The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest state in the world after Vatican City, covering just two square kilometres (and what’s more, extremely easy to get around, with 80 public lifts, 37 escalators and 8 moving walkways). It’s a pure distillation of elegance and style, packed with noble palaces, luxury hotels and ultra-glamorous adrenaline-fuelled events (who hasn’t heard of the Monte Carlo Rally?), fabulous gardens and breathtaking seascapes.
OLD MONACO
On a promontory some 800 metres above sea level stands the Principality’s historic quarter, called Le Rocher. It’s home to the Palazzo del Principe – don’t miss the changing of the guard, at 11:55 promptly every day -, the Cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, the St Martin Gardens and the monumental Oceanographic Museum, one of the world’s oldest aquariums with over 6,000 species, immersive experiences and interactive exhibitions.
THE CASINO AND THE GRAND THÉÂTRE DE MONTE CARLO
Designed in the 17th century by Charles Garnier, the architect responsible for the Paris Opera, these buildings are a sumptuous mix of Liberty style and Baroque features. Loved by the international elite and a set for iconic movies like the James Bond film GoldenEye, the Casino, and the Grand Théâtre built to entertain its illustrious patrons, is an unmissable visit, even if you don’t feel like trying your luck.
PORT HERCULE
The hub of social life in the Principality of Monaco, and a classic destination: sip a Martini while marvelling at the incredible yachts that moor here every day.
THE EXOTIC GARDEN AND THE JAPANESE GARDEN
The Principality of Monaco is a miniature green lung, and these are two of its most picturesque parks. The Exotic Garden occupies some 15,000 square metres on a rocky cliff at whose foot lies the Grotta dell’Osservatorio, a prehistoric cave containing stalactites, stalagmites and other formations. The Japanese Garden, meanwhile, is a trweat for lovers of Eastern delights: a typical Japanese park complete with lake, waterlilies, waterfalls, bamboo thickets and Zen corners.
(photos Steve Lussier – Unsplash; Helena Jankovičová Kováčová – Pexels; Nick Karvounis – Unsplash)
