As part of His regular visits to areas historically linked to His Family's dynasty, H.S.H. Prince Albert II visited Taurianova, a small town in the province of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, on Tuesday 3 October.
Taurianova and Terranova Sappo Minulio are part of the territory purchased in 1574 by Battista Grimaldi, from the Grimaldi-Oliva branch, which became part of the Grimaldi “Albergue” in the 15th century.
On his arrival, the Prince was greeted by the town's mayor, Rocco Biasi, and unveiled the sign indicating that it belongs to the network of "Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco".
After strolling through the streets and alleys of the town to meet the large number of visitors, the Sovereign headed for the Town Hall, where he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit. He was then presented with honorary citizenship in the presence of the region's highest authorities.
The Prince and His delegation continued on foot to the Palazzo Contestabile, a historic monument in the city. The Prince was able to explore this 18th century palace, which belongs to the Contestabile family.
The day ended with a dinner hosted by H.S.H. the Prince for the mayors of Taurianova, Terranova Sappo Minulio and Seminara, as well as the local and regional authorities, to thank them for the extremely warm and friendly welcome extended to Him during His visit. The mayors of Gerace, Cittanova and Molochio were also invited to the event. These three towns, also former strongholds of the Grimaldis, were visited by the Sovereign in November 2022.
On Wednesday 4 October, H.S.H. Prince Albert continued His tour of Calabria, following in the footsteps of His ancestors, with a morning visit to Terranova Sappo Minulio, a municipality in the Reggio Calabria region.
Accompanied by the mayor, Ettore Tigani, the Prince unveiled the sign at the entrance to the village indicating its membership of the network of "Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco".
Then, in the Place Barreca, the Monegasque delegation took part in an official ceremony during which the Prince was presented with honorary citizenship. He also unveiled the plaque commemorating His visit.
Later, after visiting the Maria Santissima Assunta church, the Sovereign attended a concert by the Gazzana sisters' violin/piano duo at the Palazzo della Storia, dell'Arte e della Cultura. The Prince’s visit to Terranova Sappo Minulio concluded with a tasting of local specialities.
The afternoon was devoted to discovering Seminara, another former Grimaldi stronghold. In the 16th century, Seminara was owned by a branch of the Grimaldi family from Calabria, whose origins date back to Lanfranco Grimaldi in the 13th century, who was also the father of Rainier I, the Sovereign’s direct ancestor.
H.S.H. the Prince was welcomed by the mayor, Giovanni Piccolo, who unveiled the sign indicating that the site belongs to the network of "Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco". Later, he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit on the front of the Town Hall and received honorary citizenship in the Place de la Mairie.
The Monegasque delegation then visited the Santuario Maria Santissima dei Poveri Basilica. Consecrated in 1933, the basilica was completely rebuilt in 1922 after the 1908 earthquake.
The visit to Seminara ended with a trip to the Calabrian Ceramics Museum, which traces the centuries-old history of this ancient tradition and craft that has made this village world famous.
