The Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Grimaldi family in the Principality of Monaco. Some of the palace’s chambers can be visited, and in this article you will find ticket prices and information about visiting the palace.

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco (Palais du Prince) is located on the Monaco Rock, right next to Monaco’s Old Town. They are separated only by the impressive Place du Palais, which overlooks the Port of Hercules on one side and the district of Fontvieille on the other. The Prince’s Palace has been the official seat of the Grimaldi family for over 700 years. It was here that the famous Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly, lived after her marriage to Prince Rainier III. The palace can be visited during several months of the year.

See also: Monaco travel guide

The beginnings of the Grimaldis in Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco was built on the site of a former fortress. This fortress was erected by the Genoese at the beginning of the 13th century, and the building was taken over by Francesco Grimaldi at the end of the same century (1297). Francesco and his companions dressed up as monks, and at night knocked at the gates of the fortress  asking for shelter. As they were let in, Grimaldi’s armed companions jumped out of the nearby bushes and helped him capture the fortress. Since then, the Grimaldi family has been running both the palace and Monaco almost continuously. Two monks with swords are still on the family’s coat of arms, which can be admired above the main entrance to the palace.

Under the main courtyard of the palace there is a huge reservoir for rainwater that was significantly enlarged in the 16th century. It could provide drinking water for 1,000 soldiers even if the principality was besieged for 20 months.

The structure has been rebuilt many times, and over time it has become an elegant palace with numerous decorations in the inner courtyard and richly decorated rooms. Fine works of art have been kept within the palace for a long time, but, unfortunately, many of these were stolen during the French Revolution when the palace served as a hospital for Italian soldiers. But there are still many interesting paintings and sculptures you can admire.

Visiting the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Visiting the palace begins with a queue for a security check. The entrance is located to the left of the main gate with its guard. It is worth knowing that the inconspicuous gate located further to the left of the tourist entrance is used by the Prince of Monaco himself. While standing in the queue to the entrance, it is worth keeping an eye on this gate as I once saw Prince Albert II leaving the palace using this gate driving an electric Tesla car. This is a great rarity, because the prince usually has a driver.

Monaco, French Riviera

After the security check, you will receive an audio guide, which is included in the ticket price. They are available in many languages; just ask for the right version and then you can go on to visit the palace. You just have to remember about the absolute prohibition on filming and taking pictures in the palace. This is the private residence of the prince and his family, and so this prohibition should be respected.

The Prince’s palace of Monaco is the official residence of the prince, but the Grimaldi family does not live here permanently. Instead they have a private ranch near Monaco, where they spend most of their time.

The first place you will visit in the palace begins in the Herkules Gallery, which leads to the rooms in the west wing of the building – only this part of the palace is open to visitors. The other wings include the private residences of the prince and his family as well as administrative offices and technical facilities. It is interesting to note that there are over 200 people working in the palace, including over 100 carabinieri who are responsible for protecting the building and the prince.

Several richly decorated rooms have been made available to visitors, including the Throne Room. Detailed information about each of these can be found on the audio guide. It takes about 40 minutes to listen to the entire recording and see all the available rooms. Together with the security control and waiting in the queue, a visit to the palace should take about 1 hour.

Ticket prices and opening hours for the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The price of a ticket for an adult is €10, while a discount ticket is available to children aged 6–17 and students, and costs €5. You can also purchase combined tickets that let you visit the palace and the Oceanographic Museum, or the palace and the Prince of Monaco’s car collection. These are slightly cheaper than if you purchase the tickets for these attractions separately. You can buy a ticket to the palace in the souvenir shop that is located on the west side of the square in front of the palace.

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is open to visitors from April to mid-October, every day between 10AM and 5:30PM, except in July and August when it is open from 10AM to 6:30PM. Additional information and pictures of the palace’s interiors are available at visitepalaisdemonaco.com.