The Principality of Monaco is small, however, there are many attractions in it. Tourists come here for various purposes. Someone to play in the casino of Monte Carlo, someone - to soak up the magnificent beaches, someone - to participate in fashionable parties where you can meet celebrities. Let's imagine that you are passing through the principality. What to see in Monaco in 1 day on your own?
Larvotto beach
This beach is one of the most popular. It is located in Monte Carlo. Those who came to play in famous casinos, show business stars and ordinary tourists also sunbathe here. The snow-white sand always remains clean - garbage is removed here several times a day. You cannot find jellyfish and other marine life in the water - special nets are installed. Also, everywhere you can see restaurants where customers are offered seafood dishes with different sauces and with a variety of side dishes.
There are many private plots on the beach that you have to pay to enter. But there is also a free, public area that anyone can use. However, there are no sun beds and umbrellas. You should bring bedding and everything you need with you. But toilets and changing cabins are enough. The climate is very pleasant. In summer, the air temperature rarely rises above + 30C, the water warms up to + 25-26C. The beach is very popular, and there are always a lot of people here.
New National Museum
In the museum, you can look at the cultural values inherited by the Principality of Monaco, as well as modern works of art. Exhibitions are located in the areas of two villas. Villa Paloma appeared thanks to the American Edward Dickerson, who bought land here in 1913. In the following years, the building changed owners several times. During the Second World War, the villa was seriously damaged and was renovated in 1950 by the new owners - the Fissor couple.
In the mid-90s of the last century, it became state property, and in 2008 a museum was opened here. The villa remains one of the most beautiful houses in Monaco, its stained-glass windows alone are worth something! Paloma is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except holidays. Some of the collections are housed in the halls of the Villa Sober. In addition, there is a splendid garden that has been awarded the Eco Green Space award. Roses, citrus trees and various exotic plants grow here.
The villa got its name in 1904, when the artist Robert Sober bought it. In 1969 it became a national treasure. After that, the exhibition of dolls and miniatures of Madeleine de Galea was housed here for a long time. Today there are temporary exhibitions. A visit to the museum will bring great pleasure to the guests of Monaco. Here you can see many interesting exhibits, in addition, you will have a chance to walk through the luxurious gardens.
Japanese garden
An amazing garden that is hard to forget. It is located right in the center of urbanized Monaco, on the Mediterranean coast. Around the bustling city, and here - the territory of peace and quiet. The garden was created by order of Prince Raina III in memory of Princess Grace Kelly, who tragically died shortly before. Grace dreamed of seeing a Japanese garden on the lands of the principality - an oasis where harmony reigns. Landscape architect Yasuo Beppu began work on the project in 1990.
Today, guests can see here what is typical of Japanese gardens - stones, water, green spaces. Everything is arranged in accordance with strict canons. At the same time, the Japanese never set themselves the task of remaking nature in their own way. They only emphasize its originality. In the Japanese garden, you will see mountains and hills, a lake and a waterfall, shores and islands. Japanese traditions are borrowed from China. They are based on 3 elements: line, point and surface. All of them are represented in the garden.
A long path goes around the lake and waterfall. Coniferous and olive trees grow around. There are beautiful bridges, stone lanterns, and a Tea House. The islands symbolize animals that enjoy life: the slow turtle and the fast crane. The garden always has its own special microclimate. To support it, an artificial fog system has been created. The humid air is favorable for the local plants, promotes their rapid growth and gives the leaves a brighter color.
Casino Monte Carlo
This is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe. You can play poker, roulette or prefer slot machines. The casino opened in 1863 and helped save the Grimaldi princely house from bankruptcy. Subsequently, the premises of the gambling house were destroyed by fire. Only those squares have survived where the lobby is now located. The casino was reopened in 1878, and in 1999 it was restored. The interiors are very beautiful here, but remember that photography is prohibited.
You can come here only to persons who have already turned 18 years old (children are accompanied by adults), men must wear jackets, you cannot come here in light resort clothes, for example, in shorts. The slot machines are admitted free of charge, and to get access to roulette and poker you need to pay 10 euros. There are also vip zones where only very large sums are played. You can spend a lot of time here - restaurants, a club and a dance floor are open in the building.
In addition, the opera house is located here. Although you cannot take pictures in the casino, you can shoot movies here. Therefore, the gambling establishment appears in a number of popular films. The game starts at 14 o'clock, in the morning you can just come for a tour. An interesting fact: citizens of Monaco are prohibited from entering the casino, they can only play via the Internet.
Opera House of Monte Carlo
This theater is located in the same place as the casino. At the end of the 19th century, there was practically no cultural entertainment in Monaco. And by the decision of Prince Charles the Third, a single complex began to be built, including a gambling establishment and a concert hall. For all spectators, the entrance is common - from the hall, faced with red marble. And only for the monarch there is a separate entrance. The hall was opened in 1879 and named after the architect Charles Garnier. The first audience saw the opera "Chevalier Gaston", in which Sarah Bernhardt shone. The hall can accommodate over half a thousand spectators.
It is luxuriously decorated, its facade makes you remember the Parisian Grand Opera. Initially, it was assumed that the hall would be intended not only for the opera, but it was these performances that were most in demand. Therefore, at the end of the 19th century, the stage was specially reconstructed "for an opera". Since then, this theater has hosted about 100 premieres. The greatest artists of their time sang here, and the hall was invariably full.
Church of Saint Devota
This place was mentioned already in the 11th century. At that time, there was a simple chapel here. Subsequently, it was reconstructed. Work began in the 16th century - the first extensions appeared, in the 17th one could already see a bay window and a portico. And in the 19th, a 15 m bell tower was erected. The facade over time acquired the features of the neo-Greek style. The gate was decorated with a pattern of stones in contrasting colors - white and black, monograms appeared on the porch.
The chapel was expanded and received the status of a church parish. According to legend, Saint Devota was tortured to death during the cruel times of the persecution of the first Christians. Her friends and followers wanted to bury the girl's body in Africa, but during a storm the boat washed ashore in Monaco. Here local fishermen buried Davotu. In the 11th century, a chapel was erected in honor of the saint.
In the church, you can see paintings and sculptures made with amazing skill. Presumably, a student of Rodin worked on one of them. The relics of Davota are also kept here.Next to the church there is a statue of a saint made of marble and bronze. The feast of St. Davota is celebrated on January 27th. At this time, flowers are blooming in Monaco. Traditionally, people burn several boats.
Port Hercule
The port is a natural deep-water bay. The ships of the ancient Greeks and Romans moored here. However, strong easterly winds often prevented ships from entering the safe harbor and anchoring there. Therefore, at the beginning of the 20th century, berths were built here, and in the 70s, after conducted research, a wave breaker wall and a breakwater appeared. Now any ships can enter the port, even huge cruise liners. There is also a special marina for yachts.
In total, up to 700 ships can anchor in the port. The depth near the berths does not exceed 7m, and where the bay ends, it reaches 40m. In the port you can walk, look at beautiful ships and yachts. That being said, there is a chance to meet movie stars and other celebrities. Many films were also filmed here, including scenes from the James Bond epic.
Fort Antoine
The fort was built in the 18th century and named after the prince who ordered it to be built. Initially it was a fortress with additional natural “fortification”: there was a rock nearby. There was everything necessary to successfully withstand the siege: a watchtower, ramparts that protected from cannonballs, even thickets of thorny plants that would help defend against enemies. Only during the reign of Prince Rainier III, the fort was rebuilt, and now it serves exclusively peaceful purposes. Ancient cannons fire, bringing joy to tourists. And in the fort itself there is an open-air theater.
In total, 350 spectators can be accommodated here. Shows here various music shows and performances. It is pleasant not only to watch what is happening on the stage, but also to admire the opening seascape. In the evening, the lights turn on, creating a special romantic atmosphere. I am glad that the people of Monaco are so careful about their cultural heritage. During the Second World War, the fort was destroyed, but then it was restored. And now you can fully appreciate its beauty.
Oceanographic Museum
A very interesting museum, a real national pride. It was founded by Prince Albert I at the beginning of the 20th century. The prince was engaged in the study of the oceans, participated in many scientific expeditions. Today the museum's collections include more than 6 thousand exhibits. The purpose of this temple of science is to help people get to know and love the oceans better. Here you can see the aquariums in which the inhabitants of the tropical waters and the Mediterranean Sea live.
There are sharks and piranhas, corals and seahorses, octopuses, moray eels, jellyfish - you can list it for a long time. Spectators will see both completely harmless and deadly fish. There is a special "contact pool", the inhabitants of which can be fed. Directly in the museum itself, you can visit the rooms of Kit and Albert I, as well as the Oceanomania cabinet of curiosities.
The most interesting exhibits are exhibited here - from marine fossils to the rarest books about the oceans. Since the prince dreamed that someday science and art would merge, the museum periodically hosts exhibitions of paintings by famous artists. The museum is open seven days a week. There is a restaurant on the roof, you can sit here, admiring the Mediterranean Sea.
St Martin's Gardens
The most beautiful gardens, where you can not only look at rare plants, but also admire the city from a bird's eye view. The Saint-Martin Gardens are adjacent to the Oceanographic Museum. They opened in 1830 and immediately became very popular. Both guests of the principality and local residents come here. Thanks to the numerous green spaces, it is cool here even in the heat. The most amazing plants can be found here. For example, cacti that are more than 100 years old. Also here you can see sculptures, including a monument to Albert the First. Also from these gardens you can go to the Observatory Cave, admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
The Cathedral is a real gem of Monaco, it is the main church for the Catholics of the principality. Once upon a time there was an ancient church on this site, it was destroyed in the 13th century. And at the end of the 19th, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas was erected here. An interesting fact - it was built from a special limestone, which becomes white under the influence of moisture. Therefore, if you get here in the rain, you will see that the walls near the cathedral are snow-white.
Locals believe that God's grace, like rain, washes away sins from the soul, and it is purified. Therefore, on rainy days, there are especially many worshipers in the cathedral. The four bells of the cathedral have their own names - the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Nicole, Devota and Benedict. The temple was built in the neo-Romanesque style, that is, here you can see features of the Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance.
The stone slabs depict scenes from the Bible. It is to this cathedral that the monarch comes to pray with his family - there are special lodges here. If you visit the temple, you can admire marvelous mosaics, stained glass windows, ancient altars and paintings by great artists. Within the walls of the cathedral are buried members of the Grimaldi dynasty, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco. There is also a wonderful organ here.
Port of Fontvieille
An area of Monaco where you can spend the whole day. There is a wonderful mild climate and a lot of vegetation. You will see palms, pines, oaks, a huge number of fruit trees, including citrus trees. And, of course, it's full of birds. There are also many attractions in the area. It is worth visiting the Museum of Vintage Cars of Prince Rainier the Third - about a hundred exhibits are presented here.
The Maritime Museum contains miniature models of the most famous ships. They are masterly executed, and it is very interesting to inspect the collection. There is also a huge stadium that can accommodate up to 16 thousand spectators. International competitions are held here. Tourists will also like the helicopter ride. The heliport is at your service! The flight will take about 10 minutes and you will be able to view the city from above. Another local attraction is the landscape park, where the Grace Kelly rose garden is located.
Princely palace
The Grimaldi family has lived here for seven centuries. The palace stands at the top of a cliff. Previously, it looked like a fortress, but now it looks truly luxurious. During the French Revolution, the palace was plundered, the treasures were lost, and a hospital was located here. As a result of painstaking work, the appearance was restored. When the monarch is in the palace, the princely flag is raised over the residence. In the summer, tourists have the opportunity to go inside, inspect the ceremonial halls.
Here you can see frescoes depicting mythical characters, the chapel of John the Baptist dating back to the 17th century. There is also a chance to get to a music concert - such events have been held here regularly since the middle of the 20th century. There are very interesting collections in the palace. For example, here are the personal belongings and clothing of Napoleon. If you arrive at the palace by noon, you will see how the changing of the guard proceeds.
Zoological garden
The zoo was founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier. Today it contains about 250 inhabitants. Among them are birds, reptiles, primates, even hippos. You can also see farm animals here. Interestingly, all the pets were donated to the zoo. Also, sometimes there are abandoned animals, or those that were confiscated by customs.
Sometimes it becomes too crowded here, and sometimes such rare specimens get into the royal menagerie that they are not able to provide the necessary care here. Then the pets are given to other zoos in the country. Thus, you have the opportunity to get into the wilderness in the very center of an urbanized state. People with disabilities can also visit the zoo, for this all the amenities have been created.
Museum of stamps and coins
In this museum you can look at the historical stamps and coins of the principality, as well as buy souvenirs. Large exhibitions are regularly held here, which are attended by philatelists from all over the world. The Museum of Stamps and Coins was founded in 1995, and received its first visitors in 1996. It is located in the Fontvieille area. The first private stamps appeared in Monaco in 1885.
The very first coins - much earlier - in 1640. A few years later, King Louis the Fourteenth of France allowed the free circulation of coins of the principality on the territory of his country. Today the Euro Monaco is in use. In the store you can buy both stamps and coins, as well as various books on philately and numismatics. The museum is open daily, entrance costs 3 euros.
Vintage car museum
The history of the creation of this museum is interesting. Prince Rainier the Third collected so many old cars in his estate that there was no longer enough space for them. Then in 1993 he decided to found a new museum. His son Albert II sold part of his cars, and with the proceeds he bought even rarer rarities. Today the museum houses unique classic and sporty models. For example, visitors will see a Lexus carrying newlyweds - Albert II and his wife Charlene.
And what a collection of Rolls-Royce cars is worth! There are also cars donated to the museum by the residents of Monaco. This is evidenced by special plates. You can even see the carriage of Charles III here, which dates back to the 19th century. It was Karl who built the famous casino on the lands of the principality. The oldest car is over 100 years old. Special straps hold its wings.
Princess Grace's Rosary
The rosary was created by Prince Rainier III in 1984 in memory of Princess Grace. Today there are about 5 thousand bushes - 150 types of roses. And, of course, there are always a lot of butterflies here - they are attracted by the aroma. Grace met the prince of Monaco in 1955, she posed with him in the garden near the Grimaldi Palace - the pictures were intended for the magazine "Pari-Match". For the wedding, Grace received a gift - a personalized rose: a delicate double flower, painted in pink tones. Now in the rose garden there is a statue of Princess Grace, and the garden itself is made in the form of a flower with 9 petals. In addition to roses, olives and yews grow here, which serve as a backdrop for beautiful flowers.
Louis II stadium
It was opened in 1985 on the site of the old stadium of the same name. Named after the prince of Monaco, who was at the helm of the state when the sports facility was being built. There is a magnificent football field here, it is no coincidence that the UEFA Super Cup has been held here many times. Also a few years ago it was possible to watch the Olympic qualifying tournament in rugby here.
Exotic garden
The exotic garden resembles the canvases of the surrealists. Its area reaches 15 thousand m2. The pride of the garden is cacti and other succulents. Since many species of these plants are collected here, you can come here at any time of the year: some cacti will definitely bloom. There are also many unusual trees here. The garden received its first guests in 1933, so that the age of many of the specimens is quite respectable. Previously, there was a small astronomical observatory here. Today it is not here, but visitors have the opportunity to explore the unusual caves that adorn the picturesque deposits. Once upon a time, the caves were used by ancient people; there are remains of animals killed during a hunt.
Princess antoinette park
This park is definitely worth a visit if you come to Monaco with children. There are beautiful olive trees, many flowers, and even on hot days it is easy to breathe. Walking along the alleys, you will see sports fields and sandpits, swings and a golf course. There is a mini-farm for children where you can try yourself as a gardener. The children will be told about the fruits and vegetables that are grown on the territory of Monaco, how the famous oil is made from olives. If you want to celebrate some family holiday, for example, a birthday, there is a cafe in the park, the hall is designed for almost 20 people.
Although Monaco is a small principality, it is impossible to see all its sights in 1 day. But on the other hand, you will have time to get to know the most significant of them.
