MONACO
Monaco City

Monaco City

Monaco Cityis the capital of the Principality of Monaco. The city is also called 'Le Rocher', which means something like 'the rock'. The city is located on a 65-metre-high rock that towers above the Mediterranean Sea. Cosy, narrow streets are characteristic of Monaco City.

Monaco City_{Photo: Tobi 87 CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Location

Monaco actually consists of four parts (quartiers) of which Monaco City is one. The other three are: La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille. So Monaco City is not really a capital, but more of a main district. All of Monaco has a surface area of 1.96 km² and Monaco City covers 0.0185 km² and is therefore more comparable to a village. An estimated 1,151 people live in this part of the principality.

Weather

Monaco, including Monaco City, has a Mediterranean climate. In Monaco City the winter is mild with temperatures around 6°C. In summer, it is delightfully warm with an average temperature of 23°C. In the summer it is nice and warm with an average temperature of 23°C.

History

In the 6th century BC, the Phocaeans, a Greek migrant group, founded Monoikos, which we know today as Monaco. This name refers to Hercules. The inhabitants worshipped Hercules, whom they called Monoecus (the lonely man). According to the myth, Hercules migrated through this area. It was not until the Middle Ages that the territory was given its current name: Monaco.

The port of Monaco, which is still called the 'Gate of Hercules', would have been the most important port on the Mediterranean coast of France from ancient times until the 19th century. Unfortunately, there is little left of this position today. In the 13th century, a fortress was built on the rock of Monaco. Some parts of the city walls are still standing.

Coat of Arms of Monaco_{Photo: Public Domain}

In 1297 Monaco City was taken by François Grimaldi. The Grimaldis ruled the country for the rest of its history, with small intervals. The Grimaldi family moved into the fortress and converted it into the current Palais Princier, where Albert II, Prince of Monaco, still lives with his family.

Sights

Palace Monaco City_{Photo: Public Domain}

The most famous attraction in Monaco City is without doubt the Prince's Palace, the Palais Princier. The Prince of Monaco and his family live in this beautiful building and there is a small Napoleon museum. The building dates back to 1191. In the 13th century, the Grimaldi's took up residence there and ruled there for more than 700 years. The palace has been restored several times over the centuries, making it a mixture of architectural styles. Every day at 11.55am, there is a changing of the guard at the palace. When the prince is not in the palace, the palace is open to the public.

Monaco Cathedral_{Photo: Niels Mickers CC BY 2.0) no changes made}

Another special building in the city is the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco City. The church dates from 1875 and is built in Romano-Byzantine style. In the 13th century, there has already been a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The cathedral has a beautiful mosaic on the dome above the altar and the throne is also very beautiful. Several princes of Monaco and bishops are buried in the cathedral. The tomb of Grace Kelly's former husband, Prince Ranier III, is also in St Nicholas Cathedral.

Jardin Exotique of Monaco_{Photo: Georges Jansoone CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Monaco's exotic garden (Jardin Exotique) is a fabulously beautiful mature exotic garden growing along the edge of a cliff overlooking Monaco's bay. Not only do you see hundreds of cacti and Mediterranean plants of a size you have rarely, if ever, seen before, but the view of Monaco and the French and Italian Riviera is simply stunning. The exotic garden was opened in 1933, but many of the cacti and succulents come from a collection dating back to 1895. The maturity of the plants is therefore an important feature of this garden, which includes more than 1,000 species of cacti and succulents.

Casino of Monte Carlo in Monaco_{Photo: Piponwa CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

When you say Monaco you immediately think of the casino. The magnificent building of the Monte Carlo Casino was designed by architect Charles Garnier. The first stone was laid by Albert I in 1858. Since 1910, the casino has been expanded with a theatre and a terrace with a phenomenal view as far as Italy. The Monte Carlo Casino has been the setting for many films.

Tips

Port of Monaco for a grand prix_{Photo: Uncidunci CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Monaco's harbour in the Condamine district is a nice place to visit, where you see the most luxurious yachts and cruise ships passing by. It is here to be seen and to be seen. Moreover, there are several terraces where you can watch the jet set pass by while enjoying a snack. Every year, a Formula 1 Grand Prix is held on the street circuit of Monaco.