#7WondersOfMC - The Palais Princier

The Palais Princier, home to the Monegasque Royal family is the first "Wonder" of Monaco that we are going to present in our series #7WondersOfMC. If you will be later interested in visiting the Palais Princier let us know by email (whatsonmonaco@gmail.com) so we can give you extra details. History: The palace began as a fortress when in 1191 the German Emperor Henry IV ceded the harbor and the rocky promontory to the Republic of Genoa on the condition that they build fortifications to combat piracy. Construction actually only began in June 1215 thanks to Geona Republic consul Fulco de Castello. History: Prince Honore II was responsible for re-assembling the rich collections of art, which had been auctioned off during the French Revolution when the Palace was turned into a hospital for the Italian Army. However Prince Rainier III is credited restoring the Palace to its former glory and the magnificent state in which it can be seen today. Fact: There they can see the royal courtyard paved with 3,000,000 white and colored pebbles formed into beautiful geometrical patterns. On exhibit are the 16th-century Genovese frescoes depicting scenes from mythology. Fact: The Sovereign Prince appears in the Gallery when receiving Monegasques at official events or for the presentation of a future prince or princess. But during official receptions and at the Christmas party for Monegasque children, the Prince welcomes his guests in the State Apartments.

Credit Photo : http://www.palais.mc/

Information

• 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.

Information: The Palace's opening hours are 10:00 to 18:00 (last entrance 17:30 ) and from 1st of July to 31st of august 10:00 to 19:00 (last entrance 18:30). You may visit only the state apartments or both the Apartments and the Collection of antique cars. Fact: The marble mosaic table in the center of the York Room is the one designated to signing official documents. The room is furnished with ornate ebony Florentine furniture from the 17th century, a Boulle clock and royal portraits. Source: www.palais.mc