Monaco
The name Monaco brings to mind fantasies of luxury and easy life. It has a population density of 14 000 inhabitants per square kilometre, without counting the streams of tourists that invades the Larvotto beaches each year.
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Monaco is mainly a residential town. The Principality owes its success to Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is the symbol of huge luxury hotels, flashy cars and beautiful rich and famous people. It is almost sure that you will see at least one famous person in Monte Carlo. To overcome your excitement when this happens, it is recommended that you either go and refresh yourself in the magnificent gardens of its famous casino or just simply go into the casino to bet your money. Do not hesitate to make yourself comfortable at one of the black-jack or roulette tables.
Leaving Monte Carlo, one is overcome by a feeling of relief to find familiar sites such as the old town or the charming little quarter of Fontvieille. Monaco lies on a narrow coastal strip of land that juts into the sea with its highest point at 300 meters. It is a strategic site that is also the birthplace of the Principality.
Before belonging to the Grimaldi Family, Monaco was under Genoese rule until the 11th century. As of 1215, the Genoese constructed the four towers and the ramparts that still demarcates the parameters of the Prince's palace. The town was dominated by two political parties: the Guelphs who were the allies of the Pope and the Count of Provence, and the Gibelins supporters of the German emperor and the more modest class. In 1297, François Grimaldi and the Guelph supporters seized the Fortress of Monaco. Ever since, the name and coat of arms of the Grimaldi family has always been worn by its heirs.
At the middle of the 14th century, Charles Grimaldi acquired the lordship of Menton and Roquebrune, who later regained their independence in 1848. The Principality was thus reduced to Monaco, who progressively orientated itself towards the luxury and casino industry to increase its income.
From Rocher, one has a breathtaking view over the Principality. A walk along the old streets situated in the extension of the Palace is quite agreeable. Not too far from here, on the Avenue Saint Martin, the famous Oceanographic Museum is found. It is one of the main attractions of the Principality with its various colourful aquariums. Only the main apartments of the Palace is open to the public between June and September. Everyday the changing of the guard ceremony takes place on the Palace Square at 11H55, exactly.
Amongst the various places of interest that the town holds, the Japanese gardens stands out. This 7 000 square meter garden can be found on Princess Grace Avenue at the foot of the Mediterranean. A surprising contrast that merits a detour. In summer the most beautiful yachts in the world can be seen in the port, of which the Lady Moura, a remarkable piece of work with its helicopter strip, can often be seen.
A last word of advice, before making a stop at Monaco, take care to study your itinerary with precision. Its various signposts take the vicious pleasure of getting you lost in the maze of bends and tunnels of the Principality. |
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