Strolling past St. Nicholas Cathedral and through the quaint, medieval streets of Monaco, our tour began at the Prince’s Palace. This fascinating fortress, built in 1191, looks more like a Caribbean hideaway than a palatial fortification with its vibrant, pastel facade. Guardhouses flank the entryway, while sentries and a cannon are posted within the courtyard. Above the door is Monaco’s Coat of Arms. Although modest in its exterior, inside is one of opulence with chandeliers of Murano glass, Versailles-influenced marble floors and exquisite frescoes adorning the walls.
The Grimaldi family has been ruling over the country of Monaco for generations since the 13th century. As legend has it, Francois Grimaldi disguised himself as a monk and pretended to need shelter to obtain access to the fortification. Once he entered, he killed the guard and then his men assisted him in capturing the fort.
The September weather felt like a comfortable summer day with a light breeze coming from the Mediterranean. The palace sits on prime real estate with exceptional views of Monaco’s harbor and our tour group found itself naturally drawn to the garden nearby to enjoy the panoramic view.
Charles III added the grey, hewn-stone structure of St. Mary’s Tower so that the residence would look more like a medieval fortress. While the Prince’s Palace is home to the royal family, it is also a museum which opens its state rooms to the public during the summer.
In 1914, on the 25th anniversary of his reign, a statue was presented to Prince Albert I which stands in the courtyard overlooking Monaco Harbor. Behind the statue is the beautiful clocktower made of white stone from La Turbie, a commune in the Maritime Alps.
Due to Monaco’s naturally deep harbor, it has been an active port long before the Roman occupation in AD 122. Looking out from the southeastern eastern side of Monaco, there is a brilliant view of the harbor. From here, the Maritime Alps tower over the craggy landscape of the coast. The billion dollar yachts and lavish condominiums show the wealth and rich lifestyle of the residents of Monaco.
Monaco’s real estate market is the most expensive in the world. In 2012, buyers could expect to pay $58,300 per square meter or $627, 541 per square foot for their property. The country has a 2% unemployment rate and the world’s lowest poverty rate.
Citizens and home owners do not pay personal income tax, so the country attracts a number of wealthy residents that utilize Monaco’s “tax haven” benefit.
Second to the Vatican, Monaco is one of the smallest countries in world. Under a constitutional monarchy, the country is currently ruled by Prince Albert II who began his reign in 2005. The fairytale wedding between Prince Rainier and American actress Grace Kelly in the late 1950s was televised worldwide putting Monaco on the map. The enchanted village of Monaco-Ville faces the Palace of Monaco and is a popular tourist site with exquisite restaurants and affordable shopping.
The cobblestone walkway of Monaco-ville passes by the famous Saint Nicolas Cathedral. The façade of the cathedral shows a winged lion, a symbol of royalty with an image of Saint Nicholas to the lower right. With a few minutes to spare, we entered the basilica to pay our respects to Prince Ranier, Princess Grace and the many Grimaldis that have been laid to rest here over generations.
Not far from the cathedral, our guide pointed out the permanent homes of Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline, sisters to Prince Albert II. Princess Stephanie is the youngest daughter, living with her family in the Villa Clos Saint-Martin.
Princess Caroline, also known as the Princess of Hanover, lives next door to her sister. She is the eldest of the three children married to the Prince of Hanover, Ernst August. She and her daughter reside in this beautiful home in Monaco-ville.
There are many heirs to the “House of Grimaldi” throne to continue the legacy of the Monaco Royals. A once private family thrown into the spotlight for many years, the Monegasques and Monacoians have regained their privacy and enjoy living their lives as citizens in the richest country in the world.
Our final moments were spent along Monte-Carlo’s Harbor while we waited for our bus to arrive. The promenade, open to the public provided scenic views of the harbor where multi-million dollar sailboats and sea vessels were docked. The scenery is one of the most luxurious views one can imagine.
Leisure cruises transport passengers along the coast for a relaxing view from the sea. These Bateau Buses are available for 2 Euros per trip but with a 5 Euro pass, passengers are offered unlimited rides for a 24 hour period. For a more extravagant tour, private luxury yachts are also available with a private skipper for an approximate cost of $120.
Looking around at the sailboats and super yachts, I can’t imagine what the people who own them do for a living. I suppose we all find it fascinating to think about spending a day in the life of the rich and famous, but I also have to wonder if they have time to enjoy their hard work or inheritance. It would be such a shame to waste such a magnificent view.
Have you had the opportunity to visit Monaco? Did you stay for a day, a few days or do you live here? I would love to hear about your visit or life here in this fabulous country if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day trip to Monaco and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
St. Nicholas Cathedral
4 Rue Colonial Bellando de Castro
98000 Monaco
Telephone: 377 93 30 87 70
- Admission Fee: Free, donations accepted.
- Hours: Everyday from 8AM to 7 PM but they may close earlier without notice.
- Length of the Tour: About 30 minutes
- Tips for Your Visit: Plan to dress with your shoulders and knees covered and remember to be respectful as this is a church. Most visitors come to see the resting place of the former Prince Ranier and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco
98015 Monaco-Ville
Monaco
Telephone: 377 93 25 18 31
- Admission Fee: Adults are 8 Euros and Children are 4 Euros for the Large Apartments at the Palace tour. There is an additional fee for the Collection of Vintage Cars Exhibit (an additional 3.5 Euros for adults and 1 Euro for children)
- Hours: Open from March 31st to October 14th, 2018 from 10AM to 6PM. Last admission permitted at 5:30PM. Note that on May 26th and 27th, the Palace will be closed for the Grand Prix Formula One races and that June 14th, the Palace will open at 1PM
- Amenities: Audioguide, restaurant and souvenir shop
- Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the Port of Monaco
- Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: No photography is permitted. The Changing of the Guard takes place at noon and is worth watching. Would suggest you arrive about 15 minutes before noon. Use the audioguide as it is very informative.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Ambassador Monaco (affordable)
10 Avenue Prince Pierre, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 97 97 96 96
Where to Eat:
Restaurant Le Pinocchio
30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi, 98000
Monaco
Telephone: +377 93 30 96 20
I ordered the Salde de calamars grilles, fenoil, oranges et huile parfumee a la vanille for 18 Euros. It was the perfect lunch , although I would have also liked to have tried the Risotto “La Fee Bleue”, a risotto with Mascarpone and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, Liquour Cointreau 1849 and poire et pistache for 29 Euros.
What to Eat:
- Barbajuan is the national food of Monaco. Similar to an empanada, these pastries are filled with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard. Some may also include added ingredients such as onion, rice, leeks, spinach and Parmesan cheese.
- Bouillabaisse, a fish stew.
- Fougasse, made popular by the Monegasque is a bread seasoned with sage, rosemary and/or thyme.
- The Galapian is a cantaloupe-cherry-almond tart
- Gnocchi is a potato based dough served with cream
- Pissaladiere is a French pizza topped with olives, carmelized onions and anchovies.
- Porcetta – stuffed pork roast
- Socca are street food pancakes/crepes
What to Read:
- Loser Takes All by Graham Greene
- A Ghost in Monte Carlo by Barbara Cartland
- I Kill by Giorgio Faletti
Photo Guide for Monaco:
- Port Hercule for the super mega-yachts in the harbor
- Tete de Chien is trail that takes you from the center of Cap d’Ail to the hills offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- The pink Prince’s Palace
- Cafe de Paris
- Monte Carlo Casino
- Rooftop Terrace of Musee Oceanographique
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A Statue of Francois Grimaldi