Monaco-Ville

Monaco-Ville was constructed on the site of a 13th century Genovese fortress, the towers of which are still present and well-preserved. Although it looks isolated and difficult to reach, there is a major roadway dug into the side of the plateau that brings cars and buses directly to the top. Also, the pedestrian walkway is only a moderate climb, reasonably accessible by those in good physical health. There is a reward when you reach the top; you will have a clear view of the Port de Monaco. The narrow streets in the old town, interconnected by vaulted passageways, are lined with centuries-old houses and the area has retained its medieval character.

Palace of the Prince
Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs & Collection of the Palace's Historic Archives
Oceanographic Museum
St. Martin's gardens
Fort Antoine Theater
Cathedral of Monaco
Wax Museum
Chapel of Mercy
Government Building

Palace of the Prince

For several centuries, the palace was wanted by the enemies of the Grimaldi and for this reason for nearly 400 years; the Rock maintained its character as a fortress. During the centuries, the military structures of the Palace were retained but the interior was totally altered so as to house the superb collections of paintings by master artists, tapestries and precious furniture.

Every Grimaldi since has found it necessary to leave their mark on the place, and as a result this is not one of Europe's most elegant castles. It is worth taking a look inside though; 15 rooms, including the Throne Room, are open to the public.

Every day, just before noon, the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard takes place on the Palace Square, using a ceremonial involving a great deal of marching and counter-marching which attracts a large number of tourists. This happening will only take 20 minutes, so you need to be in time.

The Palace only occupies a small part of the Ville, there is much more to see.

Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs & Collection of the Palace's Historic Archives

Housed in the south wing of the Prince's Palace, the ground floor of this museum contains a rich collection of more than a thousand objects and documents relating to the First Empire: objects belonging to the Emperor Napoleon I, garments which belonged to the King of Rome, religious souvenirs from Saint Helena, etc. The first floor is entirely dedicated to the history of Monaco.

Oceanographic Museum

The museum is probably the best aquarium in Europe, with 90 seawater tanks with about 350 species of fish and a display of living coral. The Museum also houses a meteorological station and a seismological observatory.

One of the main attractions for tourists is the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium. Commissioned only a century ago, it is both an extraordinary museum of the aquatic sciences and an architectural masterpiece, constructed above and into the Cliffside. On the ground floor, the collections represent the complete range of marine and submarine fauna with the often gigantic skeletons of oceanic mammals.

There's also a display on the work of the late, great Jacques Cousteau (director of the museum until 1988), as well as other ocean explorers.

On the first floor there are models of the various ships used by Prince Albert I for his explorations and the reconstructed full-scale, of 'Hirondelle II', his favorite Yacht. There is also a hall devoted to oceanographic research, considered to be one of the most complete in the world.

St. Martin's gardens

The St. Martin's Gardens cling to the Southeast slopes of the Rock and lie on both sides of the Oceanographic Museum. Today, narrow paths wind along the crest and amid its natural Mediterranean flora and multitude of exotic species are fountains, a pergola and bronze statues including a 1951 monument, erected to the memory of Prince Albert I.
Facing the sea, the gardens were a source of inspiration to the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, who resided in the Principality from 1887 to 1889.

Fort Antoine Theater

This early 18th century fortress, built on the northeastern tip of the Rock during the War of the Spanish Succession was rebuilt in 1954 at the behest of Prince Rainier III, as it had been partly destroyed in 1944.

Today it is an open-air cultural and artistic theater with a central stage, gardens facing the sea and capacity for 350 visitors. In this enchanting setting, high quality performances are given during the summer season.

Cathedral of Monaco

Built in 1875 using white stone from La Turbie, the Cathedral stands on the site of a 13th century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the tombs of the former Princes of Monaco. The Cathedral stands near the cliff's edge facing Fontvieille to the south. It is also the final resting place of Monaco's beloved Princess Grace.
Pontifical services take place on the major religious festivals such as the Feast of St. Dévote (January 27) and the National holiday (November 19).

From September through June, 'Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco' and the singers of the Cathedral Choir School sing during the mass every Sunday at 10:00 am.

Wax Museum

Situated on the Rue Basse, one of the most picturesque streets on the old town, this small museum shows 24 historical episodes in the Grimaldi dynasty since 1297 in wax. The figures and models are life-size and are located inside an astonishing succession of vaulted rooms dating from the 14th century.

Chapel of Mercy

Located on the Place de la Mairie and built in 1639, this chapel was the seat of the Brotherhood of Black Penitents, who's first prior, was Prince Honoré II.

Its treasures of religious art include a Christ carved out of wood by the Monegasque François-Joseph Bosio, official sculptor to the Emperor Napoleon I. Above the entrance to the chapel is a magnificent 19th century ceramic scene.

The main altar in colored marble from the Saint-Nicolas Church (the former Monaco parish church between 1321 and 1874, the year in which it was torn down to make room for the present Cathedral) as well as a marble group of the beginning of the 18th century depicting the Virgin and the Angels are also some of its features. It is from the Chapel of Mercy that, every year, on Good Friday evening, the Procession of Dead Christ departs to walk through the streets of Monaco-Ville by torch-light.

The Government Building

Opposite the Lycée Albert I, the Government Building was opened in June 1894 by Prince Albert I.

The residence of the Minister of State and seat of the high Monegasque administration, it is located on the site of the so-called desert House which Prince Antoine I had built, in the first years of the 18th century, to enable his wife, Princess Marie de Lorraine, to isolate herself from the Court frivolities.