Prince's Palace of Monaco

Monaco, Monaco

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldi ruled the area first as feudal lords, and from the 17th century as sovereign princes, but their power was often derived from fragile agreements with their larger and stronger neighbours.

Thus while other European sovereigns were building luxurious, modern Renaissance and Baroque palaces, politics and common sense demanded that the palace of the Monegasque rulers be fortified. This unique requirement, at such a late stage in history, has made the palace at Monaco one of the most unusual in Europe. Indeed, when its fortifications were finally relaxed during the late 18th century, it was seized by the French and stripped of its treasures, and fell into decline, while the Grimaldi were exiled for over 20 years.

The Grimaldi's occupation of their palace is also unusual because, unlike other European ruling families, the absence of alternative palaces and land shortages have resulted in their use of the same residence for more than seven centuries. Thus, their fortunes and politics are directly reflected in the evolution of the palace. Whereas the Romanovs, Bourbons, and Habsburgs could, and frequently did, build completely new palaces, the most the Grimaldi could achieve when enjoying good fortune, or desirous of change, was to build a new tower or wing, or, as they did more frequently, rebuild an existing part of the palace. Thus, the Prince's Palace reflects the history not only of Monaco, but of the family which in 1997 celebrated 700 years of rule from the same palace.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace and its owners became symbols of the slightly risqué glamour and decadence that were associated with Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. Glamour and theatricality became reality when the American film star Grace Kelly became chatelaine of the palace in 1956. In the 21st century, the palace remains the residence of the current Prince of Monaco.

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User Reviews

Gerben Voorsluijs (2 years ago)
A pretty palace that can partly be visited. You can see the courtyard, the state rooms, an appartment and some paintings from the royal collection. It is fun to see how different times and art styles left their mark on architecture and interior design. There is an audiotour available in several languages.
Steven Cheng (2 years ago)
This is the place to watch the changing of the guard and beautiful ocean view! You can purchase tickets (€18) to tour the inside of the palace! Which we didn’t go due to the time restrictions! Beautiful view and full of the tourists! It also getting very hot during the summer months.
Damianos Vasilatos (2 years ago)
Great views, don’t miss out if your are in Monaco. There are 2 grand view spots, try visit both. Walking around alleys and spots could Take up to a maximum of 20-25’ walk. I would suggest any of the cafeterias there though as they are expensive and very touristy. Don’t expect WiFi to any of the places there too.
Marlena Stanisławska (2 years ago)
Beautiful mansion with gates dating to XIII CE, and a souvenir shop at the top. There's a display of old canons and a gandarmier walking in front of the Palace - nice view. And the scenery of the city from this point is very picteresque and simply amazing.
Ajinkya Dandawate (2 years ago)
Monaco was a great experience. Such a small country. But so rich. But let me be very true, it's not that tourist friendly. Better to go to Monaco via a tour.
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