture and costumes that illustrate the life of the inhabitants of Monaco-Ville. Visit.
- Address: 2, rue Emile de Loth, 98000 Monaco, www.traditions-monaco.com.
Rainier III Vintage Car Museum
Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco. Located on Terrasses de Fontvieille, this outstanding collection includes almost a hundred cars of various ages, from the largest auto companies in Europe and America, as well as 6 carriages belonging to Prince Rainier III.
- Visit: approximately 45 minutes.
- Opening hours: daily 10 - 18.
- Closed December 25 and January 1.
- Entrance: 6 €, children 8 - 14 years old - 3 €.
- Address: Terrasses de Fontvieille
Museum of souvenirs of Napoleon
Museum of Napoleon's souvenirs and the collection of the historical archives of the palace(Musée des Souvenirs Napoléonien et Collections des Archives Historiques du Palais). In the Museum of Napoleon and the Historical Archives of the Princely Palace, there are more than a thousand objects and documents that relate to the First Empire, as well as personal belongings of Napoleon. There are separate rooms dedicated to different periods in the history of the principality.
- The duration of the audio tour is 30 minutes.
- Opening hours: 1 Dec - 1 Apr: hedgehog, except 25 Dec. and January 1, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). Apr 2 - Oct 31: Hedgehog. 10 - 18.
- Entry: Dec 1 - Apr 1 4 €, children 8-14 and students: € 2,
- April 2 - Oct 31 (ticket includes admission to the Napoleon Museum and Grands Appartements) € 9, children 8 - 14 and students: € 4.50.
- Combined ticket: Palais Princier and Musée Océanographique- 18 €, children 4 - 18 years old 8 €.
- Address: Place du Palais - Monaco-Ville Tél. www.palais.mc
Monaco map:
Restaurants in Monaco:
Monaco - a country of successful and wealthy people - could not help but collect the best restaurants. The principality has several Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants. There is even a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars! The best restaurants are centered around the casino.
Best restaurants in Monaco:
Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse *** — pl. du Casino Monte-Carlo, 3 Michelin stars (!). Perfect classic interior in light colors and an outstanding collection of wines. Prices: business lunch with drinks 145 €, ready-made menus 230 € - 310 €. A-la-carte: 190 € -320 €. www.alain-ducasse.com
Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo** — 4 av. de la Madone Monte-Carlo, 2 Michelin stars. Luxurious interior decorated with columns. Creative cuisine based on high quality products and contrasting flavors. Excellent wine list. Prices: fixed menus 49 € (lunch) - 199 € - A-la-Carte: 80 € - 265 €, snacks from 18 €, main courses 52 - 82 €. www.metropole.com. Opening hours: lunch 12.15 - 14.30, dinner: 19.15 - 22.30.
Yoshi * — 4 av. de la Madone 98000 Monte-Carlo... 1 Michelin star, Japanese cuisine. The second Joël Robuchon restaurant at the Metropol Hotel. Excellent wine list. Prices: lunch 29 € - menu: 59 € (lunch) - 199 € - A-la-Carte: 56 € -313 €. www.metropole.com
Vistamar* — Place Beaumarchais Monte-Carlo... 1 Michelin star. Beautiful modern decor in pastel colors, a terrace overlooking the port and great modern cuisine. Prices: lunch 42 € - Menu: 65 € - 120 € - A-la-Carte: 85 € -120 €. www.montecarloresort.com
Cheap restaurants in Monaco:
Loga — 25 bd des Moulins Monte-Carlo... Cozy family restaurant with salads, pasta and regional specialties. Prices: lunch 14 € including drinks - Menu: 16 € including drinks (business lunch) - 21 € incl. drinks (in the evening) - A-la-carte: 39 € -65 €. www.leloga.com
Monaco-Ville(Monaco-Ville), or Le Rocher (French), which means "rock" - this is the name Old town of monaco, which is located on a 141-meter monolithic cliff, towering over Mediterranean Sea... It was this place that was first conquered by the dynasty. Grimaldi in 1297 and continues to rule the country to this day. Many centuries ago, Francesco Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, entered the city in order to then let his soldiers into it.
Traditionally Monaco-Ville was one of four districts Principality of Monaco on a par with such districts as La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille. Now there are ten districts in the Principality, but the largest number of attractions is concentrated in the Old Town. This is a real open-air museum and just an unusually picturesque place. It is not for nothing that the Prince of Monaco himself lives here, in his castle.
Walk through the Old Town of Monaco. Route
A - Prince's Palace and Palace Square (Palais Princier de Monaco, Place du Palais)
B - Palais de Justice
C - Cathedral of Saint Nicholas (La Cathédrale de Monaco)
D - Place de la Mairie and Chapelle de la Miséricorde
E - Place de la Visitation, Chapelle de la Visitation
F - Oceanographic Museum (Musée Océanographique de Monaco)
G - Gardens of Saint-Martin (Jardins de Saint Martin)
Walk through Old town of Monaco it is convenient to start with Palace Square where the majestic Princely palace, which today is the seat of the ruling Prince of Monaco Albert II and his wife, Princess Charlene.
When the prince is at home, a flag flies over the tower. Every day at 11:55 am before Princely palace there is a changing of the guard. In the period from April 2 to October 31, 2014, the palace is partially open to visitors. The ticket price is 8 euros, but you can save a lot by buying a combined ticket “Prince's Palace + Oceanographic Museum”. Such a ticket costs 19 euros, while the cost of visiting the Oceanographic Museum alone will be 14 euros. You can book tickets online on the official website of the Prince's Palace. In addition, in the south wing is located Napoleon Museum with the richest collection that tells about history Principality of Monaco.
From Palace Square, surrounded by ancient cannons and pyramids of cannonballs, wonderful panoramic views open up Monaco: port and Monte Carlo on one side,
the Fontvieille area on the other ...
There are two very important buildings just a short walk from the Prince's Palace: Palace of Justice and Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.
Palace of Justice was opened in 1930. Built from noble gray Italian tuff, this palace is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings Monaco... Unfortunately, it is closed to visitors, so you won't be able to see how justice is done in one of the smallest countries in the world. Well, let's admire the beautiful structure outside.
The Cathedral of Monaco rises above the Palace of Justice - Cathedral of Saint Nicholas... The main cathedral of Monaco is made in the Romanesque style, of white stone, contrasting with the neighboring buildings and standing out among them. In this cathedral, on April 19, 1956, the wedding of the world famous princess grace and Prince Rainier III. Here the popular favorite and her husband are buried - cathedral of monaco for centuries it has been the burial vault of the princes of the Grimaldi family.
Walk the narrow streets Old town of Monaco, here you can also have a snack in one of the many cafes. Their prices are not higher than in Nice. A large sandwich or panini will cost you 4-6 euros, an espresso - 1.5 euros, a cappuccino - 3 euros.
All roads will lead you to City Hall Square where the building is located Municipality of Monaco as well as mail and Chapel of Mercy- one of the oldest buildings in the principality, built back in 1639. Originally in Chapel of Mercy the representatives of the brotherhood of penitent sinners gathered - as they called themselves. And their abbot was none other than the then reigning Prince Honore II. It is from here that the procession begins every year on Holy Friday for many centuries in a row.
Interior decoration Chapels of Mercy acts bewitching. And the famous wooden figure of Christ was created by the sculptor of Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
On Visits Square located Museum at the Chapel of the Visit containing Baroque works by Barbara Piaseca Johnson, Rubens, Ribera and other 17th century Italian painters.
Walk around the museum at the Vizitatsiya chapel on the left side, going down the steps, and your gaze will immediately see the majestic building founded by Prince Albert I and opened in 1910. Initially, the museum was conceived as a palace of science and art, so the building is not inferior in its magnificence to many other palaces.
At one time, the director of the museum was himself Jacques Yves Cousteau... In 2010, the centenary of the birth of the famous explorer of the world's oceans was celebrated here.
The Oceanographic Museum is surrounded by charming Gardens of Saint-Martin, opened in 1830. It is forbidden to picnic, ride bicycles and skateboards, or take pictures with cameras on tripods so that no one will disturb your peaceful walk through these magnificent gardens. V Gardens Saint-Martin there are several interesting sculptures, various flowers and plants, including huge cacti.
There is also a playground (from the side of the Prince's Palace), hidden from the bright sun in the cool shade of the trees. And from the observation deck, a wonderful view opens up, each time striking with its blue Mediterranean Sea and stately building Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Very close to the Oceanographic Museum (on the left side of it) every summer, from the end of June to the end of September, it is open open air cinema(Monaco Open Air Cinema). Every evening, viewers can watch films here in English with French subtitles, while enjoying the clean air and sea views. And do not forget a blanket with you - it can be chilly on the beach in the evening. More information about the cinema, as well as the schedule of sessions, can be viewed.
