Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Prince's Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. It has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The palace is a blend of architectural styles; its ancient origins are indicated by a lack of symmetry.

About Prince’s Palace of Monaco in brief

Summary Prince's Palace of MonacoThe Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. It has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldis’ occupation of their palace is also unusual because, unlike other European ruling families, the absence of alternative palaces and land shortages have resulted in their use of the same residence for more than seven centuries. The palace is a blend of architectural styles; its ancient origins are indicated by a lack of symmetry. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace and its owners became symbols of the slightly risqué glamour and decadence that were associated with Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. The most notable of the many rooms are the state apartments, laid out from the 16th century onwards, and were enhanced in the style of those at Versailles during the 18th century. All state ceremonies have been held in this room since the16th century, and the throne is positioned on a red estate gilt dais beneath a silk canopy surmounted by a red dais. The floors of this room are marble and Carrara marble, and are decorated with blue brocade with Murano family portraits and glass. The following rooms, the largest of the state rooms, are the Throne Room, the Blue Hall, the Officer’s Room and the Mirror Gallery, all of which were executed by Orazio Ferrari de Ferrari and depict the surrender of Alexander the Great and the Battle of Thermopylae.

The final room, the Red Hall, is the enfilade and a ceremonial route to the throne room, where guests are greeted by court officials before an audience with the prince in the Throne Throne Room. This large drawing room, decorated with chandeliers, has been hung with blue and red Murano portraits and has a ceiling of glass. It is located in the centre of the palace, on the right bank of the River Seine, and is the only place in the palace where the prince can be seen from the public gallery. It is currently the residence of Prince Charles of Monaco, who is also the current King of the Principality of Monaco and a member of the House of Doulton. The Palace is open to the public on a daily basis and is open from 9am to 5pm. The Prince’s palace is open for visitors and is on display for the duration of the royal family’s visits to Monaco, as well as for visitors from around the world. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.