12 Historical Landmarks to See in Monaco
Monaco plays host to a beautiful collection of landmarks for visitors to the principality to admire and learn the history behind its current-day glitz and glamour. Culture Trip has collated our top 12 for you, so read on.
Prince's Palace
Situated in Monaco’s elevated old town known as ‘The Rock‘, the Prince’s Palace is where the royal family resides. The family has been reigning the principality for more than 700 years and the current palace was adapted from the original fortress that stood atop this advantageous headland since the 1200s.
Monaco Courthouse
Building
A landmark sometimes missed amid its more domineering fellows, Monaco’s Palais de Justice is well worth finding in the old town. Created in 1924, its dual external staircases are extremely attractive and the building itself was built out of sea tuff, a grey stone which was also used for Monaco’s ramparts.
Monte-Carlo Casino
Building, Casino
The Monte-Carlo Casino hasn’t always been such an imposing landmark in Monaco. Before the late 1870s, it was built in more of a seaside style, with the facade being that of a coastal establishment rather than the epitome of luxury. In 1878-79, the casino building was transformed and expanded – and again in the 1880s – to be similar to what we see today.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Cathedral, Church
Monaco Cathedral is the resting place of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, as well as numerous members of the Grimaldi family. The cathedral was built over several decades (1875-1903) and consecrated in 1911. Its was built on the site of the first parish church in Monaco, built in 1252. The cathedral is equally as impressive a landmark within as it is externally.
Fort Antoine
This fortress was built in the early 1700s and rebuilt after being destroyed in 1944. It is now an open-air theatre and, during the summer months, shows are hosted in this gorgeous setting.
Hotel de Paris
Hotel
Hotel de Paris is one of the most iconic buildings in Monaco. It was opened in 1863 as part of the development of Monaco by the Société des Bains de Mer.There have been numerous films featured here, so get a little of the glitz and glamour for yourself, too, by adding it to your historical landmarks must-see list.
Sainte-Dévote Church
Cathedral, Church
Situated in the Valley of the Gaumates and dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco, the Sainte-Dévote chapel really is a slice of solitude away from all the grandeur. It may have been built as early as 1070.
Chapel of Mercy
Church
The Chapel of Mercy is a Roman Catholic church situated in Monaco’s old town. For 400 years – and until the 1870s, but it has since been resumed – this chapel was the starting point for the traditional ‘Procession of the Dead Christ’ on Easter Friday.
Metropole Hotel
Hotel
This elegant, luxury Monaco hotelwas built in 1889 in the Belle Époque style. It has been reinvigorated over the years in terms of interior decor and those lucky enough to stay will enjoy all the thoughtful touches. Externally, make sure to walk round its periphery until you come to the elaborate conifer and stone archway.
Hercules Port
Hercules harbour is the only natural deep-water port in Monaco. The port has been an important part of Monaco’s history, providing the principality with an important mark on maritime trading routes and a strategic naval base. The modern port was completed in 1926, and in the 1970s underwent further improvements.
Oceanographic Museum
Building, Museum
The museum of marine sciences is a very impressive building, especially when viewed from a profile setting. It sits right on the edge of the Monaco cliffs, with spectacular views out onto the Mediterranean Sea. This historical landmark is an example of Baroque Revival architecture and took 11 years to build. It was designed and built 100 years ago as a palace dedicated entirely to science.
Juan Manuel Fangio Memorial
Memorial
Juan Manuel Fangio was an Argentine five times world champion racing car driver, who competed numerous times in the Monaco Grand Prix. The Monaco Grand Prix has run from 1929 and attracts keen Formula 1 enthusiasts all year round, so this tasteful memorial has become a real landmark in Monaco and is definitely worth seeing.
About the author
Holly is a freelance writer based in Béziers, South of France. From London to a life in the Languedoc, she has written for French Property News and Living France among other titles and covers travel, lifestyle and culture. She can be followed at: www.lostinthelanguedoc.com
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