Monaco is located in a zone of comfortable climate, which can be precisely defined by the expression “neither hot nor cold”, because winters are moderately warm here and summers are not very hot. In winter, the principality is protected from the northern winds by the Alps-Maritimes, and in summer, the sea winds bring coolness. It is no coincidence that the capital, Monte Carlo, has been chosen as the place of the world casino, where the strong and rich of this world come to lose their millions.
Here, on this small piece of limestone rocks, full of luxury, overflowing, was the princess, a successful Hollywood actress, the beauty Grace Kelly, who married the Prince of Monaco. Their love and family life became the real scenario of the bestselling film Princess of Monaco. The whole world mourned the death of a beautiful woman in a car accident on September 13, 1982. Now the principality is ruled by her son Albert. Here, in a truly heavenly place, there are many interesting places. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Monaco.
Casino Monte Carlo
This is the most luxurious and stately casino in the world, eclipsed by the splendor of its interiors the casinos of Las Vegas. Its building is the best architectural structure of the principality. It was built in 1878 by the architect Garnier at the expense of the billionaire Francois Blanc in a phenomenally short time - in six months. Thanks to the electric lighting that had already appeared, 600 workers in shifts throughout the day created a future haven for gambling burners of life and fortune. The external chic of a pompous building of a rather complex architecture, a magnificently decorated platform in front of it make a stunning impression on those who come to see the place for the first time, which has become an important source of income for the dwarf state.
The enfilade of the original form of bright lanterns floods with electric light the intricate pattern of the walls of the pretentious facades, the luxury cars of visitors standing in the parking lot - and everything around seems golden. An impressive fountain of extraordinary design located in the center. The decoration of the halls leads to an enthusiastic shock with incredible beauty and luxury, when everything sparkles with gold, crystal, mahogany and marble. The works of famous artists on the walls, massive columns, supported vaults of sumptuous ceilings, and handmade Persian carpets on the floor - all symbolize wealth and luxury.
Opera House in Monte Carlo
Each of the ruling princes of Monaco, taking care of the prosperity of their state, improved the tourist attractiveness of the country. For this very purpose, after the construction of the railway in Monte Carlo, Prince Charles III decided to build an opera house, which served as a temple of the singing and musical art of Europe in the 19th century for the aristocratic public. The theater project was made by the same architect Garnier, according to whose sketches the casino was built. The majestic and solemn building of the theater, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, was opened on January 25, 1879. All those present at the opening were delighted with a real masterpiece of architectural architecture, combining the art of bas-relief decorations, sculptural sculpture and art painting.
The steps of the main entrance and part of the plinth are trimmed with white marble, which contrasts beautifully with the dark green of the door, decorated with gilded heraldic symbols. Two figured stucco columns with beautiful sculptures at the top support the balcony with a graceful lattice. It is not easy to count all the bas-reliefs, sculptures and other decorations of the facade of the amazingly beautiful, cozy theater building. The small hall, the interiors of which are made with unusually pompous luxury, hosted the most famous opera and ballet dancers on its stage. It sounded Shalyapin's bass, Vishnevskaya's soulful soprano; here Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky, Tamara Karsavina and George Balanchine conquered the audience with air steps. And now you can listen to the best operas here, watch the best ballet performances.
Port Hercule in Monaco
The creation of the port of Hercule by Prince Albert is another confirmation of the tireless concern of the rulers of the principality for the economic prosperity of the country. Numerous tourists arrived in Monaco on their own yachts and boats, but they did not have a permanent mooring place, which caused the displeasure of the owners of sea vessels.
In order not to lose guests, a cozy place was chosen in 1901, which was surrounded on both sides by stone embankments bordering a quiet bay for anchorage of ships sailing here from all over the world. Now the port is equipped with excellent infrastructure, allowing not only foreigners to arrive in peace, but also to have a good rest here, walking or cycling. The azure surface of the sea, filled with snow-white luxury yachts, enchants the eye and reminds of distant wanderings.
Princely Palace of Monaco
The Kingdom of Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty of Genoa for about seven and a half centuries, occupying the main palace of the principality by right of conquest since the 13th century. Shrouded in the wild rocks of the inaccessible Alps and washed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the palace is located in the most protected part of the country. The uniqueness and architecture of the palace is striking, since for more than one decade the sovereign rulers of Monaco have expanded and strengthened the residence, trying to hide not only from fierce winds, but also from stronger and more powerful neighboring states.
The architecture of the Prince's Palace is so unique that it reflects every milestone in the political and financial state of affairs of the dynasty. This is the main attraction of Monaco, which keeps the secrets of the traditions of several centuries. Every year, from June to the end of October, the Princely Palace of Monaco is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. The ticket price for an adult starts from 7 euros.
Old town of Monaco-Ville
On one of the Rocky Mountains of Cape Saint-Antoine, the Old City, which the locals call La Roche, stands majestically. The medieval spirit of the area has been preserved in its original form: here you can still find terraced gardens of the 16th-13th centuries, fortifications, a medieval fortress, a cathedral in a unique style.
In the city, according to local laws, foreigners are prohibited from settling, which even more attracts tourists here. Along with the ancient civilization, the Old City is simply filled with international organizations. Among the most famous: the International Academy of Tourism, the International Hydrographic Bureau, the Oceanographic Museum. The museum (as tourists call this city) on the street is always open to visitors.
La Condamine
The most important port of the state with a huge and large pier Hercules on the coast of the Ligurian Sea (coastal part of the Mediterranean Sea). Yachts and ships mooring here amaze and surprise the most sophisticated guests of Monaco with their high cost and luxury. Here you can see the yacht of the Prince of Monaco. A picturesque and magnificent view of this ancient city opens from the cliff of La Roche. Fertile and fertile soil gives life to the diverse flora of this amazing place, creating unique natural landscapes. However, this was not always the case. In the Middle Ages, this place was a haven for farmers who settled around the main castle of the kingdom and cultivated the land.
It was they who gave the name to the modern city. Translated from French "La Condamine" means - soil suitable for agriculture. What can you not find in this modern city! La Condamine is the business center of the principality, a large number of business centers and offices are concentrated here.Lovers of everything ancient will be delighted to visit the Anthropological, prehistoric museum with many artifacts that have been discovered in these places. The fabulous and cozy Princess Antoinette National Park, which is located on the Exotic Garden Boulevard, is open for picnic lovers and walks with children. Yes, yes, that's right!
The municipality organizes a picnic for everyone at the end of June with a generous outdoor meal. In the evening, after visiting the main attractions, you can walk along Rue Grimaldi, Rue Millo and Rue Terrazani streets, where there are several hundred shops and boutiques for all tastes, and here you can stroll through the Princess Carolina pedestrian zone. In the evening, numerous bars, restaurants and casinos will open their doors. The city has an incredible number of hotels for different tourists.
Prince Rainier III Vintage Car Museum
Here are collected brands from the very first car manufacturers to modern models. The enthusiastic and passionate motorist Prince Rainier III has been collecting the collection presented at the exhibition for more than a decade. This famous museum is located in the heart of the Commercial Center. In a huge room, different eras and times merge together. Most of the presented cars really exist only in the private collection of the princely family. Not a single hour will have to be spent looking at vintage car brands. This bright and radiant collection, in the truest sense of the word, tells the world's automotive history of the twentieth century.
Let's open the curtain a little and let us know that only here you can see the following car brands: the famous Aston Martin, which more than once saved the no less famous James Bond; Cadillac 1653; Lincoln 1928, Packard 1935. In addition, car lovers can admire brands such as Mercedes, Jaguar, Mazarati and others. The exposition features 6 carriages of the princely family. In a separate hall there is an elite exposition of race cars, gloves of great racers, Formula 1 posters on the stands.
Museum address: Les Terrasses de Fontvieille MC 98000 MONACO. Central Commercial Center, Terraces of Fontvieille, Monaco. The exposition is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except January 1 and Christmas holidays. Ticket prices start at 3 euros for young visitors between the ages of 8-14 and 6 euros for adults.
Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum in the form of an ancient Greek temple was founded at the very end of the 19th century and was built on a sheer cliff, at an altitude of almost two hundred and eighty meters above sea level. This World Oceanographic Center more than demonstrates the unity of all life on the planet. The modern look of the museum was given by the architect Deleforti. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the museum every year to see with their own eyes all the splendor and power of the famous 400 cubic meter aquarium. In the aquarium, conditions have been created for the life of the most exotic representatives of flora and fauna from 9 seas. Here you can see not only fish and shellfish, but also sharks, as well as other large representatives of the deep sea.
The aquarium recreates different types of ancient ships, sea creatures and a huge reef. Only here you can observe amazing, fabulous and living corals, whose life in captivity is almost casuistry. The famous oceanographer and explorer Jacques-Yves-Cousteau founded his own research center more than thirty years ago. But that's not all! The real bathyscaphe of Cousteau himself is located right in front of the entrance to the museum. The technique and other equipment of Cousteau's numerous expeditions await connoisseurs on the upper floors of this monumental building. Oceanographic Museum address: Avenue Saint-Martin. 98000 Monaco. The doors of the museum are open all year round from 9 to 18 hours, the ticket price varies from 7 to 9 euros, it is always possible to book a tour.
Fontvieille
Fontvieille is one of the youngest cities in the Principality of Monaco, located in the southwestern part of the state. In the early 60s of the last century, His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III decided to build a modern industrial center on the conquered lands. Work began to drain the land. In the early 70s, the construction of the first buildings started. Today, despite the preliminary design of the sovereign, Fontvieille looks more like a calm and safe suburban town than a large industrial center. As in the rest of the Principality, there are many attractions here.
The very heart of this city is the Commercial Center, where the famous museum of antique cars of Prince Rainier III is located. Not far from it, the Sculpture Road will open its stone secrets to art lovers. This is, in truth, a unique collection of over 100 different human creations. Here, Prince Rainier III, with love and special trepidation, created the Rosary in memory of his deceased wife. It is from this city that in 10 minutes you can get to France by air from the Heli Air Monaco heliport.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The gaze of travelers through the air will open a magnificent panorama of Monaco with its graceful and colorful landscapes, breathtaking sea expanses. In general, the connection between different regions of the state between themselves and France is very harmonious and thought out: there is a whole network of tunnels that allow you to get to the desired place in a matter of minutes by car. The most important place for believers is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Locals call it the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady. This cathedral of the local archdiocese, built at the end of the 19th century, follows the traditions and beliefs of the old church of St. Nicholas from the 13th century. The most important service, which every tourist dreams of attending, takes place on November 19, National Day.
The cathedral is a neo-Romanesque building made of white stone, with magnificent icons and church utensils. There is a large organ inside the temple. Among the most significant works of art are the altar paintings by the great clerical painter Brea Louis. Carrara marble adorns some of the buildings of the Cathedral. On the walls there are paintings depicting the Virgin Mary, Jesus in infancy. Here are the Epiphany chapel, a font, a statue of Louis Lazar, bishop Perucot. In general, on the territory of the temple there are many unique and expensive paintings by great artists, which are highly valued by connoisseurs of art and antiquity. It is also noteworthy that next to each painting or small architectural monument there is a plate with a description of the history and the author of the creation.
Address: Monaco, rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 4. The doors of the Cathedral are open on religious holidays, admission is free.
Japanese garden in Monte Carlo
The Japanese Garden in Monaco is located on Princess Gray Kelly Avenue, who died in a car accident. It was she who dreamed of such a garden during her lifetime. This idea was realized in the early 90s by the famous Japanese landscape designer and designer. The Oscar winner in the flower show Yassu Beppu, at the request of Prince Rainier III, began to recreate a piece of Japan in the most amazing place in Europe. According to Yassu's idea, the Japanese Garden was supposed to combine the principles and styles inherent in the landscapes of this island state. On an area of about 40 hectares, there are three mandatory
It was not easy to create a delicate Japanese garden under the scorching Mediterranean sun. Jass Beppe, together with a team of like-minded people, managed to protect the garden from the brutal effects of the rays of the hot sun. A dense row of pine trees around the perimeter reliably shade the unique nature of Japan. In accordance with the philosophy of the ancient teachings of "Taoism", the garden recreated places for meditation, immersion in one's own thoughts, yoga. These hidden corners of the artificial fog garden are almost never empty. Water is of particular importance in the garden. According to the philosophy of the ancients, landscapes necessarily include reservoirs, ponds, streams and streams.
It took almost 18 months of painstaking work to recreate a small paradise.Yassu Beppe's team brought in and acclimatized most of the flora from Japanese nurseries in the neighboring states of France, Spain, Italy and Germany. For weeks, suitable stone blocks and cliffs were searched for to build water elements. After the completion of this project, the garden was blessed by a priest of a Shinto shrine, and, he opened its doors to the first connoisseurs of Japanese nature.
Location of the Japanese Garden: Avenue Princesse-Gr & # 226; ce, 98000 Monte Carlo. For visitors, the garden is open all year round: from late autumn (November) to March from 9 am to 6 pm, April-October to 7 pm. You can view the beauty of the famous Japanese designer for free.
