Palais du Prince
The Palais du Prince, perched high above the sea on the scenic peninsula of Le Rocher, is home to the world's oldest monarchy. After capturing the area from the Republic of Genoa in 1297, the Genoese noble line of Grimaldi founded Monaco. The location, which was originally erected as a Genoese fortification in the 13th century, offers panoramic views and served as a defensive position during the Middle Ages. Through the decades, the stronghold was restored and converted into a beautiful Louis-XIV-style mansion.
The Palais du Prince is a private home with public access at certain times of the year. The State Apartments are home to the Hercule Gallery, which features murals from the 16th and 17th centuries; the gilded "Blue Room", which is used for important state functions, the wood-paneled Mazarin Room, and the Empire-style Throne Room, which hosts official ceremonies and banquets. The 17th-century Palatine Chapel, as well as the Main Courtyard, with its enormous 17th-century Carrara marble double stairway, are worth seeing. The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra presents classical music concerts in the main courtyard on Sundays and Thursdays in July and August.
- Location: Place du Palais, Monaco
- Time to visit Palais du Prince: from April to mid-October, every day between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm, except in July and August when it is open from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
