Monaco (city). Ilya MelnikovA guide to monaco Monaco capital and major cities

- a dwarf state in southern Europe. In the north, east and west it borders on France, in the south it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The name of the country comes from the ancient Greek "monoikos" - "hermit".

Official name: Principality of Monaco

Capital: Monaco/Monaco-Ville

The area of ​​the land: 1.95 sq. km. of which 0.4 km2 is due to the development of the seashore.

Total population: 35 656 people

Administrative division: Four administrative districts-cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

Form of government: Constitutional monarchy (principality).

Head of State: Prince.

Composition of the population: 16% Monegasque, 47% French, 16% Italian, 4% English, 2% Belgian, 1% Swiss, 14% other.

Official language: French. Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and English.

Religion: 90% are Catholics.

Internet domain: .mc

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +377

Country barcode: 300-379

Climate

The climate in Monaco is Mediterranean: moderately warm winters (average January temperature + 8 ° С) and dry sunny summers (average July temperature + 24 ° С). The number of sunny days in a year is about 300. Unstable weather and drizzling rains, which usually last no more than 3 days, are brought by a strong east or south wind from the marin sea. A gusty, dry and cold mistral wind blows from the interior of France, bringing the temperature down.

The Alpes-Maritimes protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Due to mild climatic conditions, Monaco is a popular resort. The average annual rainfall is 1300 mm. They fall out mainly in autumn.

Under the conditions of dry summers and autumn-spring rains, brown soils with hard-leaved xerophytic vegetation, as well as red-colored soils of terra rossa, formed in Monaco. Brown forest soils are found in the mountains.

Geography

The Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest countries in the world (area 1.95 sq. km). Located in the south of Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, near the border of France and Italy. It borders the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. Monaco includes the merged city districts of Monaco (old town), Monte Carlo, La Condamine (business center and port) and Fontvieille (industrial area).

The capital of the country, the city of Monaco (3 thousand inhabitants), picturesquely located on a flat rock area, has generally retained its medieval appearance. The main attractions of the city are the princely palace complex, built in the 13th-19th centuries; the famous Oceanographic Museum, which annually receives a large number of visitors; Museum of Primitive Anthropology; Cathedral built at the end of the 19th century. in pseudo-roman style. Most of the country's population lives in La Condamine. Here are the seaport, the national library and the stadium. Monte Carlo is world famous for its casinos.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Kermes and holm oak, pine, black and Alep pine, boxwood, juniper, olive, fig and other typical representatives of the Mediterranean flora are common in the forests. In Monaco, there are also dwarf palm, maritime pine, Atlas cedar and cork, beech, felt-leaved oaks.

Large-fruited strawberry (blooms in late autumn or winter), cistus, myrtle, pistachio, viburnum, red juniper, etc. stand out in the maquis. Shrub kermes oak predominates in the composition of the gariga, to which juniper, gorse, rosemary, hold-tree, thyme are mixed.

One fifth of the territory of Monaco is occupied by gardens and parks. There are plantations of olive, fig, pomegranate, almond, pistachio, persimmon. Grow bananas, oranges, lemons, tangerines. Japanese medlar and camphor laurel from Japan, aloe, cacti, agaves from North and South America, eucalyptus trees from Australia have been introduced.

Animal world

The fauna of Monaco is poor. Of the mammals, there are small rodents, hedgehogs, shrews, bats, including the Mediterranean bat. There are many birds: mountain warblers, spectacled and white-bearded, garden bunting, sea mockingbird, kingfisher, red-necked nightjar, skylark, black-and-white and black-bellied wheatears, thrushes, etc.

Among reptiles, the steppe gecko, chalcid and sand lizards, snakes, Aesculapian snake, etc. stand out, among amphibians - tree frog and green toad. Insects are abundant in Monaco, including butterflies. Dolphins and a small number of commercial fish species (sardine, anchovy, flounder, mackerel, mullet, catfish), lobsters, mussels are found in the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea.

Attractions

Monaco is one of the world's centers of tourism and the best resort on the Cote d'Azur. Consisting of four main regions (Monaco-Ville or Le Rocher, La Condamine, Fontvieille and Monte Carlo), this tiny country connects almost all of its activity with tourism.

Located on a rocky ledge of the spurs of the Alpes-Maritimes, the country is almost completely built up with high-rise buildings at the very edge of the sea, surrounded by villas immersed in greenery. And yet, more than 20% of the territory of Monaco is occupied by gardens and parks, and the coastal strip is framed by entertainment venues, hotel complexes and beaches. And, of course, Monte Carlo - "European Las Vegas" and Europe's largest casino complex.

According to legend, the area got its name from the temple "Heraklos Monoikos" ("Heracles the only") built by the Greeks, although the first settlements on the site of the principality belonged to the Phoenicians (about 900 BC). Such an ancient age of this land could not but leave its mark on the modern appearance of the country, therefore the architecture and life of this tiny state have long been, in fact, one big museum.

Banks and currency

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.

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.

Useful information for tourists

Monaco is famous for the abundance of various exhibitions, competitions and festivals of European and world level.

The country has one of the most powerful and extensive police surveillance systems in the world. Policemen in uniform and in civilian clothes are found almost everywhere, they have the right to inspect suspicious objects and cars “on the spot”, conduct current face control, check telephone bills, hotel rooms and homes, in addition, surveillance cameras are installed almost everywhere. The crime rate in the principality is extremely low.

The sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country is one of the calmest in the world. The tap water is quite drinkable, but it is recommended to use bottled water, as the mineral composition of the local water is somewhat different from the usual standards. Absolutely all food and vegetables of excellent quality.

In hotels and restaurants, 15% service charge is usually included in the bill, otherwise it is customary to tip the waiter up to 10% of the bill, the taxi driver - about 10-15% of the counter, porter, maid or guide 0.5-1 euro. The majority of employees and workers in Monaco are residents of neighboring regions of France and Italy.

) ). The population is 1.1 thousand people (2004), with the Fontvieille area 4.5 thousand people.
The Oceanographic Museum (1910, architect Delefortry) is the scientific base of the International Institute of Oceanography in Paris. For many years the director of the museum was Jacques-Yves Cousteau. (cm. Cousteau Jacques Yves). Library of the Oceanographic Museum (over 30 thousand volumes). Library of the princely palace (over 120 thousand volumes). Museum of Old Monaco, Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco, Napoleon Museum. Archive (historical documents of the principality from the 13th century, collections of postage stamps and coins of Monaco from 1640). Meteorological station and seismological observatory. Every year Monaco hosts one of the Formula 1 Grand Prix races. (cm. FORMULA-1 (automobile))(Monaco Grand Prix).
The city of Monaco, located on a flat rock area 60 m high, covered with cacti and African vegetation, has generally retained its medieval appearance.
The historical center of Monaco is the princely palace complex (13th-19th centuries). To protect against the Genoese, French and Spaniards, on a rock in the 13th century. at the very beginning of the reign of the Grimaldi family (cm. GRIMALDI (family) a castle was built. Prince Honoré II (1597-1662) took the first steps to turn this fortified castle into a palace. All military facilities were retained, but the inner quarters were rebuilt for more comfortable living. Later, the palace was repeatedly restored and modernized.
Among the private chambers of the ruling family there is a very beautiful gallery in the Italian style, decorated with wall paintings, salons, a throne room, in which from the 16th century. all ceremonies take place. The southern wing of the palace houses the Napoleon Museum and Archives. The square in front of the palace is surrounded by a battery of cannons cast in the era of Louis XIV (cm. LOUIS XIV of Bourbon).
At the northeastern tip of the cliff rises a fortress dating back to the early 18th century. - Fort Antoine, built by Prince Antoine I. Now the fortress is used as an open theater for 350 spectators.
The old town is very small. Residential houses of the 16th-18th centuries have been preserved. On City Hall Square is the chapel of La Misericord (God's Mercy), built in 1635 as a meeting place for the Brotherhood of Penitents. The first rector of the church was Prince Honore II. The chapel houses a wooden sculpture of Christ, made by the Monegasque Francis-Joseph Bosio, personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I Bonaparte (cm. NAPOLEON I Bonaparte).
On the site of the ancient church of St. Nicholas (13th century), from which the altar, painted in the 16th century, has been preserved. artist Louis Brea, a white-stone cathedral was erected (1874-98, architect C. Lenormand) in a pseudo-Romanesque style. The columns are made of granite and porphyry of various shades, and the altar is made of Carrara (cm. CARRARA) marble. Members of the Grimaldi family are buried in the cathedral.
Among the pines, agaves and aloes, fountains and bronze statues are located in the Gardens of St. Martin, one of them is a monument to Prince Albert I.
Fontvieille
In the west of Monaco is the Fontvieille region, the entire coastal part of which is an artificially created alluvial territory.
Maritime Museum (the history of the development of shipbuilding, about 180 models of famous ships), a collection of vintage cars of the Prince of Monaco (about 100 cars of old models of the most prestigious brands). Zoological Garden (since 1954). Louis II Stadium (1985, 20 thousand seats). Fontvieille Landscape Park (area 4 hectares) with the Rose Garden of Princess Grace (opened in 1984, more than 5 thousand rose bushes of more than 150 varieties).

encyclopedic Dictionary. 2009 .

See what "MONACO (capital)" is in other dictionaries:

Monaco (capital)- Monaco. View of the palace. MONACO, the capital of the state of Monaco. 3 thousand inhabitants. Port on the Mediterranean. Souvenir production. Oceanographic Museum with a unique aquarium, Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Tourism. Known since the 13th century. Saved... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Monaco, capital of the Principality of Monaco. Port, resort on the Mediterranean coast. About 2 thousand inhabitants (1961). The historical center of Moscow is the princely palace (13th–19th centuries). Among the later buildings, the pseudo-Romanesque Cathedral (1874-98, architect Sh. ... ...

State in South. Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by the territory of France. Rome is mentioned. authors at the turn of n. e. as a place of worship of Hercules agh or portus Monoecus, where Monoecus Gr. living alone (one of the nicknames of Hercules), Latin. ... ... Geographic Encyclopedia

MONACO (Monaco), the Principality of Monaco, a state in Southern Europe, on the coast of the Ligurian Sea (see LIGURIAN SEA) (parts of the Mediterranean Sea (see MEDITERRANEAN SEA)), protected from the north and east by the Alps (see ALPS). From the land, the country is surrounded by ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

MONACO- Monaco, the capital of the Principality of Monaco, shares a small area of ​​the country (1.95 km2) with two other cities of Monaco, La Condamine and Monte Carlo. The Principality of Monaco is located in Southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coast (the length of Monaco belonging ... ... Cities and countries

Monaco: Monaco state in Europe Monaco football club from Monaco, playing in the French championship Toponym Monaco capital of the state of Monaco Surname Monaco, Kelly (born 1976) American actress and model Part ... ... Wikipedia

Monaco (Monaco), a state in southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, is surrounded by the territory of France from the land. The area is 1.5 km2. The population is about 25 thousand people. (1973), including 4.5 thousand subjects of M. Monegasques, over 15 thousand French ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

MONACO, the capital of the state of Monaco. 3 thousand inhabitants. Port on the Mediterranean. Souvenir production. Oceanographic Museum with a unique aquarium, Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Tourism. Known since the 13th century. Residential areas have been preserved and ... ... Modern Encyclopedia

The capital of the state of Monaco, on the Mediterranean m. Approx. 4 thousand inhabitants. Oceanographic Institute with a museum and an aquarium. Anthropological prehistoric museum. Residential quarters (16th-18th centuries), the prince's palace (13th-19th centuries), La Misericord chapel (17th century) ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

This term has other meanings, see Monaco (meanings). Principality of Monaco Principauté de Monaco ... Wikipedia

Books

• Azure coast. Guide
• Azure coast. Guide, Velikson Boris, Betaki Vasily, Kassel Elena. Azure coast. Marseille, Cassis, Toulon, Hyeres, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes, Biot, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, Vence, Nice, Eze, Monaco, Menton, Arles. Guide. A new edition of the guide to Azure…

The State of Monaco (Principality of Monaco) is an independent sovereign city - a state located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea) at the foot of the Alps, covering an area equal to 2 to 3 square kilometers, bordering France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea, 20 km from the Italian border.
Monaco belongs to the small "dwarf states", these also include: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, San Marino and the Vatican.
Capital- Monaco
Administrative division - Principalities.
Compound - four administrative districts-cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine (port part) and Fontvieille (business part).
The border of the principality passes with the French cities of the department of La Turbie: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d "Ail, Beausoleil, etc.
The state has two seaports: in the district of Fontvieille, the port of Hercules (Hercules) - small ships stop here and the port of Bay d'Hercule (Hercule) where cruise ships stop, it is located in the center of the Condamine district.
In ancient times, the rock of Monaco was a haven for primitive tribes. The history of Monaco dates back to the 13th century, in June, namely from June 10, 1215.
On this day, the first stone of the castle was laid by the Gibelins family, which is currently the Prince's Palace. To attract new residents here, favorable conditions were created: territorial concessions, the abolition of duties, people were exempted from taxes, so far the inhabitants of Monaco do not pay taxes.
The centuries-old history of Monaco is closely connected with the Grimaldi dynasty, whose 700th anniversary was celebrated in 1997 - the anniversary of the reign of the Principality of Monaco.
The official language is French, spoken - Monegasque dialect, however, Italian and English are widely used. The traditional language "Le Monegù", spoken by the older generation, is taught in all local schools.
Currency Euro, but only with the sign of Monaco, the state is part of the Schengen zone, but is a member of the European Union.
Native people- Monegasques.
"Deo Juvante", which means "With God's Help" is the motto of Monaco and its princes. Catholicism was elevated to the rank of state religion. However, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution and several religions are represented in the Principality. Obtaining citizenship here is not so easy: you either need to be born here in a Monegasque family or marry (marry) a citizen (citizen) of this small state.
November 19 is considered a national holiday. The telephone code of Monaco is "377", telecommunications are very convenient and affordable. Monaco prints its own stamps.
Based on the latest official census data, the Principality of Monaco has 35,646 inhabitants, of which 7,634 live in Monaco, with a composition of 10,029 French and 6,596 Italians. In total, more than 125 nationalities are represented. Monaco and neighboring French cities make up approximately 95,515 people.
Due to its geographical position, the Principality of Monaco has very mild winters and surprisingly sunny summers, which are generally not very scorching. In fact, the results of the last 60 years of research show that the average temperature is 16°C, it rains on average 87 days a year, and the sun shines 7 hours a day. Sea water temperature ranges from 11°C in winter to 26°C in summer. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Monaco is a pleasant place to live all year round. In addition, it is worth noting that the ski resorts of the Alps are only an hour away from the coast.
Entry into the Principality of Russians is carried out on a visa basis.
The main source of income for the Principality of Monaco is the receipt of tax from the casino located in Monte Carlo. Residents of the state are exempt from paying taxes, but they themselves are prohibited from visiting the casino, including the princely family.
Rent or buy a home living in Monaco is quite an expensive pleasure, which has its own characteristics. Prices start from 1 million euros for a studio apartment. Rent costs from several thousand euros and payment is taken not monthly, but at least for six months, you will still have to pay an agency fee and a deposit. The average salary is 2.5 thousand euros, in France the average salary is about 1800 euros.
Prices in the chain of shops of the same name in Monaco is lower than in France and this is due to the absence of taxes, which is a pleasant surprise for travelers. The price of food in restaurants is overpriced "over-price", therefore, in order to eat deliciously, it's easier to roll up to Italy and enjoy both taste and price.

How to get to Monaco

The state does not have its own airport, there was simply no place, and therefore you will have to travel in transit. Fly by plane to Nice (Cote d'Azur is the nearest airport), then transfer to a suburban train (the nearest station is Gare Nice-Saint-Augustin) and by rail we reach in 25 minutes, by bus (red-orange, the first departure is approximately at 8-45 and last at 21 o'clock, the fare is 22 euros, the ticket must be printed), the journey takes about 45 minutes, of course, if there are no traffic jams.A taxi ride will cost you 60-70 euros.
Travel time from Paris 5 hours by TGV, from Milan 4 hours 30 minutes, www.monaco-gare.com
A branch of the Marseille-Saint-Charles railway line to Ventimiglia (Italy). The railway station (Gare de Monaco-Monte-Carlo) of the principality is located in the rock, the northern outskirts of the principality.
By sea through the port of Monaco.
You can travel around the country - the principality by bus, for example, route number 2, it passes through the entire state. You can walk around Monaco in 45 minutes. The Principality is stretched for two kilometers on the coast of the Ligurian Sea.

Underground station in Monaco. Monte Carlo, Cote d'Azur. The Formula 1 circuit runs along this street. Oceanographic Museum. Monument to the yellow submarine Jacques-Yves Cousteau. On the way, it’s good to make a stop where, as a souvenir, leave yourself a mandatory photo against the backdrop of an incredibly beautiful view of Monaco and the bay from a bird’s eye view of the harbor on the Cote d'Azur, with magnificent white yachts.
What to visit in Monaco?
Monaco-Ville is the ancient capital of the Principality of Monaco, which was built on the very top of a cliff, at an altitude of 60 meters above sea level, it is called the "Old Town" or La Roche, from the French word "Rock".
Once in Monaco, try to visit the Prince's Palace, the Wax Museum, the Oceanographic Museum, where fish from all the seas of the world are collected in 7 aquariums, in front of the building there is a yellow bathyscaphe Jacques-Yves Cousteau - he was the director of the museum from 1958 to 1988. The Cathedral of Monaco. On the northeastern edge of the rock of Monaco is Fort Antoine. Picturesque gardens of Saint Martin. Chapel of the Chapelle de la Misericord. Museum of Napoleon.

Photographs of the streets of Monaco. Rock. Principality of Monaco. Oceanographic Museum, a monument in front of the museum represents the fragility of the earth. Museum (fr. Musée océanographique de Monaco) - united the museum itself and the oceanographic institute, the year of foundation of the museum is considered to be 1889, the oceanographic institute opened in 1906. For a long time, the director of the museum was Jacques Yves Cousteau. The Oceanographic Museum sometimes holds promotions for visitors: the opportunity to visit its walls in the late evening: from 19:00 to midnight for half the price.
Monument to Albert I, the founder of the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco. Church of Saint Devota. In the photo, the police in Monaco.
For Monaco and Monte Carlo, such "synonyms" of casinos, luxury, villas, wealth, presentability, sea, sun, pleasure have long been entrenched!

On the walk of fame of champions - football stars, in Monaco we meet prints of various celebrities.

Transport

There is no airport in the Principality of Monaco. The nearest airport is in Nice - France. The airport in Nice is the third largest airport in France. The airport has two terminals, between which free buses run.
Transport in Monaco is represented by public bus routes running from 6 am to 9 pm, they converge at Place d'Armes, city routes (there are six of them) are laid to tourist attractions. The main six transport routes.
The mode of transport is free escalators that take you to higher streets, there are 7 of them in Monaco.
There is a regular helicopter service between Monaco and Nice airport, the flight time Nice / Monaco is approximately 6 - 7 minutes, the cost is 75 euros per person.
Taxi
Tourist transport is represented by a train with red carriages.
Car rent.
Water transport: water bus (Bateau Bus) and taxi, the cost of the trip is 2 euros.
The Fontvieille district is the industrial part of Monaco, here, in addition to factories, there are commercial firms, various institutions and tourist infrastructure.

The cost of the trip is 2 euros, including a transfer within 30 minutes. Ticket price for 1 day 5 euros. Children under the age of 7 travel free.

Communication in Monaco

Airport information - 0836-695-555.
Taxi phone number, round-the-clock - 93-150-101.
Inquiries about lost things - 93-153-015.
Police - 17 or 93-153-015.
For the convenience of residents, round-the-clock telephones for calling a taxi are installed on the streets.
Security and law and order
There is practically no crime in the Principality, it is the lowest in Europe. The police meet, but video cameras installed in large numbers and the police serving in civilian uniforms do their positive work.
Tourist program usually includes:
During the walking part of the tour, the program includes free visits to the main attractions of the Principality: the Oceanographic Museum, the palace of Prince Albert I of Monaco with its magnificent gardens, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Then the tour continues to Monte Carlo, where you will get to know the two main attractions:
a chic "millionaire's casino" where fortunes are easily acquired and lost, and part of the unique Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit, which runs right through the streets of the city.

Photo on the way to Monaco. A fee is charged at the entrance, the cost of finding a tourist bus is 145 euros for 12 hours, then we pass the post and move along the streets to a special bus stop located next to the oceanographic museum, from there the journey around the principality begins. After arrival, tourists go up to the Museum of Oceanography, but their path passes through souvenir shops and here the guide gives time to clean up before a tour of Monaco.

Video visit to Monaco

Video tour of Monaco.

View of Monaco from above, panorama, click to enlarge the image.

Monaco is a small principality located on the Mediterranean coast, in the southern region of France, the Cote d'Azur, 12 kilometers from the borders of Italy. The long coastline abounds with beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear sea water, and thanks to the abundance of sun and the absence of cold winds, Monaco is one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. Such highly profitable industries as pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, instrument making, the manufacture of majolica, building materials, ceramics and faience, as well as a huge network of the entertainment industry, helped the country to become a leader in world tourism.

Trade plays an important role in the country's economy. The income of the state is brought by taxes from resort areas, hotels, hotels and casinos. A loyal tax policy has contributed to the fact that many large international companies and banks conduct financial transactions on the territory of the principality.

With an area of ​​only 2 square kilometers and a population of about 35,000 people, the state is one of the smallest and most densely populated in the world. At the same time, there are about 5,000 indigenous people (Monegasques), while the rest of the population is represented by foreigners (Italians, French, Belgians, British), attracted by a preferential taxation system.

The geographical position of the principality is very favorable - on a rocky coast, which is a continuation of the southern part of the Alpes-Maritimes, protected by mountain ranges, northern and eastern sides, sheltering the territory from cold air masses and gusty winds.

• Capital: Monaco;
• Largest cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille;
• Area: 2 km²;
• Timezone: UTC+1;
• Currency: euro;
• Population: 37,900.

Political structure

According to the Constitution adopted in 2002, Monaco is a principality with a form of government - a constitutional hereditary monarchy. The head of state is the prince, who exercises legislative power together with the National Council, 18 members of which are elected every 5 years. The status of a deputy of the National Council can only be obtained by a Monegasque born in Monaco, over 25 years old.

According to an agreement concluded with France in 1918, Monaco has the status of an autonomous state under the protection of France. The Principality has a police service and a royal guard, consisting of 65 people. However, there is no own army, and all defense issues are within the competence of France.

The official language in Monaco is French, but the local population often uses the Monegasque dialect, which is a mixture of French and Italian colloquial speech.

Catholicism is the state religion. About 5% of the inhabitants are adherents of Protestantism.

To visit Monaco, Russian tourists need a Schengen visa issued by the French Embassy, ​​which has representative offices in major cities of our country. To obtain a visa, a standard package of documents is required, and it is important that at least 3 blank pages are present in the passport.

Climatic features

The climate in the region is Mediterranean, characterized by mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Precipitation is scarce and most of it occurs in autumn. The minimum temperature in January is +7°C, in July-August the air warms up to +25…+28°C. At the height of the beach season, coastal waters warm up to +25°C.

The Alpes-Maritimes provided the region with protection from the gusts of the north wind, and the light sea breeze is perfectly refreshing and, even at the height of summer, the heat is almost not felt.

Transport

There is no own airport in the principality. You can get to Monaco through the air harbors of France. The nearest international airport is located in Nice, 30 kilometers from the state border. Upon arrival, you can get to the principality by a direct bus. From the Nice station to Monaco, trains depart regularly from Paris through the cities of Avignon, Toulon, Cannes and Nice.

If you purchased a package tour, then a personal transfer will be sent for you from the hotel or inn where you stayed.

Public transport is represented by buses and taxis. If you wish, you can rent a car, but keep in mind that the areas of the historical center are exclusively a pedestrian zone, and some streets are intended only for the passage of vehicles with state numbers of France and Monaco.

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"A sunny place for dark people" - this is how Somerset Maugham described Monaco. One can agree with this aphorism of the famous writer, but one can argue. The fact that Monaco is a “sunny place” no one objects, and 300 sunny days a year is a clear proof of this. But about the "dark people" there are some doubts. Of course, they are in Monaco and there are quite a few of them, but they are not the only ones who come to Monaco! In any case, somehow I would not like to classify myself as a “dark people”.

It is known from statistics that Monaco receives about 5 million tourists a year! In this regard, a strange paradox arises. It is not difficult to calculate how many people have been there at least over the past 10 years. And even if every tenth person writes a few lines, how many memories, impressions, photos should there be! Alas, for some reason this is not in such an expected quantity. There is not even such a country in the "Abroad", and this gap must be urgently filled. Especially since Monaco deserves it. Since childhood, I had a dream to see with my own eyes the smallest states in Europe. First I visited the Vatican, then I managed to visit San Marino, and only now, after another conference in France, the turn has come to Monaco. Everyone has their own motives - someone goes to Monaco to play in a casino, someone is attracted by Formula 1 racing, and someone wants to look at a beautiful life and make sure that this is possible not only in the cinema. You can join the powers that be, be among the chic yachts, sparkling Rolls-Royces, casinos and luxury hotels where famous personalities and the financial elite "nest". My desire was much more modest. In addition to my childhood passion for stamps and coins, I really love the sea and everything connected with it. That is why, when I read and watched films about the voyages of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, I always imagined the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, where he brought all his most interesting finds. For 30 years, the world's most famous explorer of the deep sea was the permanent head of the museum. Probably, for me it was the main driving motive.

On the Internet, I found a quote from Andersen's fairy tale, which perfectly answers my own question, why Monaco has not been given due attention: "My state is small, but through a magnifying glass it is very clearly visible on the map." So, if you look through a magnifying glass at a map of Monaco, then on its territory of 190 hectares (of which 40 hectares have recently been reclaimed from the sea), you can see as many as four cities: Monaco - the capital of the principality, Monte Carlo, Condamine and the new Fontvieille area. Moreover, each of them is famous in its own way!

One day is enough to slowly go around the entire principality along, across and diagonally many times, but even a month is not enough to examine everything in detail, to feel its romantic spirit, to get acquainted with its rich history.

The history of the principality is well known. Even Virgil in his poems mentioned this land as "an impregnable fortress, a quiet port, sheltered from all winds." The restless Julius Caesar gathered his fleet here, preparing for the war with Pompey. In the XIII century, when these lands were under the rule of the Genoese, Francois Grimaldi managed to capture the impregnable fortress of Monaco. Disguised as a priest, he entered the fortress, managed to lull the vigilance of the Genoese guards and open the gates of the fortress, already besieged by his army. Since then, for seven centuries, the throne of Monaco has been invariably transferred to the descendants of the Grimaldi family. This is an indispensable condition for the very existence of the principality: according to the treaty of 1815, the termination of the dynasty means the immediate entry of France into possession of the territory of the principality.

Until this happened, and we are going from neighboring France to the sovereign state of Monaco. We previously left the car in Nice, as we had heard about the big problems with parking in the most densely populated country in the world, and to be sure, we took the train. It is only 30 minutes from Nice to Monaco, no documents are required, no customs, no passport control. I remember when I traveled from Italy to San Marino, there was a border there, and there were frontier guards for appearances. In addition to Italian, no other special visa was required to enter the country, but if they were very asked and paid $ 1, then they put a San Marino visa in the passport for exotics at the border, and there is nothing like that in Monaco, even a shame. The train stopped in a tunnel resembling a subway station. There is also information here, where in English, French, Italian and Spanish they will kindly explain to you what main attractions you need to see in Monaco, provide you with detailed maps and wish you a pleasant trip.

Monaco

Coming out of the tunnel, we find ourselves in the capital of the country - the city Monaco where he lives
only about 3 thousand inhabitants! The city is picturesquely located on the leveled surface of the rocky ledge of the Alpes-Maritimes, built up with ancient buildings. The views around are amazing - on one side there are mountains and rocks, and on the other side there is an exceptional blue sea! We immediately saw Monte Carlo - even if you are in Monaco for the first time, you will certainly recognize the famous casino. But for some reason we didn’t notice Condamine, because we didn’t know yet that the central part of Monaco with a beautiful port is the main city of the principality.

View from the capital of Monaco to the city of Condominium (the central part with the port), smoothly turning into Monte Carlo, with the famous casino on the right side of the photo.

I don’t know if there is public transport in Monaco (probably there is), but there is no need for it to get to know the country. The whole country is an open-air museum, and Monaco can be walked around in a couple of hours, so it's better to enjoy walking, which we did. Everywhere in the rocks tunnels are punched - both horizontal for highways and vertical for pedestrians. These pedestrian tunnels with elevators in a certain sense can be compared with our subway. The people living here have to "settle in" the stone space. They have shops, restaurants, newsstands. The city itself is somewhere completely ordinary, but somewhere it resembles a model of an ideal place of residence, where walking paths are laid between houses in thickets of exotic greenery.

The main attraction of the city of Monaco is the Prince's Palace, built on the site of a fortress erected in 1215 right on top of a cliff. Today it serves as the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

The square in front of the Palace is surrounded by a battery of cannons cast in the era of Louis XIV.

Monaco has its own army - according to the latest data, 82 people. One of them is guarding the palace!

The army of Monaco is coming! Every day at 11.55 there is a changing of the guard of the Palace, which is carried out by carabinieri in full dress uniform. The ritual of changing the guard has not changed for centuries.

Brave Guards

Monaco also has its own military band. The number of the military band (85 people) is three more than the army of Monaco (82)!

Final chords of the changing of the guard

From the Prince's Palace of Monaco, you can clearly see the port and behind it Monte Carlo. The building with the green roof is the casino.

From a height, Monaco appears as a group of high-rise buildings near the blue sea. The entire coastal part of this region is an artificially created alluvial area.

There are many beautiful and amazing things in Monaco. First of all, it is the turquoise color of the sea and lush vegetation, palm trees on city streets and cleanliness all around.

Many snow-white yachts are parked near the azure surface of the water (wealthy citizens are the rule, not the exception here).

Cathedral of Monaco

The main cathedral of the Principality of Monaco was built in 1875 from white stone. The cathedral stands on the site of an older church from the 13th century. The princes of Monaco, their wives and daughters are buried in the Cathedral.

Almost immediately behind the cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum appeared before our eyes - another attraction and pride of Monaco

“The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco looks like a majestic frigate laid up forever - a frigate that holds all the treasures of all depths in its holds. And I built it as a guarantee of the union and cooperation of all scientists of all countries of the world, "- this is how Albert I (1848-1922) spoke about his brainchild. .

A passionate lover of the science of the sea, a traveler and philanthropist, Albert left behind not statues and memorials in his honor, not palaces and estates (although, of course, his descendants have enough of this good), but a public castle on top of a rock - the Monaco Oceanographic Museum . The first in Europe and still one of the most popular, it reveals the riches and paradoxes of the Neptune element to anyone who wishes. The most curious specimens of sea shells and corals collected by him, collections of navigational instruments, models of ships and sea charts formed the basis of the museum's exposition. In honor of its permanent leader for 30 years, the museum was named Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Currently, the museum is one of the largest centers for the study of the oceans.

One of the first deep-sea submersibles Jacques-Yves Cousteau

On the underground floors of the museum there are numerous aquariums that contain underwater inhabitants. Marinarium, where almost 4,000 fish and marine animals from almost all seas and oceans live in 90 pools of sea water, makes an amazing impression on both children and adults. You can spend hours admiring the huge turtles, graceful sharks, scary moray eels and colorful fish, as well as the exceptionally beautiful corals of the tropical seas.

Oceanographic Museum Aquarium

The observation deck of the museum offers an amazing panorama of the Principality, the surrounding mountains and the entire Ligurian coast right up to the Italian Riviera.

Condamine(La Condamine)

The Condamine area arose on the site of the old port in the Hercules Bay, almost on the site of the ancient Greek "Heraclos Monoikos" - many buildings here are located on the territory reclaimed from the sea. The business life of Monaco is concentrated in this area, the main shopping districts are located here. La Condamine is the area of ​​the port, banks, shops, hotels, representative offices of firms and corporations, enterprises, hotels and beaches.

One of the streets of Condamine.

If the capital is associated primarily with the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum, then Condamine is certainly with Formula 1. The main tracks of the Monaco Grand Prix are concentrated here. The ring road Condamine - Monte Carlo meanders like a dizzying serpentine through the tight city labyrinths, it is the shortest (3.5 km) and recognized as the most dangerous in the world. "Devil's carousel", "a race of a thousand turns" - this is how the participants dubbed the competition. At breakneck speed, they have to overcome numerous 90-degree turns and even 180-degree hairpins.

Along the track you can find monuments to the legendary racers and their cars.

Formula 1

For all those who are interested in cars, an exhibition of the personal collection of classic cars of His Highness the Prince of Monaco is open in Monaco. The exhibition includes more than a hundred cars and leaves a strong impression.

Such cars are not uncommon in Monaco. In the absence of competition, you can easily ride a Ferrari.

In Monaco, unlike Nice, there are wonderful sandy beaches. However, who is too lazy to go to the beach, you can swim in the pool, which is located next to the embankment in the very center of the Condominium. The water in the pool is as blue and clear as the sea, and you can sunbathe as you like!

View from the embankment. Free people in a free country.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo was officially founded in 1866. The world-famous casino, hotels, branches of banks and corporations, beaches with pools and baths, an opera house, a national museum of fine arts with paintings by Renaissance masters, a philharmonic orchestra, etc. are located here.

It seems that there are no weekdays in Monte Carlo - it's one big holiday!

The city is, indeed, entirely intended for entertainment. Parks, restaurants, cafes and bars open around the clock, and most importantly, of course - the casino!

Central entrance to the Monte Carlo Casino (Casino du Monte Carlo)

The first gambling house in Europe, one of the oldest and most respectable casinos in the world has a rich history and cultural traditions. The first building of the casino was opened in 1862, but soon almost completely burned down in a fire, only the game room remained, which, after restoration, was turned into a lobby, through which every visitor must pass. The architect of the second Casino building was Charles Garnier, the author of the Opera House in Paris. In 1878, Garnier built a magnificent palace, which housed a casino and an opera house. This is how the casino building, located on the square of the same name, looks like.

The center of social life of the Principality of Monaco - Casino Square (Place du Casino)

The casino complex in Monte Carlo is a kind of European Las Vegas, lighting up the lights of its numerous gambling houses every evening. During its long history, the English king Edward VII and Sir Winston Churchill, the Egyptian king and hundreds of other celebrities have visited the casino. And one can only guess what human tragedies played out under the luxurious vaults of this abode of excitement. Naturally, everyone who comes to Monaco wants, if not to play, then at least to look (and it is better not only from the outside, but also from the inside) to such a famous place.

Entrance to the casino is conditionally free. Everyone (except children) can enter the casino and feel its atmosphere. Photo and film cameras are not allowed, so it is not possible to show pictures from the inside.

The casino consists of several halls that are immersed in luxury. The walls of all salons are hung with paintings. The opera house, called the Salle Garnier, is the most beautiful of all the halls of the Casino. It is second only to the Paris Opera in size.

In the depths of the palace there are closed halls for the privileged public. To get to the roulette, firstly, you need to show your passport, secondly, buy an entrance ticket for 10 Euros, and thirdly, you need to look appropriate - there is a dress code, and you will not be let in shorts or a miniskirt. But to the "one-armed bandits", which are in large numbers at the entrance to the casino, access is open to everyone. It was interesting for me to watch how naive (or gambling) players threw their money into the machines and pulled the handle in the hope that a golden rain would now pour! But there was no rain, the weather in the casino was just as sunny (as in Monaco 300 days a year!), and in 30 minutes of waiting I did not manage to see a single lucky one.

They say that in the history of Monte Carlo there was one single case when the casino had to return the amount lost here. Many years ago, a foreign military vessel was in the port of Monaco. A certain naval officer of not the last rank from this ship managed to lose the entire ship's treasury in the casino. For him, it was a matter of life or death. But before putting a bullet in his forehead, he decided to make a last desperate attempt: the ship stood in the roadstead exactly opposite the casino and deployed the barrels of all ship guns in his direction. At the same time, the manager was given an ultimatum: they say, either return the money, or take off into the air. The manager had no choice but to choose the first.

A snapshot of a visit to the casino

On Casino Square, next to the gambling building, there is another celebrity - the fashionable Monte Carlo hotel - "Hotel de Paris". Once upon a time, Prince Yusupov, Count Shuvalov, Princess Vorontsova-Dashkova, the Grand Dukes of the Romanov dynasty met here, and even today there are few other places where you can find so many diamonds inside, and chic Rolls-Royces outside, as in this place.

View from the casino to the "Hotel de Paris".

Hotel de Paris.

Monaco is the land of Rolls-Royces. They are waiting for their owners everywhere - in front of the hotel, at restaurants, in front of the casino.

There are also such cars in Monaco - not very prestigious, but convenient!

The casino is the symbol of Monte Carlo. His reflection is visible everywhere, in mirrors and lampposts.

So the short walk around the Principality of Monaco came to an end. It is always sad to part with the places you like, but the impressions of one day spent in the Principality of Monaco will remain for life!