Monaco

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco is a country (and a microstate) located in South Western Europe on the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its centre is about 16 km (9.9 mi) from Italy. Its area is 1.98 km2 (0.76 sq mi) with an estimated population of almost 35,000.

Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and principality, with Prince Albert II as the head of state. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, and the state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1981. Despite Monaco being independent, its national defence is the responsibility of France.

Monaco is the second smallest country (by size) in the world; only the Vatican CIty is smaller. Monaco is also the world's second smallest monarchy, and one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Top Attractions

  • Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House: it was built in 1893 by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House.
  • Oceanographic Museum: with its international reputation for excellence, this exceptional museum is dedicated to marine science and oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna collected by Monaco's pioneering Navigator Prince Prince Albert 1 are both invaluable and unique.
  • Monaco Cathedral: built with the stark white stones from La Turbie in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine-style building houses the burial places of past sovereigns, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
  • Prince's Palace: Guardian of an ancient tradition, this Palace located in a unique setting upon the "Rock" of Monaco,was built on the site of a fortress erected by the Genoese in 1215. Today the splendors of this Palace can be admired by all.
  • Fort Antoine: this early XVIII century fortress, built on the northeastern tip of Le Rocher "the Rock," is now used as a marvelous outdoor theater with a capacity of some 350 spectators in tiered seating built in a semi-circle. In this enchanting setting, high quality performances are given during the summer season.

Museums

  • Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
  • New National Museum
  • Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Collections of the Historical Archives of the Palace
  • Museum of the Chapel of Visitation / Barbara Piasecka Johnson Collection
  • The Museum of Stamps and Coins
  • Naval Museum
  • The Sculpture Path

Gardens

  • The Exotic Gargens and the Observation Cave
  • Princess Antoinette Park
  • St Martin Gardens
  • Zoological Gardens
  • Fontevieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden