Within about a mile, Monte Carlo has a world famous casino, parking spaces reserved for extraordinary luxury cars, a harbor full of superyachts, a prince’s palace, $10,000 a night hotel rooms and incredible architecture.
Within about a mile, Monte Carlo has a world famous casino, parking spaces reserved for extraordinary luxury cars, a harbor full of superyachts, a prince’s palace, $10,000 a night hotel rooms and incredible architecture.
The geographical heart of Monaco is a grassy roundabout called Place du Casino. It is surrounded on three sides by the Café de Paris, the famous casino here in the middle, and the Hôtel de Paris. It is often decorated in tribute of some major event, like these colorful flags for the Rolex Masters ATP World Tennis Tour. In addition, each year a huge grandstand is built here to watch the famous Grand Prix de Monaco Formula One race on the Circuit de Monaco.
Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The outside terrace of the Brasserie Café de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco, offers a delightful view of the Place du Casino square while being served international cuisine. The building, décor and service are all reminiscent of the Belle Époque period, considered to be France’s golden era.
Casino Café de Paris Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This image of the Casino de Monte-Carlo in the Place du Casino does not begin to reflect all of the exciting things that have happened at the famous gaming house. For example, when it was built in 1863, a player won so much that they almost had to give him the casino to pay the debt. Ten years later, Joseph Jagger exploited a bias in a roulette wheel to “break the bank.” The casino has also been a frequent venue in James Bond movies.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This close-up of the Hôtel de Paris façade from the Place du Casino square shows the terrace of the Diamond Suite Charles Garnier. This 1,830 square foot suite, named after a famous architect, comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room for about $10,000 a night. Sorry, it does not include a view of the Mediterranean.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1869, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has generated so much money for the Principality of Monaco that the ruling Grimaldis stopped taxation. This action made Monte Carlo a tax haven and playground for the wealthy. Today, the residents are 80% to 90% foreigners. Monaco has become one of the world’s most expensive places to live. This is probably okay because the country also has the most millionaires per capita. Ironically, no local residents are allowed inside the casino. You must present a foreign passport to gain entry.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The origin of a casino in Monaco dates back to the mid-19th century when it was built in an area called Les Spelugues which means “The Caves.” When the gaming house struggled financially, it was renamed to Monte Carlo in tribute to Charles III who was the Prince of Monaco from 1856 until 1889. In Italian, he was Carlo III. By 1949, gambling contributed 95% of the country’s revenue.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Above the entrance of the Monte Carlo casino is this seashell pediment and clock but, most notable, are the two bronze sculptures of sprites or fairies that are carrying torches. They were added to the façade in 1906 by architect Arthur Demerié. Sixteen years before, in 1890, electricity had been added to the casino.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You are looking at nearly $400,000 of luxury convertibles parked in front of the Monte Carlo Casino. On the left is a silver 2013 Bentley Continental GT coupe that sells for about $175,000. Next to it is a Ferrari California that goes for just under $200,000 and accelerates from zero to 60 m.p.h. in just under four seconds. Sorry, but all cars under $100,000 must park in back.
Casino Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When Charles III commissioned the Salle Garnier opera house in the mid-1870s, he wanted his own private entrance which is this western façade. The statue in front is Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet, a famous French composer who wrote 35 operas. The primary entrance to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo is through the casino’s marble atrium. It has 28 Corinthian columns made from onyx.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This sculpture of a female fairy, also called a sprite in European folklore, is located at the Prince’s entrance to the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. It was created by French sculptor Henri Louis Cordier and named “Allegory of Dance.” He also created “The Doubt,” one of my favorite outside artworks in Buenos Aires (see photo in my world statue gallery).
Opéra de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Talk about endurance … Raoul Gunsbourg was the opera director of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo for almost sixty years, from 1892 until 1951. Before that, he was self-educated and served in the Russian army and then developed his interest in opera in Moscow before the czar of Russia recommended him to the wife of Prince Albert I of Monaco.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Beaux Arts style of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, which was built in 1879, has an opulent appearance resembling the Parisian opera house. This similarity is not surprising. They were designed by the same architect and decorated by many of the same artisans. Monaco’s opera house is called Salle Garnier while the one in France is Palais Garnier. Both were named in honor of Charles Garnier. On the left is the Hôtel de Paris.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
A close up of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s windows reveals the colorful mosaics above the Corinthian columns and arches. Notice the ancient Greek masks and lyres that represent theater and music. It is hard to imagine that the Salle Garnier took just over eight months to construct. And looking out these windows provides a spectacular view of the Mediterranean.
Opéra de Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Hôtel de Paris is a five-star, luxury hotel in the center of Monaco. Since it opened in 1863, it has welcomed countless royalty, movie stars and dignitaries. This circular tower provides outstanding sea views of the harbor and the Mediterranean. Inside is an elaborate, stunning 19th century décor. The property is managed by the Hermitage and owned by the government.
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Prince Rainier III was known as the “builder prince” because of all the construction he commissioned for the Principality of Monaco during his 56 year reign. One of those projects was expanding the harbor so cruise ships like this one could dock near Port Hercule. The resulting Quai Rainer III was started in 1999 and completed in 2008. The yachts are moored along Jetée Lucciana.
Quai l'Hirondelle Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This bronze sculpture by Giacomo Manzu of a distinguished woman reclined in an oval chair is called “Tebe in Costume.” It was placed along Avenue d’Ostende in 1982 near the Princess Grace Theater. In the background is Port Hercules, the coast of the La Condamine ward and, under her left hand, the Palais Princier on Le Rocher.
12 Avenue d'Ostende, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Avenue D’Ostende is a main traffic artery that runs along the northern edge of Port Hercule. It offers stunning views of The Rock and the Mediterranean. In the left corner is the Hôtel Hermitage which is one of several very elite properties owned by a government group called Société des bains de mer de Monaco. SBM is the country’s largest employer.
15 Avenue d'Ostende, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Hermitage is a five-star, luxury hotel in Monte Carlo, Monaco which opened in 1896. One of the main architects for this spectacular Belle Époque architecture was Gustave Eiffel, the same man who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1889.
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo Square Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This skyline view from Port Hercule demonstrates why Monaco is the world’s most densely populated country. It is also the second smallest with a land mass less than a square mile. In the foreground are two tributes to the United States: the Quai des Etats-Unis and the Avenue Président J.F. Kennedy.
8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In the foreground behind the expensive yachts moored along the Jetée Lucciana is the Auditorium Rainier III. Built on the Pointe Focinane, it was named after the former Prince of Monaco and is home to the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. On the right are landmarks like the Hôtel de Paris and Casino de Monte-Carlo. In the background is Mont Agel which is part of the Maritime Alps mountain range.
8 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Monaco is geographically very small so it is tempting to explore it by foot so you can appreciate all of its nuances like this sentry tower rather than travel between major landmarks using the CAM bus system. But be forewarned: many of the sidewalks are hilly and some seem almost vertical. If you think I am kidding, at the bottom of the staircase in the La Condamine ward that leads to this view has a direction arrow reading, “Défibrillateur 20 mètres.”
Rampe de la Major, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This location began as a fort at the end of the 12th century. 100 years later, it became the palace of the ruling Grimaldi family for over 700 years. After 1814, when the Principality of Monaco was reestablished, the Palais Princier was extensively restored and it still is the monarch’s residence. When Rainier III, who was the Prince of Monaco for nearly 56 years, died in 2005, his son Albert II assumed the reign. He and his two sisters, Caroline and Stéphanie, are the children of Princess Grace. She was the United States actress Grace Kelly. Princess Grace was killed in a car accident in 1982.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco B.P. 518 MC 98015 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
During the 1970’s, a ward of Monaco named Fontvieille was formed below the cliff known as “The Rock” where the Prince’s Palace is located. 42 acres of new land was created for the quarter along Mediterranean, including this marina called Port de Fontvieille. It can accommodate 275 boats and, as you can see, many of them are luxury yachts.
4 Quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Monaco-Ville is the old city of Monaco perched high on a promontory called Le Rocher. It is home to several of the country’s famous landmarks but also has many simple, charming facades like these sherbet-colored buildings.
1 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, Monaco-Ville, Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This small, fort-like, curved building is the courthouse at Monaco-Ville called the Palais de Justice. It was built in 1930 using Italian stones harvested from the sea so if you look closely at the façade you will see small mollusk shells embedded in its gray walls. This neo-Florentine palace is still used by the Monegasque judiciary so tours are not available.
Palace of Justice 5 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1875, Saint Nicholas Cathedral has been the center of Monegasque religious history including the christenings, weddings and burials of the country’s sovereign rulers from the House of Grimaldi. The most famous event at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée was the 1956 “Wedding of the Century” between actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III. It was watched live on TV by about 30 million people.
1A Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The first Saint Nicholas church to be built on “The Rock” was in 1252. It was replaced by the Cathédrale de Monaco in 1875. It is called Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Officially, the name of this Roman Catholic church is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. A secondary patron saint is Saint Benoît. Benedict of Nursia lived in the 6th century and is also a patron saint of Europe and students. Their statues can be seen on either side of the cathedral’s entrance.
1A Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This stunning retable inside the Cathédrale de Monaco was created by Louis Bréa in 1500. The altarpiece displays the images of twenty religious figures, including St. Nicholas in the center as he appeared during the 4th century while the Bishop of Myra, a present day province of Turkey. His feast day is celebrated on December 6 with the tradition of putting coins in children’s shoes.
1A Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This golden mosaic of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child on her lap is in the apse over the high altar of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. She is suspended by four angels and flanked by Saint Peter, who is holding the keys into Heaven, and by the prophet Isaiah. One reference called this beautiful work the “Queenship of Mary.”
1A Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Prince Albert I established the Oceanographic Museum in 1910. It houses numerous sea-related exhibits including fish, ships and maritime sciences displays. Jacques Cousteau, the marine conservationist who became famous through his underwater films and photography, was the director of Musée Océanographique for 31 years until 1988.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The northern façade of the Oceanographic Museum is so ornate that it is hard to soak in all of the details. Of particular interest, however, is the Monégasque coat of arms in the pediment. Flanking the shield are two monks in tribute to François Grimaldi who, while disguised in a Franciscan robe, seized Monaco’s castle in 1297, and thereby became the first ruler of the House of Grimaldi. Monaco’s current royal family are descendants.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When construction began on the Musée Océanographique in 1899, it was called the “Temple of the Sea.” In 1906, Gustave Dussart created several marvelous sculptures with maritime themes on the northern façade. This 26 foot allegory represents “Truth in Science revealing the forces of the World.” The old man resembles an ancient Greek sea deity.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This yellow submarine named Submarine Anorep 1 was built in 1966, the same year that the Beatle’s song was released as a single. It also has a striking appearance to their 1969 album and movie. However, it was actually the first submarine of Jacques Cousteau. It stands in front of the Oceanographic Museum as an eye catching announcement of their Twitter account @OceanoMC.
Musée Océanographique de Monaco Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
One of the wards of Monaco is Monaco-Ville but most people call it “The Rock” because it is a promontory that juts into the Mediterranean. This stone guard tower stands about 460 feet overlooking the Ciappaira Cliffs. Le Rocher has been inhabited since the 6th century BC as a prized defense position.
11 Avenue Saint-Martin 98000 Monaco Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Although the Principality of Monaco is a separate sovereign country, it is bordered on three sides by France and is protected by their military. Monaco is also considered to be the eastern end of the French Rivera. However, most of the Mediterranean coast that is called Côte d’Azur is in France where you’ll find several wonderful resort towns like Nice, Éze, Cannes and Saint-Ràphaël. Photos of all of these cities are available elsewhere on this website. This red rock formation is called Massif de l’Esterel.
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