When you walk on foot up to the rock (le Rocher) hosting the old city center of Monaco you’ll pass the stone walls and through the ancient city gate – after that you’re standing directly in front of the Palais Princier de Monaco, the seat of the sovereign prince. The oldest parts of the home of the Grimaldi family date back to the year 1191 when this place was a fortress of the Republic of Genoa. Since 1520 it has evolved into a royal palace with all amenities and a changing of the guard ceremony every day at 11:55.
Current inhabitant of the Palais Princier is Prince Albert II, the son of Rainier III and Gracia Patricia. He came to power when his father died in 2005. Visiting le Rocher close to the palace is great because of the fantastic views on both sides of it; especially the view on the Port Hercule is amazing. At the square in front of it you’ll find different restaurants and souvenir shops. And from there it is also only a short walk to the Jardins Saint-Martin, the cathedral and the aquarium.
Palais Princier
Le Rocher
Monaco-Ville
Monaco
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