This is the country that Hollywood fans, racing fans and poker players know most about. Yes, you are not mistaken, we are talking about the Principality of Monaco. It is one of the smallest and most populous countries in the world. Here you can spend a fun weekend or stay for a longer period of time, choosing to leisurely explore this unique region of Europe. We have gathered all the most important information about this country in one article. Either way, it will be very interesting!
History
It is believed that the first settlements on the territory of Monaco were founded by Phoenicians in the 10th century B.C. But the beginning of the existence of the modern country is counted from 1215, when the Republic of Genoa appeared. And in 1297 the first representative of the princely family, which has ruled Monaco for more than 700 years, appeared here. François Grimaldi and his supporters conquered the country. After that, Monaco fell under the rule of France and the Kingdom of Sardinia several times until it gained independence in 1861.
However, the Principality is still very closely linked to France through the customs union and other treaties. In 1956, the American actress Grace Kelly became the wife of Prince Rainier III of Monaco - and then everyone started talking about this small country. By the way, the media, covering the life of the monarch's family, still brings significant funds to the treasury. Now Rainier III's son Prince Albert II is the ruler.
Monaco is a member of many international organizations: UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, Interpol, UNESCO, WHO, but is not a member of the European Union or NATO.
Location
Monaco occupies a very small territory in the south of Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea near the French Cote d'Azur, 20 km from Nice. The climate here is Mediterranean: summers are warm and dry, winters are mild and rainy. The only land border connects the Principality with France. Monaco is a dwarf state, the geographical boundaries of the city and the country coincide. Its area is only 2.02 km². According to this indicator, the Principality ranks second from the bottom in the world - only Vatican City is smaller.
Visas
Most tourists visit Monaco as part of tour groups, traveling to several European countries at once. In this case, you can enter the Principality with a Schengen visa. If you are traveling only to Monaco, you will need a special visa.
It is issued to citizens of Belarus at the French Embassy in Minsk. The procedure is the same as for obtaining a visa to France, but the period of consideration of documents is shorter - three working days in standard cases.
And on your way to Monaco, stop by Paris. We've prepared a guide to the city here!
Transportation
The Principality has rail, road, sea and air transportation. The railways are only 1.7 km long and are operated by the French national railway company. They connect Monaco with France itself, as well as with Italy. The only station in the country is in Monte Carlo. It, like most of the tracks, is underground.
The length of motor roads is much longer - 50 km. There are seven bus routes within the Principality and flights to the port of Nice. In Monaco itself there are two ports: in the districts of La Condamine and Fontvieille. Water buses and cabs operate in the former. The only air harbor in the country is the Monte Carlo heliport. It connects the Principality with Nice.
By the way, about the cities with the best public transportation system, we tell you about it here.. Choose a city and go exploring!
Housing
Monaco is divided into 10 districts, but due to the small size of the country, the distance from one point to another is always very small. All districts have their own reputation and peculiarities of location in one way or another: some are closer to the sea, others are more expensive, others are full of attractions.
There are several dozens of hotels in the Principality. The most expensive ones are located in the Monte Carlo area. This is where celebrities and rich entrepreneurs from all over the world come to play in the casino, ride on a yacht or walk along the shore, so the prices for accommodation are quite high.
For example, a night in a room at the Fairmont Monte Carlo will cost around 300 euros. And options on the beach overlooking the sea are even more expensive. One night in Le Méridien Beach Plaza costs about 500 euros. However, there are cheaper options - apartments. For example, a night at Apartments Monaco will cost an average of 100 euros.
Another option is to find accommodation for rent on airbnb. The cost of staying in an apartment starts at 70 euros per day with the average price around 100, but those who move in for a long term have an advantage.
Kitchen
There is no such thing as "Monaco's national cuisine". The population of the Principality combines the culinary traditions of France and Italy. Healthy eating is particularly widespread here. Seafood dishes inherited from the Mediterranean cuisine, in particular bouillabaisse soup, are particularly popular. But there are also options for those who do not like fish: vegetable stews, gnocchi, salads and pâtés.
Monaco is known for its exquisite restaurants. Several establishments have Michelin stars. Alain Ducasse's Louis XV in the Hôtel de Paris has the most of them - as many as 3. They offer modern, light dishes filled with the special energy of the Riviera.
For dizzying views while dining, head to Horizon Rooftop. The restaurant is located on the 7th floor of the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Choose from French or Italian cuisine and enjoy them while gazing out to sea.
And of course, check out the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, which has been open for 150 years. This place is the true heart of Monaco and one of the principality's legendary establishments. It is where celebrities and artists, residents and visitors gather for a coffee or one of the sumptuous desserts.
About the cuisine of another dwarf country - Luxembourg, we tell you in this material in this article.. And for a list of the best restaurants where they cook according to family traditions, click here. here.
Attractions
Monte Carlo
Technically, it is a separate neighborhood, widely known for its casinos. In addition to them, there is an opera house and a national museum of fine arts. It is in this section of the Principality that the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit takes place.
The Casino Monte Carlo is located in the heart of the district. It is a whole complex of entertainment establishments. In the first half of the day it functions as a tourist object, and from 14:00 it turns into the most famous gambling house. It is simply impossible to pass by the building - the size and architecture, and the richness of the decorations are striking. And Monte Carlo is the most glamorous port in the Mediterranean.
The casino will give even more impressions to those who go inside. Even people indifferent to gambling will be interested. Thus, in the first room, a bronze statue of Fortuna, the goddess of luck, was installed, and around it there are 28 stone columns covered with marble plaster.
And of course, all kinds of game options. French and English roulette, thirty-forty, punto banco, blackjack and Texas Hold'em poker - both beginners and experienced players will find a place here. And for slot machine enthusiasts, there are 480 state-of-the-art machines at the Café de Paris Casino. Classic table and electronic games attract thousands of amateurs and professionals from all over the world. Everyone can try their luck and try to hit the jackpot in an environment of incredible luxury.
Princely Palace
The official residence of the Grimaldi rulers of Monaco dates back to 1191, but at that time it was a Genoese fortress. The building has been rebuilt dozens of times since. Since it is the only official residence of the rulers of the principality for 700 years, it reflects the entire history of the royal family. Demonstrates the financial and political position of the House of Grimaldi.
The luxurious beige building with turrets and vaulted windows is definitely worth seeing with your own eyes. This place is not just an attraction, it is in its offices that the fate of the country is decided. The State Apartments are open to guests throughout the summer, and the courtyard often hosts concerts and Christmas celebrations. And from the Hercules Gallery above, the Prince addresses his subjects on special occasions. The royal family itself also lives here.
Princess Grace's rose garden
This amazing place was opened in 1984 by Prince Rainier III in memory of his beloved wife Grace Kelly, who was very fond of flowers. Even those who are not interested in flora should come here. About 4 thousand rose bushes were planted on an area of 3300 m². In total, there are 14 thousand plants in the garden.
In addition, there are several statues dedicated to the princess. New varieties and species are constantly appearing in the garden, which create an amazing atmosphere. You can also find a unique named variety, bred in honor of the wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly - Grace de Monaco. It is pleasant to stroll and relax here in any weather and season - the bushes bloom all year round.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
This Romanesque-Byzantine style cathedral was built in 1875 from white stone quarried at La Turbie. It is here that the princes of Monaco are buried. Inside the building, next to the magnificent main altar and the bishop's chair made of white Carrara marble, a saltire painting by the French artist Ludovico Brea from 1500 was installed.
There are solemn liturgies on the main feast days of the Church, as well as on St. Devota's Day (January 27) and Monaco National Day (November 19). In addition, concerts of sacred music and masses are organized.
Monaco Oceanographic Museum
It was founded in 1889 by Prince Albert I of Monaco. By the way, the famous Jacques Yves Cousteau worked as the director of the museum for many years. There is a unique collection of stuffed animals and skeletons of different species of marine fauna. There are also boats, marine instruments, weapons - everything that relates to going out on the big water.
The museum also has an aquarium where visitors can get acquainted with 4,000 species of fish and about 200 species of invertebrates. Most of them represent the tropics and the Mediterranean Sea. Even more unusual museums of the world collected in another of our selection.
