Sophistication, luxury, and premium quality—these are all words that come to mind when talking about Monaco. This tiny principality on the border with France, covering just 2 square kilometers, is a magnet for the rich and famous, as well as for those who dream of being among the elite, even if only for a moment.
Monaco Attractions and Entertainment
Monaco’s history dates back to the 13th century, so it boasts many attractions. However, most of them are not that ancient: most churches and other architectural monuments date from the 17th to 19th centuries. Nevertheless, there are also museums and gardens of astonishing beauty, all of them cloaked in a unique glamour fit for a special kind of blue blood.
One of the principality’s main symbols is the opulent Boétzar-style casino with its graceful towers, clocks, and sculptures. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, this place is a must-see: halls with marble columns, stucco, frescoes, bas-reliefs, and multi-tiered crystal chandeliers create the atmosphere of a true palace where gambling reigns.
Another impressive building is the Prince’s Palace, which has served as the royal residence for over 700 years. Although its exterior is unadorned, its size and grandeur are still impressive.
The old town of Monaco-Ville is a veritable clifftop museum. Here you can see the Chapel of Divine Mercy with a wooden statue of Christ, the Fort Antoine theater-fortress, and the Palais de Justice made of gray Italian tuff. Also located here is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, built on the site of a 13th-century church and now the final resting place of the rulers of Monaco. In the Fontvieille district, you’ll find the Prince Rainier III Museum of Vintage Automobiles, where you can see a dazzling collection of rare cars, from a 1911 Renault Torpedo to an Aston Martin similar to the one used by James Bond. Also worth visiting are the Museum of Old Monaco, dedicated to Monegasque heritage, and the Oceanographic Museum, where Jacques-Yves Cousteau worked: here you’ll find giant aquariums filled with rare fish and shellfish that still fascinate children and adults alike.
