Monaco (/ˈmɒnəkoʊ/)

Monaco is well known that most visitors do not realize that the entire principality is approximately 2/3 the size of New York City's Central Park. Packed into a narrow expanse of coastal plain that has  enlarged slightly by landfill and a new sea wall, the city rapidly climbs upwards from the shore to the surrounding hills.

This delightful town is nested along a curve of a very scenic shoreline and the town is imbued with an interesting history, as it has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years.

The Grimaldi monarchy has provided the country with an attractive, storybook-like cachet including the romance and storybook marriage between Prince Rainier III and the American film star Grace Kelly.  Although both are now dead, their children have managed to keep many eyes focused on Monaco. 

  

Monaco Harbor

At the foot of the cliff, lies the busy, almost square-shaped, harbor which was constructed between 1901 and 1926. Large numbers of yachts, including from time to time the Prince's private vessel, are to be seen here. On the western side of the harbor, near the Boulevard Albert I, is the modern Stade Nautique Rainier III, a stadium for water sports. 

 Monte-Carlo Rally

The Monte-Carlo Rally is the most famous road rally in the world. Competitors can choose the location from several European cities to commence their rally, then they meet at a common point to complete the remainder of the journey, primarily through France to Monte Carlo. It's a winter event so the vagaries of the Alpine winter weather add to the challenge. 

 Salle Garnier, Opéra de Monte-Carlo

Charles Garnier is best known for the opera house that bears his name in Paris but he also designed the magnificent and extravagantly, decorated Salle Garnier in Monte Carlo which opened in 1879. As it seats only 524, it is often difficult to get tickets. The season is also a short one, running from mid-January to the end of March. Tickets go on sale in early January and can be ordered by writing to: Service Location, Opera de Monte-Carlo, B.P. 139, Monte-Carlo 98007, Monaco.

Address: Service Location, Opera de Monte-Carlo, Box 139, Monte-Carlo, Monaco 98007, Monaco
http://www.opera.mc

Tips: The box office is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-12:30 p.m. and from 2-5pm There is a strict dress code for attending a performance -- jacket and tie for men and appropriate evening wear for women.

Museum of the Chapel of the Visitation

Housed in a baroque style chapel dating from the 7th century, is home to part of the remarkable collection of sacred works of art belonging to Mrs. Piasecka Johnson.

Show Details

Hours:

10am-4pm; Closed: Mon

 

 

 Moneghetti

Seemingly endless steps and roads with hairpin bends climb up the eastern slope of the Tête de Chien to the Moyenne Corniche. These roads give access to the district of Moneghetti in the west of the principality, a part of the town which is built on terraces with fine villas and gardens.