Monaco's current form of government. The most famous princess State symbols of Monaco

From Nice airport to Monaco can be reached by helicopter: there is a line, the flight time is 7 minutes. The flight price is 97.51 euros for adults and 57.51 euros for children. The ticket price includes transportation of guests to any hotel in Monaco. You can book a ticket online on the website of the helicopter line.

On our website in a special section you can read how to get to Nice .

Monaco connected railroad tracks with all the nearby cities of France, with Paris, with many cities in Italy, Spain and Europe, since the mini-state is located on the busy railway line Nice - Menton - Ventimiglia, connecting Italy and France.

The length of the railway track of Monaco is 1700 meters, most of it is removed in underground tunnels. The Monaco railway is operated by a French transport company.

Yes, from Paris Gare de Lyon) Monaco has a lot of train services - trains depart every 2 hours daily, travel time - 6.5-8.5 hours, ticket prices - 112-140 euros.

Regional trains (trains) run from Nice and Cannes to Monaco. From Nice there are 5 flights per hour, travel time - 17-30 minutes, fare - 3.8-5 euros. From Cannes - 2 trains per hour, travel time - 1 hour, ticket price - about 10 euros.

It is also possible to get from Italian cities to Monaco by train: from Milan (Centrale) trains go 1 time in 2 hours (travel time is about 5 hours, ticket price is about 35 euros), from Turin - one train a day (at 8:00 a.m.). 35), travel time 4 hours 35 minutes, ticket price - 11.40 euros.

There are two seaports in Monaco: one in the Bay d'Hercule, almost in the city center in the La Condamine area, the second in the Fontvieille area. Yachts, cruise ships, and other water transport plying along the coast moor in the ports.

Climate and weather in Monaco

The climate in Monaco is subtropical Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and warm winters (the average temperature in July is + 22-23 ° С, in January - + 10-11 ° С). There are up to 300 sunny days a year, and about 60 rainy days. The average annual rainfall in Monaco is 1300 mm, they fall mainly in autumn. The Alpes-Maritimes protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast.

Weather in Monaco by months

Reviews of tourists about Monaco by months

January 4 February 2 March 5

April 2 May 4 June 5

July 7 August 13 September 10

October 4 November 4 December 2

Photos of Monaco

Cities and regions

The geographical boundaries of the city and the Principality of Monaco coincide, but the administration of the city and the Principality is carried out separately. Monaco today includes the merged districts - the cities of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine. The mini-state consists of only one commune (commune) and is divided into 10 districts (quartier).

1. Monaco-Ville is an old city with a princely residence, located on a cliff. There are several significant sights in this area - the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Chapel of Mercy (1639) and the Oceanographic Museum, established by Prince Albert I in 1910.
2. Monte Carlo is the largest district of Monaco, famous for its casinos and resort area. The area also hosts the Monaco Grand Prix Formula 1 circuit.
3. La Condamine is the port and financial center of the Principality of Monaco.
4. Fontvieille is an area built in 1971 on the territory reclaimed from the sea as a result of drainage works. The area is home to the Stade Louis II, the University of Monaco and the heliport.
5. Moneghetti is one of the modern residential areas of the Principality of Monaco.
6. Larvotto (Larvotto or Larvotto Terano) is one of the modern districts of the Principality of Monaco with a population of 5,443 people (as of 2000), famous for its city beach.
7. Saint Roman is another modern residential area in the Principality of Monaco.
8. Saint Michel is also a modern residential area of ​​the Principality of Monaco.
9. La Colle is a residential area of ​​Monaco.
10. Les Revoires is the smallest district of the Principality of Monaco with a population of 2,515 people (as of 2000). In this area is the famous Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique), founded by Prince Albert I.

Sights of Monaco

Prince's Palace

The Prince's Palace is the seat of the ruling Grimaldi family. The palace, located on top of a seaside cliff, was founded as a Genoese fortress in 1215. Throughout its history, the building has been expanded and rebuilt many times. Among the most famous rooms of the palace are the Italian Gallery with frescoes on the mythological subjects of the Genoese masters (XVI century), stretching along the southern facade; Salon Louis XV century. yellow and gold tones; Blue interior, decorated in blue and gold; Salon Mazarin, decorated with colorful wood in the Moorish style; Throne room with a large fireplace where official ceremonies take place; chapel Palatine (XVII century); St. Mary's tower made of white stone.

Cathedral of Monaco

The Cathedral of Monaco, or the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, is the main cathedral of the Principality, built of white stone in 1875 on the site old church Saint Nicholas of the 13th century. The cathedral is active, services are held in it on religious holidays and on November 19 on the Day of the Prince (Jour du Prince), which is considered the National Day of Monaco.

Mercy Chapel

Mercy Chapel is a small church built in 1635 in the old town, on City Hall Square. Initially, it was a gathering place for the Brotherhood of Penitents, chaired by Prince Honore II. This charitable association provided assistance and support to the sick, the poor, and prisoners.

Church of Saint Devota

Saint Devota Church is a temple dedicated to the patron saint of the Principality of Monaco. The church was built in the 11th century not far from the place where the ship with the body of the Christian martyr Devota from Corsica sank in the 4th century. The church was restored and enlarged in 1870.

Palace of Justice

The Palace of Justice is a remarkable building in Monaco. The palace began to be built in 1924 on the initiative of Prince Louis II, and was solemnly opened only on May 1, 1930. The palace was built from gray sea tufa, porous stone interspersed with small pebbles and shells.

Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium

The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is the most famous museum of Monaco, the scientific and cultural center of the country. It was founded in 1899 by Prince Albert I. The museum is housed in a monumental building built in 1910 by the architect Delefortri on an almost sheer cliff at a height of more than 80 meters. The museum's collection, which was founded by Prince Albert I, contains samples of marine flora, stuffed animals and skeletons of marine animals, including a twenty-meter whale skeleton, as well as a variety of products from "seafood". The aquariums located in the underground floor brought the greatest fame to the museum. The collection of aquariums includes more than 200 species of exotic and Mediterranean inhabitants of the waters.

The Princely Collection of Vintage Cars

The princely collection of vintage cars contains about a hundred exhibits - rare classic cars from Europe and America. The collection includes models such as the 1903 De Dion Bouton, 1986 Lamborghini Countach, 1929 Bugatti, 1952 Rolls Royce, 1924 Ford T, 1928 Hispano Suiza. automotive history XX century.

Napoleon Museum and the collection of the historical archive of the Prince's Palace

The Napoleon Museum and the Collection of the Historical Archive of the Prince's Palace is a collection located in the south wing of the Prince's Palace, consisting of more than 1,000 objects and documents relating to the period of the First Empire. The collection contains personal belongings of Napoleon, including those brought from St. Helena. On the second floor of the building there is a collection that tells about the history of the Principality of Monaco.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum of Monaco is a grandiose collection of models of various ships. The exposition of the museum acquaints visitors with the history of the development of shipbuilding. The museum's collection contains about 180 models of famous sea vessels from transatlantic liners and scientific floating laboratories to military vessels.

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology is a collection founded by Prince Albert I c. 1902. The museum introduces visitors to milestones the history of the emergence and formation of man. The museum collection contains archaeological finds made in the immediate vicinity of Monaco, dating from the period from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens including Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons.

exotic gardens

Exotic Gardens is one of the main landscape attractions of Monaco, founded in 1933. The gardens are located on a mountain slope, they grow several thousand species of tropical plants, which, thanks to the local microclimate, bloom wildly at any time of the year. At the foot of the cliff there is an entrance to a deep grotto with stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations, with skillful illumination.

Alley of sculptures

At the initiative of the current Prince of Monaco, for several years now, the Principality has been acquiring sculptural works by world-famous masters. In the Fenvieu area, a special alley has been created along which these sculptures are exhibited, available to the general public. In addition, the sculptures of many contemporary authors from this collection are scattered throughout the city, they adorn the streets and gardens of Monaco.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Transport

Shops and markets

Things to do

Casino

The Principality of Monaco is famous for its gambling houses, which to this day gather real European nobility in their halls. But, despite the abundance of the powerful of this world, the richest people planets and even representatives of the royal families, mere mortals are allowed to enter, you just need to follow the dress code. Listed below are the most iconic casinos in Monaco, follow the links below to find out more detailed information(description, history, types of gaming tables, entrance fee, photos, location on the map, address, and so on).

Formula I

Transport in Monaco

Buses

Public transport in Monaco is represented by bus routes running from 6:00-7:00 to 21:00 with an interval of 5 minutes to an hour. In total, there are 143 bus stops in Monaco. All routes converge at Place d'Armes. Monaco city buses connect only areas of tourist attractions.

Main routes:

• No. 1 - Monaco-Ville (Monaco-Ville) - Monte Carlo (Monte-Carlo) - Saint Roman (Saint Roman);
• No. 2 - Monaco-Ville - Monte-Carlo - Exotic Garden;
• No. 4 - Arms Square (Place d'Armes) - Railway station (Railway station) - Monte Carlo (Monte-Carlo) - Saint Roman (Saint Roman);
• No. 5 - Railway station (Railway station) - Fontvieille (Fontvieille) - Hospital (Hospital);
• No. 6 - Larvotto beaches - Fontvieille.

A Monaco city bus ride costs 1.4 euros, a ticket for the whole day costs 3.4 euros.

Escalators

Another type of public transport in Monaco is free escalators that take pedestrians to the streets above. In total, there are 7 escalators in the principality.

Taxi

Taxis are available from the Place de la Casino, the train station, Avenue Princesse Grace, Fontvieille, the Hotel Metropol, Place de Molines and Monte Carlo Post Office. The fare is about 1.2 euros per kilometer, after 22:00 the fare increases by 25%. The main taxi company of Monaco is.

tourist transport

Tourist transport in Monaco is represented by a train with red carriages of the company. The train departs from the Museum of Oceanography and in half an hour travels around all the iconic sights of Monaco. Audio guide available in 12 languages ​​(French, English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek).

• The operating time of the train is from January 31 to November 15.
• Ticket price - 8 euros for adults, 4 euros for children.

Rent a Car

To rent a car in Monaco, the driver will need a license (on the territory of Monaco, all valid international and national rights are valid) and a credit card. Representative offices of most of the largest international rental companies operate in the principality.

On the roads of Monaco, a speed limit of 50 km/h is set (up to 80 km/h in some places). In Monaco-Ville, traffic is limited on most streets, some streets are generally exclusively pedestrian areas. Only cars with license plates of Monaco or the French department of Alpes-Maritimes are allowed to enter Monaco-Ville. The total length of the country's highways is 50 km.

Water transport

Monaco's water transport is located in two seaports: in the port of Hercule in the La Condamine region and in the port of Fontvieille. In the port of Hercule there is a water bus connecting the southern and northern part port. A water taxi service is also developed.
In the ports of Monaco it is possible to rent a yacht (with a skipper or for self-driving). Yacht charter available on

Place du Casino and Avenue des Beaux-Artes, as well as their surroundings, are the focus of boutiques of world-famous designers (Gucci, Hermes, Prada, Valentino, etc.), famous jewelry brands (Cartier, Bulgari, Repossi, etc.) .p.) and antiques. On the boulevard des Moulins you can find less expensive goods traditionally High Quality. Other famous shopping spots are rue Grimaldi and rue Caroline.
Remember that when buying luxury goods in Monaco, you are exempt from paying VAT (10%).

Monaco has several shopping centers with shops, boutiques and food supermarkets under one roof.

So, one of the most popular is Fontvieille Shopping Center. It unites 36 stores of clothing and footwear, accessories, cosmetics and perfumes, electronics, and furniture. There is also a Carrefour hypermarket, McDonalds, and other cafes and restaurants.

One more shopping center- luxury with 80 stores, open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:30 in building number 17 on Avenue des Spélugues.

Economy

Security

The crime rate in Monaco is zero. This is due, first of all, social status its inhabitants, as well as the fact that the country has one of the most powerful and extensive police surveillance systems in the world. Policemen in uniform and in civilian clothes watch residents and tourists everywhere and everywhere, they have the right to inspect suspicious objects and cars, check documents, telephone bills, hotel rooms and dwellings, and security cameras are installed here in the literal sense on every tree and pole .

Tourists traveling to Monaco should have an insurance policy, since medicine in the country is paid and very expensive, first aid will be provided to everyone without exception and free of charge, but all subsequent actions of doctors will be very expensive.

The Principality of Monaco occupies a very small area on the world map.

It will take a little over an hour to walk around it.

But this did not prevent the country from becoming known to the whole planet.

In contact with

Where is Monaco located on the world map

Monaco on the world map is located in the south of Europe. The map shows well that the state has a common border with France. Italy is very close. The shores of Monaco are washed by the Ligurian Sea, the length of the coastline is only 4 kilometers. On the seashore there are limestone mountains, which are part of the Alps, which protect the country from sea winds.

Monaco is one of the smallest countries on the world map

Brief information about Monaco

Having dealt with the location of Monaco on the political map of the world, let's talk about the kingdom itself. There are four small commune cities in Monaco: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille. The capital of the principality bears the same name with the country.

Monaco has a constitutional monarchy. The prince, who is the head of state, passes the throne by inheritance. Since 1297, the Grimaldi dynasty has been ruling, numbering more than seven centuries - the country has been celebrating its independence for exactly the same number of years.

Coat of arms of Monaco

In 1949, Rainier III ascended the throne, after his death, Albert II inherited power. If it happens that the prince does not have heirs, then the state will pass under the protectorate of France.

Legislative functions are performed by the prince and the parliament (National Council), elected for five years. The executive function belongs to the Government Council, headed by Minister of State, who is a French citizen and is appointed for three years. The Council meets at least twice a year as needed. The prince is directly involved in the work of the council.

Monaco has its own police force. The judiciary is governed by French law. The official language is also French.

There is no army in the state, but there is a royal guard. The external defense is provided by the French army.

The native inhabitants, the Monegasques, are the result of a mixture of French and Italians. Monegasques do not pay taxes and can settle in the old city. It is important that only a Monegasque born in Monaco can be a Member of Parliament. Despite the fact that obtaining citizenship in Monaco is not easy, most of the population is represented by foreigners, mainly French and Italians.

Tourists need to know: there is no representative office of Monaco in Russia.

The life of Monaco is closely connected with France. And there is nothing surprising in the fact that Russian tourists also issue visas through the French representation.

Monetary unit in Monaco is EUR. Here you can use credit cards of world financial systems. Exchange points will allow you to easily make currency exchange transactions.

The state religion of the Principality is Catholicism. Other representatives, Protestants and Orthodox, are free in their religion. Judaism and Islam can exist.

The climate is favorable: warm winters, sunny summers, little precipitation throughout the year.

Popular resorts

The convenient location of Monaco on the seashore contributed to the emergence of resort areas.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is known for its gambling house, but there are also magnificent Terme, founded in the 19th century. swimming society.

The huge four-story center overlooking the sea offers wellness treatments, which have no analogues in Europe.

37 treatment rooms, aqua fitness, swimming pool, gym, health food restaurant and beauty salon are housed in a modern building.

The Monte-Carlo Sporting Club boasts technologies that can accurately diagnose various diseases.

The Jacques Dessange Center offers massages with aromatic oils and colored clay, skin care programs.

famous landmarks

The small territory of the principality boasts a huge number of attractions. Let's start with the fact that the principality itself is a real world landmark.

Monaco-Ville is the old part of the city. One of the sights is the 19th century Cathedral.

This is an architectural monument of neo-Romanesque style, the walls are decorated with canvases by Louis Brea. Organ concerts are held in the cathedral. Here rests the princely couple René III and his beloved wife Grace.

The princely palace, erected on top of a rock, is still the residence of the Grimaldi princes today.

The standard of the monarch testifies to the presence of the prince in it. On the square are cannons from the time of Louis XIV. At 11:55 the guard changes. This tradition is many years old, but even today it attracts many spectators.

A theater settled on the site of the ancient fortress, this happened after the destruction of 1944. In memory of those events, military paraphernalia was preserved here, which gives the place a special flavor.

Gardens of Saint Martin

The gardens of Saint Martin, the Chapelle de la Misericord, the wooden statue of Christ are also worthy of attention.

A masterpiece of modern architecture is an oceanarium. It is over 100 years old, its location on a steep cliff is delightful.

The museum is famous for its aquarium, which contains water from 90 seas. It is interesting that corals live here, which usually do not tolerate artificial reservoirs.

Note: Jacques Yves Cousteau has been in charge of the museum since 1958 for 30 years, and his bathyscaphe stands in front of the building.

The museum has several floors containing many maritime exhibits. On the minus floor live marine life.

It is worth visiting the Napoleon Museum and the Historical Archive of the Prince's Palace, where there are exhibits related to Russian history.

Fontvieille is the youngest city of Monaco, located on the territory that the townspeople reclaimed from the sea. It is considered an industrial city, but there is something to see here. The landscape park occupies an area of ​​4 hectares and has collected in one place five thousand plants brought from different parts of the world.

The most romantic place in it is the Princess Grace Rose Garden. René III dedicated a flower garden to his untimely deceased wife.

The attention of tourists is attracted by the zoo, located on the slope of the mountain on the south side. Here you can take a walk with children and watch the life of tropical animals.

In the Museum of Antique Cars you can see 100 models from different times. There are even several carriages of the Monegasque prince here.

The monarch has been collecting vehicles for over 30 years. The collection is housed in a room overlooking the port of Fontvieille. It hosts ceremonial events and work meetings when there are no visitors.

The Maritime Museum introduces the history of shipbuilding. About 180 models of water transport are collected here. The museum is open seven days a week.

The Museum of Philately and Numismatics tells the story of the Monegasque post. Stamps and documents from the 19th - 21st centuries are on display. The collection was assembled by the British pastor Barbier.

The Heli Air Monaco heliport links Monaco with France by air.

Those who wish can enjoy the views of Monaco from above. The helicopter ride lasts 10 minutes, but it will be an unforgettable and exciting experience.

Fontvieille is home to the famous Sculpture Road, where any passer-by can join the art.

About a hundred sculptures of famous masters are collected here.

Condamine is known as a business center and the most populous place in the country. The history of the state began with him.

The main attraction is the Church of St. Devota (XI century).

According to legend, the ship with the body of Devota was wrecked in these places, and now on January 26, events dedicated to this event are held here, and the model of the ship is burned.

You love vacation at sea?

You love trips ?

Would you like to do it more often ?

And you know that whilecan you earn more?

Your extra income 10,000 - 50,000 rubles per month working at the same time as a regional representative In your city You can start working without any experience...

… or just help your friends and acquaintances to choose profitable last minute tours online and save up for your vacation...

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Monaco

Description

Monaco is the smallest state in the world (after the Vatican), which can be crossed on foot in just a few hours, but despite its small size, it has gained worldwide fame. Monaco is a state located in southern Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, near the border of France and Italy.

Geography

The area of ​​the country is 2.02 km² (which is almost half the area of Central Park in New York). The length of the coastline is 4.1 km, the length of land borders is 4.4 km. Over the past 20 years, the country's territory has increased by almost 40 hectares due to the drainage of marine areas. The relief is hilly, quite solo dissected. The highest point of the country is the Mont-Agel rock (140 m).

Time

Behind the Moscow for two hours.

Climate

The climate in the state is Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters (average temperatures 10-12 degrees) and hot, dry summers (average temperatures 28-30 degrees). The vast majority of precipitation falls in autumn and winter. In general terms, the climate is similar to the southern coast of France. Thanks to the enclosing action of the Alps, the weather is constantly (over 300 days a year) here. Cold weather, and even more so - frosts, are extremely rare even in winter and the temperature usually does not fall below -3 C. Rains fall mainly in the autumn-winter season. The maximum falls on January-February (no more than 600 mm of precipitation per year).

Language

The official language is French, the spoken language is the so-called "Monegasque" dialect ("a mixture" of French and Italian), many people also speak English and Italian. The traditional Monegasque dialect is currently taught in the Principality's secondary schools, but it is generally spoken by older people.

Religion

Majority local population professes Catholicism (90%), Monaco even has its own Catholic bishop), the Protestant (Anglican) church is also common.

The official religion is Catholicism. However, Monaco's constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Monaco has 5 Catholic parish churches and one cathedral, which houses the cathedra of the Archbishop of Monaco. The diocese, which existed since the middle of the nineteenth century, was transformed into the diocese of the archbishop in 1981. Monaco has one Anglican church (St. Paul's Church) located in Monte Carlo. In 2007, there were 135 parishioners who are citizens of Monaco. However, the church serves a larger number of parishioners, mostly tourists. The church also has a library with more than 3,000 copies of books on English language. The Cultural Israeli Organization of Monaco (founded in 1948) includes a synagogue, a Jewish school and a kosher grocery store located in Monte Carlo. The community (about 1500 members) mainly consists of Jews of retirement age from Britain (40%) and North America.

Population

As of 2006, the population of Monaco is 35,656 people.

French - 47%

Monegasques - 16%

Italians - 16%

others - 21%. This large category includes representatives of 125 nationalities.

In terms of population density (16,253 people per 1 sq. km), Monaco ranks first in the world. Monaco is characterized by a high life expectancy of the population: approx. 75 years for men and 83 years for women (calculated for 2000) and a large proportion of residents over 65 (23%). Children and adolescents under 15 years old make up 15%, and the age group from 15 to 65 years old - 62%.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V., 50 Hz. Sockets are standard European.

Emergency Phones

There is no Russian Embassy in Monaco, the nearest consulate is located in Marseille.

Marseille, 8, Rue Ambrois Pare, F-13008

Phone: 33-91-771-525

Fax: 33-91-773-454

Department of Tourism and Congresses of Monaco - 92-166-116, 92-166-000

Airport Information - 0836-695-555

Information about lost things - 93-153-015

Police - 17 or 93-153-015

Urgent Medical Assistance - 93-259-869

Fire Department and Paramedic Service - 18 or 93-301-945

Connection

Monaco is one of the European leaders in the field of telecommunications. The communication system is integrated into the French system. A local conversation costs about 20 cents. From most phone booths, you can only make calls using phone cards, which are sold at post offices, newsstands, or tobacco shops. Automatic international telephone communications It is possible from any public pay phone and is carried out according to the scheme: 19 (outgoing code of Monaco) - country code - city code - subscriber number. The "incoming" code of Monaco is 33 (when calling from France, you do not need to dial it). A call from a hotel is much more expensive than from a street phone. On weekdays from 22.30 to 8.00, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 14.00, the tariffs for calls are half as much. Telephone call centers and telegraph offices are open from 08.00 to 21.00 daily.

cellular

Roaming according to GSM 900/1800 standards is available to Beeline and Megafon subscribers. MTS subscribers will have to use Thuraya satellite communications.

Currency exchange

The official currency of Monaco is the euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 euros and coins of 1 and 2 euros and 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Foreign currency can be changed at hotels or banks. Traveler's checks can also be exchanged at banks, checks in US dollars, euros and pounds sterling are exchanged without commission.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. The bank near the Casino in Monte Carlo is open daily and even on public holidays from 12:00 to 23:00.

Visa

Entry of Russian citizens to Monaco is carried out on a visa basis.

To cross the border, you must have a visa (national French or Schengen), obtained on the basis of an invitation at the Consular Section of the French Embassy (there is no representation of Monaco in the Russian Federation). You also need a passport (must be valid for 4 months from the date of arrival in the principality), round-trip air tickets and insurance for at least $30,000. Only a single entry visa is issued for tourist and private invitations, but a multivisa can be issued for a service invitation.

A consular fee is charged, the amount of which depends on the type of visa (tourist, private or business). The usual time for processing documents at the embassy is up to 2 weeks.

Children traveling with one of the parents must have a copy of the birth certificate and a power of attorney from the other parent to leave the child (in Russian and French), certified by a notary.

Customs regulations

Import and export of euro and foreign exchange is not limited. You can import up to 200 items duty-free. cigarettes (or cigarillos - 100 pcs., or cigars - 50 pcs., or tobacco - 250 gr), up to 0.5 kg of coffee beans, up to 50 g of perfume, up to 250 ml of toilet water, as well as personal items and things .

When entering from the territory of the EU Member States, persons over the age of 17 are allowed to import duty-free up to 10 liters of strong alcoholic beverages(alcohol content over 22%) or 20 liters of fortified wine, or 90 liters of table wine (but not more than 60 liters sparkling wine), or 110 liters of beer.

It is also allowed to import certain foodstuffs (caviar - up to 250 g, fish and seafood - up to 2 kg, products plant origin- up to 5 kg, products of animal origin - up to 1 kg), however, they do not fall under the duty-free category, and the customs officer makes a decision regarding them. Expiry date labeling is a must!

It is prohibited to import drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, firearms and ammunition, explosives (including fireworks), knives (including switchblades), pornography, certain food products, meat and meat products from African countries, plants, flowers, animals and birds, as well as haberdashery and souvenirs made from endangered species of plants and animals.

Plants, animals and plant products must be presented to quarantine officials. Pets must have a certificate of vaccination, as well as a medical certificate for French issued no earlier than 10 days before departure. It is forbidden to import dogs of fighting breeds (Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull, Mastiff, etc.), puppies and kittens less than 3 months old, as well as parrots and other small birds (for permitted species, a veterinary certificate is required, issued no earlier than 10 days before departure ).

When importing medicines for personal use, no permit is required, but for many medicines it is necessary to have a prescription issued by a doctor and certified by a notary.

It is forbidden to export objects and things of historical or artistic value.

Holidays and non-working days

November 19- National holiday, birthday of His Serene Highness the Prince (le jour de la Fête de S.A.S. le Prince Souverain)

Monaco is famous for the abundance of various exhibitions, competitions and festivals of European and world level held here. In January, the International Circus Festival and the Monte Carlo rally are held. In February is held International Festival television and the European Salon of multimedia creativity Imagina.

In March - Festival of magicians "Magic-Awards" and the colorful Opening of the opera season. April is the most "holiday" month of the country. During this period, the Rose Ball, the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, the Open International Tennis Championship, the Festival of Contemporary Sculpture, the International Dog Show of Rare Breeds, etc. are held. In May, Formula 1 Grand Prix races are held (sometimes transferred to beginning of May), the World Music Festival and the International Floriculture Competition.

In June, the International Swimming Championship and the International Helicopter Show are interesting. The International Fireworks Festival in the Natural Amphitheater of Monaco Harbor and the charity show of the Monaco Red Cross Organization take place in July. September attracts with the "September Rendezvous" regatta and the "Grand Prix of the Monaco Athletic Federation". In October, the International Fair in Monaco and the European Championship of Radio Controlled Ship Models take place, and in December, the opening of the ballet season and many other shows.

Transport

Public transport in Monaco is represented by five bus routes running at ten-minute intervals from 7.00 to 21.00. All routes converge on Place d "Armes.

A bus ticket costs 1.4 euros, a ticket for four trips costs 3.4 euros, a ticket for eight trips costs 5.45 euros. A day pass costs 3.4 euros.

For tourists, a train with trailers travels around the entire principality in half an hour. They just call it the train. Train passengers can listen to explanations in several languages. The fare in it costs 6 euros, it runs daily, except for a few cold months. The break falls on the interval from November 15 to January 31, with the exception of five days before the New Year.

Another form of urban transport is free escalators that take pedestrians up the streets above. In total, seven escalators operate in the principality.

Taxis are available at Place de la Casino, Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station, Avenue Princesse-Grace, Fontvieille, Metropole, Place des Molines and Monte-Carlo Post Office. The fare is about 1.2 euros per kilometer, after 22.00 the fare increases by 25%.

However, given the miniature size of Monaco, it is unlikely that a tourist will need to use a taxi. The longest walk that can be done in Monaco is at least half an hour along the embankment from the Prince's Palace to the numerous casinos in Monte Carlo. As a rule, a taxi can be relevant when traveling from Monaco to Nice airport, if for one reason or another the tourist does not have the opportunity (or desire) to use frequent and inexpensive trains and buses.

Tips

Tips are usually included in the bill.

The shops

In Monaco, like any other major tourist city, you can buy everything, there would be money. But only in Monaco you can buy rare beauty ceramics, crystals, perfumes, candied fruit and delicious chocolate.

Place du Casino, Avenue des Beaux-Artes and Metropole Shopping Center are filled with the biggest names in boutiques. World jewelry manufacturers, luxury shops, antiques, designer houses - in Casino Square and the surrounding area. At the Boulevard des Moulins you will find less expensive products of traditionally high quality.

Also famous places for shopping - rue Grimaldi and rue Caroline, where you will find a huge selection for the most demanding taste. If you buy luxury items, you are exempt from paying VAT (10%).

Shops in Monaco are open daily, except Sunday, from 9:00 to 19:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00.

National cuisine

The favorite food of the Monegasques is vegetables and root vegetables, cheeses, steak with fried potatoes, stews with sauces, snails, fish dishes. Residents drink a lot of wine and coffee.

Monaco restaurants offer the most intricate dishes of French and Italian cuisines, and the local cuisine was formed under the influence of culinary preferences. southern regions France and Italian culinary traditions. The most popular in Monaco are fried tortillas filled with seasoned cheese, "barbayuan", dessert "fougasse" (orange cakes decorated with nuts, almonds and anise seeds), thin pancakes "socca" and dried cod cooked in tomato sauce, "stocaf" .

Attractions

MONACO-VILLE- the oldest part of the country, where ancient buildings are located. It is located at an altitude of 60 m above sea level. Here is the most important cathedral of Monaco - the Cathedral, which was built in 1875 of white stone in the neo-Romanesque style. Inside, the Cathedral is decorated with paintings by the painter Louis Brea, and during worship, the sounds of the organ, which was installed in 1976, are heard from the Cathedral. In the Cathedral, the princes of Monaco and members of their families are escorted on their "last journey".

At the top of the city cliff stands Prince's Palace. It is the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family. The palace was built on the site of a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. In front of the Palace is Palace Square, where the changing of the guard of honor takes place daily. It is surrounded by cannons cast in the era of Louis XIV. On the northeastern part of the cliff stands the 18th century fortress of Fort Antoine. Today it is used as an open-air theater that can accommodate 350 spectators.

On the City Hall Square there is a chapel "Mercy of God". It was built in 1635 for the meetings of the Brotherhood of Penitent Sinners. Inside the chapel is a wooden sculpture of Christ, which was sculpted by the Monegasque Francis-Joseph Bosio (sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I). In Monaco-Ville, you can go for a walk in the Gardens of Saint Martin. Pine trees, agaves and aloe grow here, among which there are fountains and statues, as well as a monument to Prince Albert I.

There are many museums in the Old City. The Museum of Napoleon and the Historical Archive of the Prince's Palace on Palace Square has placed more than a thousand items and documents related to the Empire of Napoleon I, personal belongings of the emperor, items belonging to the Russian Emperor Alexander II, as well as an exposition of the history of Monaco, where you can see the collection postage stamps and coins of the Principality. The Museum of Old Monaco is interesting with a unique historical collection of paintings, books, ceramics, old photographs, costumes and household items. Museum wax figures, dedicated to the history of the Grimaldi dynasty, tells about famous personalities of this kind from the end of the 13th century to the present day.

On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, on a sheer cliff, there is the Oceanographic Museum. It was founded in 1910 as a scientific and cultural center. Here are collected collections of marine flora specimens, stuffed animals and skeletons of marine animals. In the underground part of the museum there is an Aquarium with a volume of 400 cubic meters. meters, where a variety of inhabitants of the seabed live.

Area MONTE CARLO called European Las Vegas. There are casinos and nightclubs, bars and restaurants. In Monte Carlo, life does not stop even at night. The center of the district is the Golden Square, where the oldest gambling establishment in Europe, Monte Carlo Casino, is located. The first building of the Casino was built in 1878 by Charles Garanier, and the current one - in 1910. The atrium of the building is lined with marble and surrounded by 28 onyx columns. The casino consists of a gallery of gambling halls - a hall in the Renaissance style, a European hall, a White hall, an American games hall, a Graces salon, as well as two halls for privileged visitors. All rooms are decorated with paintings, sculptures and bronze lamps. The Casino has a Cabaret and an Opera House (Sale Garnier), which is considered the most beautiful of all the halls of the Casino. The Garagne Hall is decorated with gold ornaments, bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. Exquisite balls are held here and prestigious concerts are given. The facade of the Casino overlooks the sea, it is bordered by terraces and a park. The park gradually rises to the mountains. The park has ponds, flower beds and lawns.

In addition to the Casino building, the Church of St. Charles stands out in the architecture of Monte Carlo. It was built in 1883 in the Renaissance style. The building of the church is crowned with a 30-meter bell tower, and inside it is decorated with colored stained-glass windows and a chic chandelier from the Prince's Palace.

Very handsome Monte Carlo Japanese Garden on the seashore, the area of ​​which is 7000 sq. The garden was planned in the best traditions of Japanese landscape parks, and bamboo fences, a tea house, stone lanterns, tiles and wooden gates were brought directly from Japan.

Must visit National Museum dolls. It is located in a luxurious villa surrounded by a park. The museum's collection includes dolls dressed in costumes from different eras, they are displayed in showcases with miniature furniture.

IN LA CONDAMINE the port of Monaco is located. This area is considered the business center of the principality. The main attraction of La Condamine is the Church of Saint Devota (patron saint of the country). It was built in the 11th century. Every year on January 26, a model ship is burned in the square in front of the church, which, according to legend, sank off the coast of Monaco with the body of Devota. Princess Caroline Walking Street is full of shops, cafés and restaurants. Orange trees are planted in two rows on the street, it leads to the city market. The market was opened in 1880, now it is a covered building with trading pavilions. On the mountain slope of La Condamine there is an exotic Jardin Exotic park. Here are collected 7 thousand species of cacti and several thousand species of tropical plants. At the foot of the slope is the entrance to a deep grotto with illumination, stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations.

Also of interest in La Condamine is the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, which has been operating since 1902. It contains exhibits found during local archaeological excavations.

The FONVILLE area was built on the territory "conquered" (due to drainage) from the sea. Here is the Commercial Center with the Museum of Vintage Cars of Prince Rainier III, where more than 100 cars are exhibited. The Landscape Park (area - 4 hectares) with a collection of various plants and the Rosary of Princess Grace (wife of Prince Rainier III) is very beautiful. In the Rose Garden you can see more than 5000 rose bushes, of which 150 species are unique varieties.

On the southern slope of Mount Agel, there is a zoo where representatives of tropical and African fauna live. There is a Maritime Museum in Fontville, where an exposition of 180 copies of famous sea vessels is opened, which tells about the history of shipbuilding. Fontville is also home to the Principality's largest stadium, the Prince Louis II Stadium. This sports complex is designed for 20,000 seats. There is an Olympic-class underground swimming pool.

Excursions are organized from Monaco to such French cities as Nice, Cannes, Marseille. Entry into France from the territory of Monaco is free.

Resorts

Paradoxically, Monaco is not a beach resort. The local beaches are very narrow and pebbly. On the other hand, the balneological complex Le Monte Carlo-Sporting Club is considered unique in terms of the quality of service and equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. No less popular is the Marine Thermae complex, which has the only cardio-training center in Europe, hydrotherapy and relaxation rooms.

Monte Carlo, the capital of the gambling business, located in the eastern part of the Principality, also brought fame to Monaco. The city got its name thanks to King Charles III, who founded the city in 1866. Celebrities from all over the world come to Monte Carlo for the unique sensations that can only be obtained here. In Monaco and Monte Carlo, time passes unnoticed. During the day - the beach, museums, shops. In the evening - performances and restaurants, at night - colorful shows and casinos.

As the world's premier resort, Monte Carlo attracts tourists from all over the world not only with its exciting and risky nightlife, but also with unforgettable hours in the "temple of relaxation, beauty and health" - the famous Terme Monte-Carlo. Here you will be helped to put yourself in order, relax, fix your hair and manicure, learn proper nutrition, cleanse the body of toxins and improve health.

Some of the most popular casinos in the world, Formula 1 Grand Prix, various boutiques of the best and most expensive fashion houses, a beautiful coastline with amazing views, luxury hotels, expensive yachts, nightlife for every taste, beautiful and rich people - all this is in Monaco . Monaco, or rather, the Principality of Monaco, is one of the smallest countries in the world, such countries are also called dwarf countries. It is located in the south of Europe on the coast of the most beautiful Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by France from almost all sides.

Where is Monaco on the map

This state is very difficult to find on the map, as it is very small and is depicted with just a small dot. The entire territory of the country is rocky relief coast. Cape Mont Agel is the highest point, it protrudes directly into the sea.

It is noteworthy that the area of ​​the state is almost three times smaller than Sokolniki Park in Moscow, it is only 2.02 km². The territory of the country over the past decades has increased by 40 hectares due to the drainage of the Mediterranean Sea. The principality itself consists of three communes or administrative districts: Monaco, La Condamine, Monte Carlo. The official capital of the country is the city of Monaco, where about 1.3 thousand people now live. But, despite its small size, the state attracts success and money.

The state has rather scarce natural resources, the country does not have its own agriculture. The state has a typical Mediterranean flora, dwarf palm trees, jasmine, cedar, juniper, boxwood grow there. In the forests you can find laurel, and in the mountains you can find viburnum and maquis. Of the crops that can be eaten here, you can find pistachios, almonds, grapes, figs, as well as bananas, lemons, oranges and even persimmons.

There are practically no large animals left in the principality, most of all here are small mammals, for example, rodents, bats and hedgehogs. A wide variety of insects are often found. Please note that there are not very many fish and other marine inhabitants here.

The coastline is 4.1 km. Often, the authorities of the country drain the territory of the sea in order to build expensive resorts and houses on this place.

The climate in Monaco consists of warm and dry summers, while winters are rainy and mild. In winter, the state is protected from the northern cool winds, and in summer a light breeze refreshes the hot air, all this is due to the successful location of the country. In winter, about 10–12 degrees, and in summer 20–25. There are many sunny days a year - 300, and only 60 rainy days, most often precipitation falls in autumn. The best time to visit Monaco are the months from May to September. Average water temperature:

• May - +17;
• June - +20;
• July - +23;
• August - +23;
• September - +22.

In the rest of the months it is already cool to swim. Monaco has the same climate as on the coast of the south of France.

How to get to Monaco?

Most often, they get to Monaco in the following way. First, they fly to Nice with a direct flight, and from there you can go by bus, which will take about 40 minutes, and by train or car, the journey will take about half an hour. You can fly to Paris, and from there it is already 950 km to the principality. By the way, the flight to Paris or Nice will take only about 4 hours.

It should be remembered that the state is part of the European Union, therefore a Schengen visa is required to visit the country.

Population of Monaco

It is noteworthy that at population 37 thousand people(data for 2014), there are very few real Monegasques, as the citizens of Monaco are called, about 6 thousand. They do not have to pay taxes and can live in the old city. In terms of population density, this country occupies one of the first places in the world. The population is slightly dominated by women.

Among the national composition of the country are:

• French people;
• Monegasques;
• Italians;
• British;
• the rest (this includes representatives of about 125 nationalities).

Many people from other countries and even continents come here because of preferential tax regime and beautiful life on the coast.

Monaco: its features, religion, language and culture

The history of the state begins when Francesco Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, fraudulently entered the Genoese fortress, and at night secretly opened the gate to his supporters, who, in turn, entered this fortress and captured it. Ever since then Grimaldi is still the ruling dynasty, and the coat of arms of the family is a knight in a cassock.

Over the long years of existence, the principality lost and regained its independence. And thanks to Charles III, the state gained independence from France in 1848. Casinos and many hotels were opened here, which ensured the success and popularity of the country, because at that time in many states gambling were banned. And from then until today the richest and most famous people come to Monaco.

Features of the state

In Monaco, the prince is the head of state. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy, the state structure is regulated by the constitution, which was introduced in 1962. This state is one of the few modern world where the real power and powers of the crowned person belong to one person. The power of the prince is not limited by anything or anyone, although the constitution speaks of the principle of separation of powers.

The Grimaldi family has been ruling in this state for 700 years now, the current prince is Albert II, the son of Rainier III, who ascended the throne in 1949, who was married to Hollywood celebrity Grace Kelly. The wife of Albert II - Charlene Lynette Wittstock, Olympic champion in swimming, she herself is from South Africa. The couple's wedding took place in 2011. The Principality of Monaco is waiting for an heir who will subsequently lead the country.

The Principality is under the protectorate of France, and thus, it acts according to its interests. External and domestic politics directly and inextricably linked with France.

As for the armed forces in the principality, everyone knows that there are very few people under arms there (82 people), while the military band has 85 people.

The majority of the country's population are Catholics. Protestants (about 1.2 thousand people) opened their first parish in 1925. Also in Monaco there is a Greek Orthodox community, which has about 125 parishioners. There are also representatives of Judaism and Islam in Monaco, but there are few representatives of these religions. And about 4 thousand inhabitants are non-religious.

The official language in Monaco is French. Italian and English are also widely spoken.

The country's economy is developing due to tourism, as well as gambling business. It has very low unemployment, around 3%, and very low taxes and banking secrecy attracting multi-million dollar fortunes from abroad.

Sights and famous places of Monaco

The main attraction of Monaco, of course, is casino in Monte Carlo, which operates every day and around the clock, after its construction, the country has become so popular. It has been featured in several James Bond films, however photography is strictly prohibited there.

A very striking attraction is Palace Square where an honorary changing of the guard takes place every day at noon. It is here that for 700 years the residence of all the kings of Monaco has been located, ceremonial receptions take place here.

Also, very popular exotic garden. There you can see thousands of plant species, and under the garden there is an ancient man's cave.

The most visited museum in Monaco is Oceanographic Museum which is located on a steep cliff. The Museum of Old Cars is also considered a popular museum, where there are more than 100 models, among them, for example, Bugatti of 1929, De Dion Bouton of 1903.

Wealthy people very often go shopping in Monaco, because it is not for nothing that Monaco is called the capital of luxury. "Golden Square"- so called, where the boutiques of the most expensive and luxurious fashion houses are located.

Also, popular attractions include:

• the Wax Museum;
• Cathedral of Monaco;
• Church of Saint Devota;
• Chapel of Mercy.

Thus, Monaco is a symbol of luxury, wealth, the most fashionable hotels and beautiful people. As Wikipedia writes about Monaco, this principality is often associated with France. However, it has its own unique flavor, beautiful sights, which makes it truly unique. A comfortable geographical position, although it is not easy to find on the map, it makes the stay here very convenient and enjoyable.

INTRODUCTION

The Cote d'Azur of France is an example of a real fashionable resort. Even at the beginning of the twentieth century, members of the Russian royal family, members of the family of the English queen, rested here. A little later, the Cote d'Azur became a favorite vacation spot for writers, artists, and Russian aristocrats. The coast received its name from the light hand of the writer Stéphane Liéjard, who called one of his novels "Côte d'Azur" after he saw the magnificent and unsurpassed in its beauty bay of Hyeres. Many years later, only the mention of the Cote d'Azur evokes unearthly associations in us.

On the Cote d'Azur, the sun shines 300 days a year. It is here that the French Riviera and the fairy tale state of Monaco are located. Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Riviera - all these are resort cities of the Cote d'Azur.

Hotels on the Cote d'Azur are distinguished by a high level of service and well-thought-out infrastructure.

More than a third of the territory of the Cote d'Azur is occupied by beaches - both pebbly and sandy.

Every month in major cities coast are fairs and festivals, there are many national holidays.

No place in the world can compare with the Côte d'Azur for the abundance and variety of flowers. On the Cote d'Azur there is also a small independent state Monaco. The lush colors of the flowers brighten the Riviera landscape, and the scents fill the local markets. Flowers are a symbol of a country immersed in sunlight.

MONACO

The Principality of Monaco is a dwarf state located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders on the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is located 15 kilometers from Nice. Considered one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The population of Monaco is 30,000 people, the native Monegasques are only 5,000. It occupies an area of ​​about two square kilometers. The average person only needs one hour to walk across the country.

Monaco is a country that includes the merged cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine (the business center of the state) and Fontvieille (industrial area).

This small independent state enjoys tax breaks, this land of picturesque harbors, unrealistically beautiful castles and resorts, and intricate, almost fabulous stories of the royal family, this is the state of car racing.

The country is located to the east of prime meridian and south of the equator, in the northern tropic. The Franco-Italian border is only ten kilometers away. On the one hand, the state is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, on the land - the territory of France, on the north side, the French city of Beausoleil closely adjoins the borders of the principality.

The capital of the state is the city of Monaco. The population of the capital is 3000 inhabitants. The city has retained its medieval appearance. The city is located on a flat rock area.

The main attractions of the capital are the princely palace complex, built in the 13th-19th centuries, where tourists watch the changing of the guard of honor. Here is the famous Oceanographic Museum, which is visited by a huge number of tourists, as well as the Museum of Primitive Anthropology and the Cathedral, built at the end of the nineteenth century in pseudo-Romanesque style.

Most of the population lives in the business center of La Condamine, where the national library and stadium are located, as well as the seaport.

Of the 30,000 people permanently residing in Monaco, only 6,000 are citizens of the state - these are Monegasques. Monegasques are the indigenous inhabitants of Monaco, proud of their origin from the ancient Ligurians and retaining almost a medieval political system.

True, this system has undergone significant changes under the influence of the principles of freedom, fraternity and equality, progressing in neighboring France, under whose patronage the state has been since 1918. France maintains neutrality with regard to the internal affairs of the state, having assumed obligations only for its protection.

The name of the country in translation from the ancient Greek language is “hermit”. The country is known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and Formula 1 championship races - the Monaco Grand Prix.

The country of Monaco is small and therefore transport is mainly by road. However, there is also a boat taxi, designed for those who want to enjoy beautiful views and avoid traffic jams.

With the help of a water taxi you can get to almost any famous hotel principalities:

Monte-Carlo Bay, Monte Carlo Beach, Meridien Beach Plaza and others. A boat taxi for only 15 euros and half an hour can take you to Nice.

The country is a member of many international organizations: the UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, Interpol, UNESCO, WHO.

Monaco has permanent representatives to the Council of Europe and the UN, 10 diplomatic missions in Western Europe. Consulates of Monaco are located in 106 cities and 45 countries. 66 countries have consulates general, consulates or honorary consulates in Monaco.

The structure of Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is a prince or princess (the name "principate"). Monaco is the only state in Europe in which the monarch has real and almost absolute power. Legislature in the country belongs to the prince and parliament. According to the 1962 constitution, only the prince has the right to ratify international treaties.

In addition, the government appoints the prince, and it must report to him, and not to parliament, so you can call the state a monarchy with full responsibility.

At the head of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty is currently Prince Albert II. The dynasty has Italian and French roots.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF MONACO

Ancient history

Monaco is in ancient times a rocky cliff on the coast (or just a rock). It has long served as a refuge for primitive people. Traces of their residence were found in a cave in the garden of Saint-Martin. Finds in the grottoes of the Observatory, in the rock near the current Oceanographic Museum, as well as in other places, date back to the Late Paleolithic (300 thousand years BC) and Neolithic. It is believed that the first settled inhabitants of Monaco were the highlanders (Ligures), who settled along the coast of the Ligurian Sea around 2000 BC, accustomed to hard work and thrift. Ancient authors described the Ligurian tribe as harsh highlanders, accustomed to a life of hardship. On the territory of Monaco, archaeologists have found ancient figurines and bas-reliefs. For better access to the sea, the Ligurians began to use the port.

The Ligurians were subsequently driven out by the Phoenicians. It has been historically proved that in the period of the X-XI centuries BC, there was a Phoenician fortification on the territory of modern Monaco. The Phoenicians lingered in this small state for a long time. They also brought various plants to Monaco, including palm trees from the distant Levant, which took root well on a rocky cliff.

During the period of Phoenician colonization in Monaco (from the tenth century of the past era to BC), a temple was built dedicated to the mythological hero - Hercules (in Greek mythology), Hercules (in ancient Roman mythology) and Melqart, as the Phoenicians called him. Ancient legends attribute the founding of the city to this mythological hero.

The origin of the name "Monaco" goes back to ancient times, to Ancient Greece and Phoenicia.

Now no one knows where the word "Monaco" came from. There are several hypotheses, and one of them is that the name comes from the Ligurian tribe Monoikos, who lived on the cliff in the sixth century BC.

The port of Monaco in ancient times was associated with the cult of the Roman hero Heracles, who was called "Monaque" and "Melkart". The name "Hercules" was often used in combination with the expression "Hercules Monoikos", which means "Hercules is a lone warrior." The modern name of the port is the port of Hercules.

Another hypothesis is that the name "Monaco" comes from the Greek word "monoikos", which the ancient Hellenes called the Ligurians. Translated from the language of the ancient Hellenes, this meant "those who live separately, hermits."

There is another legend that says that Monaco owes its foundation to Hercules, who, returning from his travels in Spain, lay down to rest in the paradise of the Cote d'Azur. Hercules admired the view from the cliff and founded the city, which he gave the name "Portus Herculis Moneki". The last word means "secluded", and it then formed the basis of the name of the modern city and principality.

In ancient manuscripts, historians Diodorus Siculus and Strabo mention the existence of an ancient tribe called Monoikos on the Monaco cliff. This colony existed in the fourth century BC and was founded by people who came from Massilia. In the 7th-6th centuries BC, the name Monaco is mentioned in the list of Greek colonies on the Mediterranean Sea. Convenient location, as well as inaccessibility from land, the presence of a convenient bay and good fortifications make Monaco one of the most important strategic points between Genoa and Massilia. This was well understood by the Romans, who came to conquer the territory in the second century BC. In the port of Monaco, Julius Caesar loaded his ships, setting off for the battle with Pompey.

reference. Massilia - this ancient name the city of Marseille. Greek colony founded in the fourth century BC by the Phocians, who formed an aristocratic republic and spread their influence throughout the Spanish and Gallic coasts. The city became one of the most important cities of the Roman province, although it did not submit to the Roman ruler. The city was a favorite pastime of educated Romans living in exile.

Pompey and Caesar provided their patronage to Massilia, therefore, no matter how the city tried to maintain neutrality, he had to take part in the battle.

Massilia, during the battle between Caesar and Pompey, took the side of the latter and was defeated in 49. Since then, the Republic of Massilia lost its political influence and became one of the most important centers of Roman education and science in southern Gaul. Of the surviving monuments of this era, it is worth mentioning the temple of Diana of Ephesus and the temple of Apollo.

In the first century AD, the territory of modern Monaco fell under the rule of the Roman Empire, and was under its rule until 476. The Romans built the famous Via Julia, which began in the area of ​​the present city of Ventimiglia and went through La Turbie and Monaco to Nice and then to Marseille. For five centuries, the Via Julia served the Roman Empire faithfully and was one of its main highways, connecting Rome with Gaul, Germany, Spain and England.

The port of Monaco was also actively used by the Romans. In particular, it was in this bay that Caesar assembled his fleet for decisive battle with Pompey.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, the lands belonging to Monaco were attacked by various peoples and tribes called barbarians, who robbed and destroyed all the achievements of the empire, taking revenge on it for past humiliations and slavery. The Romans were driven out by the Arabs, the latter by the Genoese. On the site of the present city of Monaco there was a small fishing village - a suburb of the town of La Turbie. For several hundred years, such raids continued, in which Arab tribes also took part. Many years later, in 975, the French count, who ruled the province of Provence and claimed the throne of Monaco, was able to drive the Saracens out of the territory of Monaco. However, all his efforts were in vain - in 1419 Monaco was finally given to the Grimaldi family. Monaco thus became a feudal state under the protectorate of Genoa.

Reference. According to Wikipedia, the Saracens (Greek Σαρακηνός - “Eastern people”) are a people mentioned by the ancient Roman historian of the 4th century Ammianus Marcellinus and the Greek scientist of the 1st-2nd centuries. n. e. Ptolemy. Nomadic band of robbers, Bedouins, who lived along the borders of Syria.

From the time of the Crusades, European authors began to refer to all Muslims as Saracens, often using the term "Moors" as a synonym.

Currently, the term is used by historians in relation to the population of the Arab Caliphate in the period before the conquest of the Khulagu Abbasid Caliphate, as a result of the Mongol campaign in the Middle East (7th century - 13th century).

Formation of the Principality of Monaco

In 1162, the emperor of the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation" Frederick I Barbarossa gave the Genoese consuls all rights to the coast of the Ligurian Sea from La Spezia to Monaco, and thirty years later, the son of Barbarossa, Henry VI, transferred the rock and the port of Monaco to the Genoese.

Since 1191, Monaco fell under the rule of Genoa, which was established by the Roman-German Emperor Henry VI. In 1215, the construction of fortifications began, and it is the beginning of the construction of the fortress that is considered the date of the founding of modern Monaco. Very quickly, one after another, new buildings erected by the Genoese began to grow. At this time, the Genoese built in Monaco a square castle with four towers on the foundations of an old Moorish fortress, which by this time had turned into ruins.

For many decades, the castle served as a reliable fortification of the fortress and was the guardian of merchant ships that entered the bay of Monaco.

At the end of the eighteenth century, a clan war broke out in Genoa, which escalated into civil war. The rivals were the Gibbelins, behind whom stood the emperor of Germany and the Guelphs, behind whom the Pope was visible. Having lost the fight, the latter were forced to leave the territory of Genoa. One of the families of the Guelph clan was the Grimaldi family. The Grimaldi family after the defeat settled near Ventimiglia, a few kilometers from Monaco. In search of a better home, the family clan chose a fortress on top of the Monaco cliff. By cunning, led by their leader Francesco Grimaldi, who bore the nickname "cunning", the representatives of the clan captured the garrison of the fortress. Francesco and a number of warriors changed into monastic cassocks, after which a group of "wandering monks" asked for shelter in the fortress.

An ancient legend says that on one of the Christmas days in 1297, a modest Franciscan monk knocked on the gates of the castle. Unsuspecting guards let him warm up. Once inside, the wanderer threw off his monastic cassock and drew his sword. Following him, other armed warriors burst into the open gates of the undefended fortress. This monk turned out to be Francesco Grimaldi, the founder of the current royal dynasty Monaco.

At first, control was established in the territory of the modern Principality of Monaco in the person of Reniero Grimaldi, lord of Canier-sur-Mer. Rainier was a sailor at heart: first he fought for the Republic of Genoa, and then served Philip IV the Handsome, as a result of which he was granted the rank of Admiral of France. In 1302 he commanded a fleet in the war against the rebellious Flemings.

As a lord, he fortified the castle of Monaco, making it a powerful fortress. He died in 1314.

Then the fortress again came under the control of Genoa. In 1308, Grimaldi bought Monaco from Genoa.

From September 1331, another representative of the Grimaldi family - Carlo - again became the ruler of the fortress of Monaco, and from 1342 he received the status of lord of Monaco. In 1346 and 1355, the feudal estates of Menton and Roquebrune were annexed to Monaco. In 1419, the state of Monaco was officially founded.

Located between France and Italy, Monaco has always been of interest to the rulers of these two states. In 1489, King Louis II of France and Count Charles VIII of Savoy recognized the independence of the principality. In 1525, Monaco came under the patronage of Spain.

Since 1612, the monarchy began to be called principate, the ruler of Monaco, Honore II (1597–1662), took the title of prince.

In 1641, the patronage of Spain was completed and Monaco was annexed to France. The reign of Honore II is famous for the fact that the Peruvian peace was signed. As compensation for losses from the benefits provided by Spain, Prince Honoré II of Monaco accepted the French lands: the Duchy of Valentinois, the Viscountry of Carlet, the Marquisianship of Les Baux and the fief of Saint Remy in Provence.

It was thanks to the reign of Honore II that Monaco began to mint its own coin. It was during the reign of Honore II, who was a very literate and educated person, that the Prince's Palace turned into a museum, became a real repository of world treasures.

In fairness, it must be said that the confrontation between Genoa and the Grimaldians for power over the territory of the fortress of Monaco did not end there. Many times power passed from hand to hand: the majestic defensive structure on the top of the cliff either passed into the hands of the Genoese, or was recaptured by the Grimaldians. But in the end, power was won back by the Grimaldi clan, the fortress and the surrounding lands became their possessions.

The Grimaldi family is one of the few in Europe that has ruled since the 8th century AD. In 1731, Grimaldi was actually replaced by the French aristocrats Matignons, who changed their surname to Grimaldi. The Grimaldi family is known for its scandalous reputation. Even after, as a result of a long struggle, Grimaldi managed to finally and irrevocably establish himself in power (1419), the heirs of Francesco Grimaldi continued to engage in piracy. In the struggle for power, representatives of the clan killed each other. So, Jean II Grimaldi, after eleven years of reign, was killed by his brother Lucien Grimaldi, who led the principality for 18 years. He was killed with a dagger by Bartolomeo's own nephew Doria Grimaldi. Lucien's successor, Hercules, reigned for fifteen years until he was drowned while swimming.

Henry I was thrown into the sea by his subjects, and Henry IV into the Seine. At present, they prefer to remain silent about the notoriety of the Grimaldi family. Only the coat of arms of Monaco, which depicts two monks with drawn swords, still reminds us that the noble local knights were once real robbers who robbed and killed the inhabitants of rich Provence and carried out robbery and pirate raids even on Genoa.

Already at the beginning of the reign of the Grimaldi dynasty, Monaco became an independent principality under the protectorate of Genoa. However, the representatives of the clan have to defend their independence from the aggressive ambitions of the king of France, the dukes of Milan, the Genoese. The fortress of Monaco withstood sieges and repelled attacks from land and sea. The most famous and famous siege of the fortress garrison was in 1506-1507, when the Genoese surrounded the fortress both from land and from the sea. The siege continued for one hundred and two days, but the heroic defenders of the fortress defended their independence and the independence of the principality. By the end of 1519, the Principality of Monaco was significantly weakened and fell into decay. In 1524, Prince Augustine Grimaldi turned to the "Emperor of the Roman Empire" Charles V the Wise to take the principality under his protectorate. Charles did just that, retaining the formal rights of sovereign for Augustine.

In 1605, Spanish troops entered the principality. In 1641, the population of Monaco rebelled against Spanish dominance, and the principality came under the protectorate of France.

History 18th–19th centuries

At the end of the seventeenth century, Monaco was annexed by France, and it was not until 1814 that the first Peace of Paris was signed, which restored the principality within the borders that existed before January 1, 1792, under French patronage.

From 1793 to 1814, the Principality of Monaco was part of the Alpes-Maritimes department of the French Republic under the name Fort Hercule. The prince at that time was Honore IV, son of Honore III, who, due to poor health, very quickly ceded the throne to his brother Joseph. The son of Honore IV, Honore-Gabriel, was dissatisfied with this decision, rebelled and convinced his father to transfer power to him.

In March 1815, the former ruler went to Monaco, but, having arrived there, he was arrested and taken to Napoleon. The world was engulfed in war with Napoleon. Then the prince's family was arrested, the property was looted, and the Palace was turned into a working house. After the overthrow of the reign of Napoleon, Monaco, by decision Congress of Vienna 1815, transferred under the auspices of the Sardinian kingdom. The board was returned to the Grimaldi family, their rights were restored.

A treaty was signed between the principality of Monaco and the Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel I, which was more favorable to the principality than the previous treaty. Economic and financial condition the principalities were in a sorry state, the resources of the country were greatly reduced, and the hospitals and communes were in a deplorable state and heavily indebted.

Son Honoré IV reigned from 1819 to 1841. Back in 1810, Napoleon awarded him the title of baron, and the Restoration regime - the title of peer of France. The new prince made every attempt to overcome the protracted crisis in the country. However, the tough measures taken did not find support among the population of the principality and were expressed in all kinds of protests, especially in 1833 in Menton. After the death of Honore V, power in the principality passed to his brother Florestan I, a big fan of various entertainments, literature and theater, completely unprepared for state rule. His wife Korolina, who came from a bourgeois family, dealt with issues of state administration. For some time, she managed to reduce the discontent of the population caused by the decrees of Honore V, but the softening of the regime did not last long. Florestan and the Queen soon had to tighten their policy again, hoping in this way to restore their former majesty and wealth to the principality.

In the meantime, demands for independence were increasingly heard in Menton. The inhabitants of the city sought a liberal constitution, similar to the one introduced in the Kingdom of Sardinia by King Charles Albert. The inhabitants did not accept the constitution that Florestan and Korolina proposed. Florestan handed over power to his son Charles, but it was too late.

In 1848, the revolution destroyed the princely power in Monaco. Prince Florestan I, who plunged the country into an economic abyss, was arrested and taken to prison. A year later, princely power was restored, Florestan again sat on the throne, and the Sardinian protectorate lost its power over the principality.

In March 1848, Menton and Roquebrune, officially remaining fiefs of Savoy and Sardinia, declared themselves free and independent cities under the auspices of Sardinia. In May 1849, the Sardinian authorities issued a decree on the annexation of these cities to the district of Nice. Monegasque princes Florestan I and Charles failed to return these territories.

Reference. Savoy (French Savoie, Francoprovince Savouè, Latin Sapaudia) is a historical region in southeastern France at the foot of the Alps. For some time it existed as an independent duchy, which during its heyday included the territories of Nice, Genoa, Geneva and Piedmont. Since 1860, as part of France, although the Savoy dynasty becomes ruling in the newly created Italy. In modern France, on the territory of Savoy, there are two departments - Savoy and Haute-Savoie.

In the early 50s of the nineteenth century, Napoleon III again put forward his claims to Savoy. To capture this area, Napoleon used the tense relationship between Sardinia and the Austrian Empire due to the unification of Italy. Between France and Sardinia in 1858, the Plombiere Agreement was concluded, according to which Sardinia pledged to cede Savoy and Nice to France in exchange for its help against Austria.

After the transfer of Menton and Roquebrune to France, the territory of Monaco was reduced from 20 kilometers to its current size.

In 1856 with France was established Customs Union. After the end of the Austro-Italian-French war and the annexation of Lombardy, Parma, Tuscany, Modena and Romagna to the Sardinian kingdom, Napoleon III achieved the conclusion of the Treaty of Turin, according to which Savoy and Nice came under the jurisdiction of France. True, the formality of the plebiscite was observed, but everything possible was done so that the plebiscite was in favor of accession.

Reference. Plebiscite - (Latin plebiscitum, from plebs - common people and scitum - decision, decision) - a survey of citizens, as a rule, in order to determine the fate of the relevant territory. In some countries (for example, in France) it is considered a synonym for a referendum. From a formal legal point of view, the procedures of the P. and the referendum coincide.

The cession of this territory to France caused great discontent among the people, which Garibaldi, a resident of Nice, reflected in his speech.

In 1856, the inhabitants of the two largest cities of Monaco, Menton and Roquebrune, rebelled, with a population of 22 thousand people. The population defeated the army of the prince, aimed at suppressing the uprising. After many years of long and fruitless negotiations, in 1861 the Prince of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Charles III, sold his rights (no longer existing) to manage the cities of Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to France for 4 million francs. These territories accounted for almost 80% of the total territory of Monaco. The treaty officially recognized the independence of the Principality of Monaco, but it retained 1/20 of the former territory according to unpublished additional articles of the treaty between Charles III and Napoleon III. It turned out that the principality came under the patronage of France and the French Emperor Napoleon III. Napoleon quickly established his order in the principality.

In 1869, the inhabitants of the Principate were exempted from land taxes, housing taxes, personal taxes, and from taxes on obtaining licenses for trade and professional activities.

A real revolution in the economy of Monaco occurred in 1863, when the first casino opened. The event literally changed the whole life in the state, as the gambling establishments of Monaco are considered to be among the best in the world. They are equated with the rank of sights of the principality. This is a very profitable business and a stable income of a dwarf state.

The gambling business in Monaco was started by the French banker Francois Blanc, who settled in Monaco in 1861. He was expelled from Germany, where he owned a casino in Homburg. The banker suggested to Charles the Third to build a gambling establishment in the city. Ten years earlier, the Frenchman Duran had been allowed to open a casino in Monaco, but it quickly ceased to exist due to lack of communication (there were no good roads in Monaco) and lack of competitiveness (there was a very famous and popular casino in Nice). Another French businessman Lefebvre also tried to continue the gambling business, who bought his business from Duran, but he did not bring him luck either.

The French banker Francois went the other way, he buys a concession to open a casino for 1,700 thousand francs and establishes the "Anonymous Society of Sea Bathing and Clubs for Foreigners." This anonymous society laid the first stones in the city of Monte Carlo and built a casino in 1863. The casino was built according to the design of Charles Garnier and since then has served as an unattainable benchmark for all similar establishments around the world. Since then, the fame of the principality begins. Players from all over Europe began to come here, and since the railway between France and Monaco was built in 1868, the casino in Monte Carlo has gained worldwide fame and has become one of the main means of replenishing the state budget. Following the casino, the Parisian Hotel (Hotel de Paris) and the Parisian Cafe (Café de Paris) owned by the society were built and opened. The population of Monaco began to grow rapidly, from 1500 people in 1870, it doubled in three years, in 1888 it reached 9864 people, and in 1907 - 16 thousand people. Foreign tourists and players began to come to Monaco more and more intensively. In 1907, fifty-two hotels were already operating in Monaco, and if about 140 thousand tourists visited the country in 1870, then in 1907 - more than a million.

Card games and casinos were banned in many countries, so the gambling houses, salons, hotels and casinos of Monte Carlo attracted the rich from all over the world. Income joint-stock company The "Anonymous Society of Sea Bathing and Clubs for Foreigners", created, apparently, for conspiracy, grew at an unheard of pace. The complete abolition of taxes and liberal financial legislation continued to ensure a massive influx of rich people into the tiny principality.

In 1881, the national flag of the state was officially approved.

A significant dawn and transformation of the principality occurred during the reign of Prince Albert (1889-1922).