Monaco’s Old Town is very picturesque, and is located on a hill that is surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean. This is where the Grimaldi family’s palace stands, and also where the young Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques – the children of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock – live. The celebrity, Grace Kelly also lived here until her death in 1982.
Monaco’s Old Town is in the district of Monaco-Ville, one of four districts in the principality. It was built on a hill to which two roads lead. The easiest way to get there on foot is to take the steep climb up the Rampe de la Major, which starts right next to the roundabout adjacent to the Place d’Armes, where a flower market is set up every day.
See also: Monaco travel guide
Monaco’s Old Town and the Prince’s Palace
Once you get to the top you’ll find yourself in the Place du Palais in front of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. The palace belongs to the current prince of Monaco, Albert II of the Grimaldi House, and his family – Princess Charlene Wittstock and twin children Gabriella and Jacques. The building is open to visitors, and tickets can be bought at the box office in front of the palace.
The Old Town of Monaco
The square in front of the palace is spacious and provides a view of Monaco’s port and the buildings running up to the Monte Carlo district. A good eye will even be able to see the famous Monte Carlo Casino. In the other direction you can see the Fontvieille district where Monaco’s stadium stands, with the border with France just beyond it.
Before leaving the square it’s worth entering some of the streets of the Old Town and taking the time to walk around them for a few minutes. Here you can feel the atmosphere of old Monaco. During the high season it is full of tourists, but you can always find quiet and peaceful corners.
Attractions of Monaco’s Old Town
When strolling around this area you will surely come across at least some of these attractions:
- Chapel of Mercy (Chapelle de la Miséricorde),
- Museum of Old Monaco (Musée du Vieux Monaco),
- Princess Grace Irish Library containing the Princess’ personal collection,
- St. Nicholas Square,
- Chapel of Visitation (Chapelle de la Visitation) with a painting by Rubens,
- Palais du Gouvernement (government building),
- Chapel of Peace (La Chapelle de la Paix).
More than likely you will finally find yourself close to St. Nicholas Cathedral. The wedding of the American actress, Grace Kelly, was held here, and it was Grace Kelly who Nicole Kidman played in the movie Grace of Monaco. In this same cathedral, Princess Grace was buried along with Prince Rainier III. Their tombs can be found just behind the altar, and are open to visitors. When entering the cathedral, pay attention to the altar on the immediate right as you enter – here you will find a fragment of bone of St. Devota, the patron of Monaco and the Grimaldi family.
The impressive building to the left of the cathedral is the Palace of Justice (court).
The slope in front of the cathedral is rich with the exotic plants of St. Martin Gardens (Jardins Saint-Martin), which was created in 1830. Here you will find plenty of shade, which is pleasant in the summer, but also great views of the Fontvieille district and the helicopters taking off. The garden’s paths lead to the Oceanographic Museum, which is also worth visiting.
The Old Town of Monaco
After leaving the Oceanographic Museum, turn to your right and follow the narrow alleys down to Fort Antoine. Here you will find the remains of a fortress from the eighteenth century that defended the entrance to the Port of Hercules. At this point you will have finished your walk around Monaco’s Old Town, but now you can begin to admire the impressive yachts belonging to the richest people in the world.
Visiting the Old Town can take up to several hours, especially if you plan to visit the palace and the Oceanographic Museum.
In fact, Monaco has 9 districts — not 4.