The State Apartments
The Palace of Monaco was originally the western border fortress of the Republic of Genoa, built from 1215. It became the residence of the Grimaldi family when, between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century, they established their sovereignty over Monaco. At the beginning of the 16th century, the lords of Monaco definitively detached themselves from their mother country and had their independence recognised by the European powers: in 1512 by the King of France and by the Emperor and the Pope in 1524. Their medieval residence gradually took on the appearance of a palace and was strongly influenced by the Italian Renaissance. The original painted decorations of the Cour d'Honneur and a number of rooms in the wing of the State Apartments bear witness to this and are now being completely updated, preserved and restored. Honoré II (1604-1662), the first Grimaldi to bear the title of prince from 1612, endowed his house with architectural marks that signed the dynasty’s move towards a monarchy. During the reign of his grandson Louis I, the Court of Honour was enhanced by a large horseshoe staircase, reminiscent, but in a mannerist style, of that of Fontainebleau, one of the residences of the King of France, who has been the protector and ally of the Principality since 1641. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the palace housed extensive art collections, particularly paintings, which were scattered when the French Revolution reached Monaco. After lying disused for more than twenty years, the palace was refurbished after the restoration of the Princes in 1814 and most notably at the end of the 19th century. The ceremonial rooms of the State Apartments were then arranged more or less as they are today.
The Archives of the Palace of Monaco hold many documents relating to European history, including the former fiefdoms of the dynasty granted by Charles V in southern Italy in 1532 (such as the Marquisate of Campagna), those granted following the Treaty of Peronne in 1641 (the Duchy of Valentinois in the Rhone Valley, marquisate of Les Baux in Provence, county of Carladès in Auvergne), or inherited by marriage (barony of Saint-Lô and county of Torigni in Normandy, seigneury of Matignon in Brittany, duchy of Mayenne, marquisate of Chilly, county of Longjumeau, duchy of Mazarin, counties of Thann, Ferrette, Rosemont, Altkirch in Alsace, etc.). ). Today, these territories are grouped together in a network based on friendship and cultural promotion: the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco.
Five years ago, H.S.H. Prince Albert II decided to carry out a major restoration of the palace's exterior and interior painted decorations, as well as to renew the presentation of the public visitor circuit, usually open from April to October. The approach taken by the restoration team is intended to respect both the environment and the integrity of the historical heritage. For the public, a new look inside the palace should be possible from spring 2022 onwards.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Exceptional closing
Visits of the Prince's Palace/State Apartments are currently closed. It will re-open on July 1st, 2022.
The State Apartments are not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Access only by stairs.
- Vehicle Access
The only vehicles that may drive into the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) area are those having Monaco license plates or French license plates with the last two digits 06 from the Alpes Maritimes Department.
All other vehicles are strictly forbidden to drive to Monaco-Ville.
Parking : Busses and cars are advised to park in the Parking des Pecheurs. - Bus Access
One may take either Monaco Bus line 1 or 2, which ends at the Place de la Visitation bus stop and signed Terminus Monaco-Ville. The bus stop is next to the Museum Chapelle de la Visitation. From the Place de la Visitation bus stop one follows the posted signs through the small streets to the Palace, a short 5-minute walk. - On Foot
One may take the 10-minute walk from Place d'Armes up the Rampe Major that brings you right to the Palace Square.
ADMISSION COST
Prince's palace: State Apartments
- Adults: 10 euros
- Children (6-17 years old), Students: 5 euros
- Adults groups (from 20 persons) : on request
For more information :
Email : visites@palais.mc
