Top 20 Attractions in Monaco

The smallest country on earth seems to be created for tourists. Mountains, azure sea, rich millennial history, parks, gardens, famous entertainment venues are so attractive that visiting Monaco becomes a dream of any traveler. The principality has long been chosen by the rich and famous. Nowhere else in the world can you see so many expensive cars and yachts as in Monaco.

This country is a real little living fairy tale with a king and a queen, Princess Grace, beloved by all the people, who got into a car accident and died. Her husband, Prince Rainier, lived alone until his death and was buried next to Grace. Streets were named in honor of the princess, a rose garden was planted, and commemorative coins were issued. During her lifetime, she loved to organize holidays and festivals.

What to see in Monaco?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Monaco Ville

Monaco Ville is an amazing city. About a thousand people live in it, and the whole of it is only 700m long and 300m wide. The ancient narrow streets and sidewalks are closely pressed against each other on a high, 60m cliff. The city was founded on a flat top in 1215. Today it is the historical center and capital of the Principality of Monaco. It is here that the residence of the princely family, Palace Square, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, which was in charge of Cousteau, and many others are located.

Museum of Old Monaco

A unique collection of Monegasque household items and art can be visited free of charge on Wednesdays and Fridays. More than a thousand years of history of the Rock is presented through the exposition of costumes, books, ancient coins, photographs, musical instruments, ceramics collections, etc. The Museum of Old Monaco has become a national repository of the history, traditions and language of the ancient principality.

Botanical Garden of Monaco

The Botanical Garden of Monaco is famous for its richest collection of succulents from all over the world. In addition, the creators managed to ensure that a huge number of exotic plants have taken root here, thanks to which the garden is fragrant and buried in flowers all year round. The total number of representatives of the fauna reaches 6000. One of the attractions of the garden is a natural grotto with stalactites and stalagmites.

Larvotto beach

The most beautiful beach in the city center surprises with the purest water and snow-white artificial sand. Larvotto is a place of rest for romantic couples and wealthy tourists. The glamorous audience loves to soak up the sun here, sparkling with diamonds. There are also free, well-equipped recreation areas, excellent cuisine and many hotels.

Vintage Car Museum

The idea of ​​creating a museum belonged to Prince Renault III. For 30 years, he has amassed an impressive retro collection. The oldest exhibit is De Dion Bouton from 1903. For connoisseurs, meetings with the first brands of such automotive giants as Lincoln, Citroen, Peugeot, Packard, etc. will be especially expensive. Grace.

Japanese garden

The metaphor garden occupies 7,000 sq. m. It is amazingly filled with the philosophy of the unity and harmony of man with nature. All its elements are deeply symbolic and dispose to a deep understanding of oneself, the world around. The rock garden, bridges and fish ponds, islands, tea house create a unique atmosphere. Many items were brought to Monaco from Japan.

Cathedral of Saint Nicholas

The cathedral was built in 1875. It is the main cathedral church of Monaco and is known as the tomb of the princes. Solemn services are still held here on church holidays, as well as on November 19, the national day of the Prince. The majestic white stone building is open to lovers of religious and organ music. Its walls are decorated with paintings by Louis Brea.

Princess Grace Rosary

Princess Grace, beloved by the Monegasques, has forever remained a beautiful rose in their hearts. Her passion and love for flowers was well known, and in 1984 a delightful rose garden was opened in her memory. On a small plot of land, about 14,000 plants were collected, of which only 150 species of roses. The rose garden is planned in the form of one huge rose with 9 unopened petals.

Casino Monte Carlo

The casino itself is interesting not only as a gambling establishment - it is a masterpiece of architecture, the interior solutions of which are distinguished by originality, luxury and excellent taste. In addition, the opera house is located in the same building. Ordinary tourists have free access to the lobby of the casino and the wardrobe of the theater. Interestingly, the citizens of Monaco are prohibited from gambling by law. Tourists wishing to play or explore all the halls will have to pay 10 euros for entry. Marble floors, columns, skillful statues, paintings, bronze lamps - there is no doubt that there is something to see.

Prince's Palace

The Grimaldi family has chosen the Genoese fortress since 1191, gradually turning it into a luxurious palace. For more than 7 centuries, the castle has been the current residence of the princes of Monaco. During the absence of the monarch, as indicated by the half-mast flag, the palace is open to tourists. The salons and halls of the palace are filled with extraordinary treasures.

Monte Carlo Opera House

A strange combination of roulette and opera in the same building sounds piquant, but still does not interfere with the sophisticated public. Verdi, Wagner, Rossini performed at the Monte Carlo Opera House, Caruso and Chaliapin sang here. The interior of the theater is designed in red and gold tones, and bas-reliefs and sculptures emphasize its splendor and status.

Port Hercule

At the same time, up to 700 ships can be accommodated in the port of Hercule. The wise decision to build a port in this place belongs to Prince Amber the first - from here it is within easy reach of the most significant sights and entertainments of the principality. The port is constantly undergoing reconstruction. The authorities are striving to make the port modern and convenient for their eminent guests.

Park and Casino Square

The area in front of the Casino is special. There is a dress code on it - it is forbidden to walk in jeans and sneakers. There is even a sign warning about it. In front of the Casino is a beautiful French park of palm trees, flowers, ponds with reeds and lilies, which smoothly turns into the mountains. At night, lanterns light up around the square in front of the casino, creating an indescribable atmosphere.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

The Museum of Oceanography seems to have grown out of the rock. It offers impressive views of the sea, city, parks. For a long time, the museum was headed by the honorary citizen of Monaco, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. On the basis of the museum there is a library, laboratories, specialized research centers, a marine farm. Here you can see rare inhabitants of the deep sea, skeletons of huge whales.

Fort Antoine

You can get to a free concert or open-air performance at the Fort Antoine Theater. The stepped amphitheater seats 350 spectators and is open almost all summer. The ancient building used to have completely military tasks - to protect Monaco-Ville. In the courtyard of the fort there are cannons and cannonballs stacked in a hill, and parapets, curbs and a watchtower have been preserved on the walls.

Church of Saint Devota

By tradition, all the brides of the princes of Monaco bring their wedding bouquet to the Church of Saint Devota as a sign of respect for the young girl who did not want to give up Jesus Christ even in the face of torture and death. The martyred Saint Virgin was washed away by the sea off the coast of the principality. Since then, residents have held a commemorative procession and prayers.

Chapel of Divine Mercy

Since 1629 a brotherhood of Black sinners gathered in the chapel, who preached repentance for sins and the mercy of God. They were famous for their good deeds and were respected by the people. Many who believed and felt the touch of Grace left valuables for the church or offered other gifts. The chapel still houses a statue of Christ carved from wood by Napoleon's court sculptor.

Country Club Monte-Carlo

At the opening of the Club in 1928. five crowned persons were present - it was a significant event in Europe. Country Club is a large sports complex. It hosts various competitions. Tennis tournaments are the most popular among the sophisticated public. One of the most famous is the April Rolex Masters tournament. In addition, the Country Club has an excellent swimming pool, where you can come with children, a squash field and golf.

Cafe de Paris

Sitting in a cafe overlooking the Monte Carlo casino is a special chic. Here it is convenient to watch the audience coming to the casino, expensive cars, and you can just eat at any time. The rest of the cafes in the city are closed from lunch to 7 pm. In addition - free wi-fi and a cozy interior, quite tolerable prices: not the most expensive, but not the lowest either. Here you can order something from Monegasque cuisine - for example, pancakes or lemon tartlets.

La Mayenne Corniche

Mayenne Corniche is the name of the highway that connects Nice and Monaco. The road goes along the sea, rising in a serpentine into the mountains. When traveling by car, it is worth stopping in the small town of Eze. Here you can have a bite to eat in a local restaurant, walk along the narrow old streets, breathe in plenty of clean mountain air. From a height, bewitching landscapes of mountains and the sea open up.