What countries does Monaco border with? Monaco - information about the country, attractions, history

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. It has been run by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years. The seaside principality has a colorful past, but is now a quiet haven for the rich and famous who enjoy its tax-free status.

The picturesque coastal country attracts tourists all year round. Visitors to Monaco alternate between relaxing on the beach and international sports racing, and spend their evenings at the Place du Casino. This gambling center made Monte Carlo famous as a place for extravagant displays of wealth. Wealthy people willing to spend millions and ordinary tourists - everyone finds a common language in Monaco. More detailed information about the country is provided below.

History of the Principality of Monaco

This secluded harbor was originally settled by the Greeks in 6 BC. e. Legend has it that Hercules once passed through Monaco and the Monoikos Temple was built in his honor. Historically, this country was part of France, but in 1215 it became a colony of Genoa by order of Emperor Grimaldi, who settled here in 1297, and the ancestors of the family control the principality to this day.

In 1419, the Grimaldi family acquired Monaco from France. Since then, the principality has been under the protection of Spain, Italy and Sardinia. In 1793, French revolutionary troops captured Monaco and held it until 1814. Today, the country has a constitutional monarchy, but the principality is under the protectorate of France.

Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly

In 1949, Prince Rainier III ascended the throne of Monaco. In 1956, he married the beautiful American actress Grace Kelly. This event became a turning point not only in her professional career, but also in the life of the entire principality. The most famous actress at the peak of her popularity left cinema for marriage. This news shook not only Hollywood, but the rest of the world. This event brought fame to the principality. Previously, it was only talked about as the place where the Monaco Grand Prix in the Formula 1 championship is held. Now the eyes of the rich and famous, focused on Grace Kelly, have turned to the small principality. Having received the title of princess, the actress invested her efforts in promoting the arts. This brought charm to the small country and contributed to its economic and cultural development. They had three children together: Caroline, Albert and Stephanie.

Grace Kelly's sudden death in a car accident in 1982 was a shock that reverberated around the world. Films have been made and books written about her life, but her death is still shrouded in mystery, around which conspiracy theories are built. Prince Rainier III continued to rule Monaco after her death and was a respected monarch. He never remarried and died in 2005, leaving the throne to his son, Prince Albert II.

Current status

The capital of the Principality of Monaco is the city of the same name. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The economy is based on tourism, gambling and banking services. The lack of income tax attracts many wealthy residents. The banking and money management industry accounts for 16% of revenues and plays an important role in the economy. It is also famous for its casinos, whose visitors come from all over the world to play in elite establishments. Tourism accounts for about 25% of income and the country prides itself on its hospitality and excellent cuisine. The wonderful Mediterranean climate attracts travelers who want to enjoy the sea of ​​Monaco.

Climate

Monaco is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by France on three sides. Nice is the nearest major city, approximately 18 km away. The area is quite rocky, located on steep hills that slope down to the sea. The climate is mild all year round, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Monaco is divided into four quarters:

• Monaco-Ville is an old city that is located on a rocky promontory.
• La Condamine is a port area.
• Monte Carlo is the main resort, residential and tourist area.
• Fontvieille is a new site built on alluvial land.

Population of Monaco

More than a quarter of the country's population are French citizens. A smaller but significant number are Italians, Swiss and Belgians. One fifth are Monegasques, representatives of the indigenous population,

Monegasques are proud of their country's unique history and position in the world. The name Monaco is believed to come from the word "monoikos", associated with both the ancient Greeks and Ligurians. Ligurians settled on the Mediterranean coast even before the era of the Roman Empire. The coastal road used by the Ligurians later became known as the "Road of Hercules". In Greek, Hercules was often called "Hercules Monoikos" or "Hercules". The Monegasques have managed to maintain their traditions and dialect over the centuries, despite the influence of their much larger neighbors. They are reflected in many local festivals and are part of Monaco's worldwide fame. However, only a small part of citizens can call themselves Monegasques. The rest are people of different nationalities.

Languages ​​of Monaco

There are more tourists who want to visit this country every year. They are probably interested in what language is spoken in Monaco. It is a multinational country, but its greatest influence has been from France. Therefore, it is not surprising that French has become the official language of Monaco. It is the language of government, business, education and the media.

The indigenous speaks Monegasque, and this is what is considered traditional. It is similar to Italian in many ways. Only about 21.6% of the population, who are mostly ethnic Monegasque, speak the language. And although the authorities are trying their best to preserve their native dialect, its use is decreasing every year. By the 1970s, the language was on the verge of extinction, but several projects launched by the Monegasque government helped raise its status. Currently, this language is taught in schools, and street signs are made in two versions: in French and Monegasque. Another traditional language of Monaco is Occitan. Currently, only a small part of the country's population speaks it.

In addition to the above languages, Italian and English are popular here. This is not surprising, since Italians make up about 19% of the country's population. For a time, Italian was even the official language of Monaco (between 1815 and 1861), when the principality was under the protectorate of Sardinia. Some members of the princely family speak Italian. English is mainly used by citizens of the UK, USA and Canada permanently residing in the country. The official language of Monaco is French, but English remains the most popular among tourists.

Culture

Throughout history, Monaco's neighbors (France, Italy and Spain) have exerted enormous influence on the principality. Therefore, elements of their cultures can be traced in art. The constitution allows for religious freedom, but the largest part of the population consider themselves supporters of the Roman Catholic Church (about 78% of citizens).

The ruling Grimaldi family played an important role in promoting culture and art in Monaco. The city boasts exquisite architecture. Visitors will find an amazing array of world-class galleries where they can attend musical performances throughout the year. Many of them are supported by members of the princely family themselves. In addition, the Grimaldis have created many charities, including the Princess Grace (which also supports the Dance Academy), Prince Pierre (culture and arts funding) and Prince Albert II (environmental protection) foundations.

Cuisine of Monaco

Access to fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood has determined the characteristics of local cuisine. Additionally, the food reflects the country's Mediterranean heritage, and influences from French and Italian cuisine can be found in many recipes.

Each of the many restaurants serves delicious seafood dishes. Cod and anchovies dominate among them. The warm climate allows you to complement the fish with local vegetables. Separately, it is worth highlighting onions, garlic and olives (or olive oil), which are included in many dishes. As a rule, breakfast is very small, but several courses are often served for lunch and dinner - this tradition has firmly taken root in Monaco. Reviews of restaurants are purely positive, because the owners, fearing to lose rich clients, maintain the service at the highest level.

What to visit in Monaco?

The main attraction of the principality is the Monte Carlo casino, which is a huge entertainment complex located in the area of ​​the same name. It includes a casino and an opera house. The famous French architect Carl Garnier built the casino in 1878. The atrium, paved in marble, is surrounded by 28 ionic columns. It leads to the auditorium of the Sal Garnier opera, decorated with a large number of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. It has hosted outstanding international performances, as well as operas, ballets and concerts, for over a century. The "Game Rooms" include a number of numerous rooms with stained glass windows, delightful decorations and sculptures, allegorical paintings and bronze lamps.

Oceanographic Museum, whose director was the legendary explorer of the deep waters Jacques-Yves Cousteau. This exceptional museum is dedicated to oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna, collected by Prince Albert I, are priceless and unique. The museum's latest major acquisition is a gigantic 450 cubic meter pool that showcases the diversity and unusual colors of the coral reef and the creatures that inhabit it.

St. Nicholas Cathedral serves as the tomb of Monaco's past rulers, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Services are held during great liturgical celebrations, accompanied by organ music.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is today home to Prince Rainier's son and successor, Prince Albert II. The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer. Since 1960, the palace courtyard has been the venue for open-air concerts presented by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. It also opens for important events, such as weddings or birthdays for the Grimaldi family. The assembled citizens of Monaco address the prince from the Hercules Gallery overlooking the square. The yard is also used for the annual children's event. Thanks to such events, the palace continued to play a central role in the life of the prince and his subjects for 700 years.

Fort Antoine is a fortress built at the beginning of the 18th century. It is now used as a wonderful outdoor theater that can accommodate about 350 spectators. This charming setting hosts numerous performances during the summer season. The military architecture of this watchtower gives it a unique and special charm.

The numerous attractions of the Principality of Monaco will impress even the most demanding tourist.

In addition to hosting the famous Grand Prix and the presence of the luxurious Monte Carlo casino, there are no less interesting facts about this country that not everyone knows about:

1. Monaco is often called the tax haven of Europe. For decades, the country lived solely on income from its casinos. Nowadays, thanks to the efforts of the government, tourism has become the main source of income.
2. If you want to travel to the city of Monaco, you can get there by train, private helicopter or yacht, but not by private jet. There are no airports here, and the nearest one is in Nice. Luckily, Monaco and France are within 30 minutes of each other.
3. The descendants of François Grimaldi, the Genoese leader of the Guelphs, have ruled Monaco for more than 712 years. This explains why the majority of citizens are Catholics.
4. Monaco is open to tourists at any time of the year - there is something happening here every month. From exclusive outdoor concerts of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic to sporting events such as the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.
5. The elegant façade and interiors of the Monte Carlo Casino have been the setting for three James Bond films, namely Casino Royale, GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again.
6. The crime rate in Monaco is very low. This is mainly due to the fact that it has more police officers per person than any other country. In addition, the Principality has a large number of CCTV cameras to prevent criminal activity.
7. There is almost zero unemployment here. There is also no poverty in the country.
8. Don't be surprised to learn that Monegasque citizens are prohibited from gambling or even visiting casinos. The rule is set by the government of the country, which does not want its citizens to waste their money. The casino is a source of income for the country and provides jobs for its residents.
9. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is ​​one of the main events that the country hosts every year.
10. In 2014, almost 30% of Monaco's population were millionaires - the same as in Zurich or Geneva.

There is a train station in Monaco Monaco-Monte-Carlo, where night trains arrive from (station), as well as direct trains from , , and . There is also a direct train to Monaco from Moscow(Moscow-Belorusskaya station) via Belarus. Monaco has several bus routes between cities.

Getting around Monaco:

Monaco is divided into 4 quarters: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo and Fontvieille. The capital of the Principality of Monaco is the city Old Monaco (Monaco-Ville), located on a picturesque cliff on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The most populated city of the principality, the resort of Monte Carlo, is located in the northeast of Monaco, with the main attraction being the view from the casino of the same name. The port of Monaco is located in the southwest, in the La Condamine area.

History of Monaco:

Monaco became the property of the Grimaldi clan, a family from Genoa, already in 1297.

Princess Grace

The Principality of Monaco has been a symbol of glamor for a century. Additional fame for this tiny country was brought by the marriage that took place in 1956 between one of the most sought-after bachelors of his time, Prince Rainier III, and the famous American actress Grace Kelly. Grace died in 1982, and Prince Rainier died in 2005. The story began at the Cannes Film Festival, where Grace presented her film.

Monegasques - residents of Monaco - rejoiced at the birth of their first daughter in 1957. But they especially celebrated the son whom Grace gave birth to in 1958. According to the settlement agreement of 1918, Monaco would become an autonomous state of France if the Garibaldi dynasty ended. The third daughter, Princess Stephanie, was born in 1965. Although Princess Grace was not particularly happy in her new role, she earned the respect and adoration of her people. In 1982, while driving a sports car with her daughter Stefania, she lost control and fell off a cliff, falling to her death (Stefania was only injured).

Sights of Monaco:

Map of Monaco with marked attractions, best hotels and restaurants:

Monaco-Ville

Monaco-Ville- the capital of Monaco is built on the top of a cliff (“The Rock” - “Rocher” in French, Monaco-Ville is often called simply “The Rock”), at an altitude of 60 m above the sea. This part of the country has a lot of historical attractions of Monaco. Among them are the Monaco Cathedral and the official residence of the Princes of Monaco - Grimaldi. Attractions of Monaco-Ville:

• place du Palais - traditional changing of the guard every day at 11:55.
• Fort Antoine (1710)
• Notre Dame Cathedral (see below)
• Prince's Palace of Monaco (see below)
• Hotel du gouvernement (19th century)
• Park jardin de la promenade Sainte-Barbe
• jardin des remparts
• jardin Saint-Martin (see below)
• Former Hôtel des Monnaies (19th century)
• Former monastery of Visitacion
• Carabinieri barracks (caserne des carabiniers) 18th century
• Fountains and statues at Place Saint-Nicolas
• Home of local sculptor François Joseph Bosio
• Oceanographic Museum (see below)

Monte Carlo

Casino Monte Carlo

Casino de Monte-Carlo is a prestigious casino built in the Belle Époque style in 1879 according to the design of Charles Garnier, the author of the famous Parisian opera. The first casino on this site was opened in 1863 by Prince Charles III of Monaco and François Blanc, founder of the Société des Bains de Mer. The company has now become Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM and still owns the casino.

The decision to open a casino was made already in 1856 - in order to get more money from it, of course. The prince's first attempt to open a casino was a fiasco. Then he decided to turn to the already successful casino owner in Hamburg - Francois Blanc. The new casino that was built turned out to be so successful financially that the Grimaldis still do not collect taxes (except VAT) from local residents in their principality (this is an exceptional situation for Europe). Some famous films were filmed at the casino, including Never Say Never Again with James Bond (1986), the next Bond film GoldenEye (1996) with Pierce Brosnan, and Coco (2009).

Other attractions in Monaco:

• Gardens of St. Martina- picturesque gardens with beautiful sea views. Among the pine trees, agaves and aloes are fountains and bronze sculptures. The gardens are located on the "Rock" in Monaco-Ville.

• Japanese garden- with an area of ​​7 thousand m2, located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This is a unique place where stone, water and plants are combined in a single ensemble. Waterfalls and ponds are decorated with artificial islands. A traditional tea house, bamboo fences, stone lanterns - all this was specially brought from Japan.

• Princess Caroline Street is a cozy pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Orange trees, baskets and flower beds are complemented by lighting and music in the evening.

• Exotic garden(Jardin Exotique) - located on a mountain slope. The garden contains several thousand species of tropical plants and over 7 thousand cakutos. At the foot of the slope you can see a grotto with stalactites and stalagmites.

• Fontvieille area- its main attraction is a huge commercial center, which houses the Prince Rainier III Vintage Car Museum (see below). Stade Louis II is a huge stadium with 20,000 seats, which has all the necessary equipment to host high-class international competitions. This is one of the best sports complexes in the world.

Churches of Monaco:

• Notre Dame Cathedral(Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée) in Monaco-Ville - paintings by the famous artist Louis Brea are used in the interior of the cathedral. The organ plays during religious music concerts and holidays. The cathedral was built in 1875 in Romanesque style from white stone on the site of the former Church of St. Nicholas 13th century. The cathedral houses the tomb of the princes of Monaco.

• Chapel of St. John the Baptist(Chapelle palatine Saint-Jean-Baptiste) - built in the era of Prince Honore II (early 17th century). The chapel was consecrated by the Bishop of Nice in 1656.
• Sacré-Coeur Church (Église du Sacré-Cœur de Monaco), Moneghetti quarter - built in 1926 - 29 for the Jesuit order of monks.
• Church of St. Carla(Église Saint-Charles de Monte-Carlo) in Monte Carlo. — the first stone of the church was laid in 1879. The construction work was supervised by the same architect who was involved in the construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Monaco-Ville and the Cathedral in Nice. The opening of the church took place in 1883.
• Church of Saint-Deveaux(Église Sainte-Dévote), late 19th century, built on the site of an 11th century chapel. A small and unusual church is located in the La Condamine quarter.
• Church of St. Martina(Église Saint-Martin), Plati quarter, 1976.
• Church of St. Nicholas(Église Saint-Nicolas de Fontvieille) - 1989.
• Synagogue, avenue de la Costa

Sights of Monaco on the map:

Museums of Monaco:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

Musée d'anthropologie préhistorique.

• 56 bis Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, .
• To get there: bus 2 in direction " jardin exotic" to the final one.
• Opening hours: daily, except November 19 and December 25. May 15 - September 15: 9 - 19, September 16 - May 14: 9 - 18.
• Ticket (to visit the Jardin Exotique, Grotte de l'Observatoire and Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique) - 7.20 €, children 6 - 18 and students under 30 years old - 3.80 €, pensioners 5.50 €.

Museum of Oceanography

Musee oceanographique. Located on the legendary "Rock" of Monaco-Ville, the Oceanographic Museum was created over 100 years ago by Prince Albert I. Together with the underground aquarium, the current museum is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum has created a unique aquarium with waters from 90 seas. This is one of the few aquariums in the world that contains live corals that usually do not live in captivity. You should allow about 2.5 hours to visit the aquarium and museum.

• Opening hours - daily, except December 25 and the Grand Prix race: October - March 10 - 18, Apr - June 10 - 19, July and August. 10 - 20:30, Sept. 10 - 19.
• Admission: adults 14 €, 13 - 18 years old and students: 10 €, children 4 - 12 years old: 7 €.
• Address: Avenue Saint-Martin - Monaco-Ville, www.oceano.mc

Museum of Postage Stamps and Coins

Musee des timbres et des monnaies. The museum displays a collection of stamps from the Principality of Monaco, as well as related materials used to print stamps, from the very first, issued in 1885, to the present day. The museum also displays coins and banknotes of the principality from 1640.

• Visiting time: approximately 1 hour.
• Opening hours: 1 Oct. — June 30: hedgehog. 9:30 - 17:00. July 1 - September 30: 9:30 - 18:00.
• Entrance: 3 €, 12 - 18 years old: € 1.50.

National Museum of Monaco

Nouveau musée national de Monaco - Villa Sauber / Villa Paloma. — two villas display temporary collections of contemporary art.

• Villa Paloma - 56, boulevard du Jardin Exotique, take bus 2 in the direction of Jardin Exotique, stop “Villa Paloma”. Bus 5, stop Hôpital. Parking lot "Jardin Exotique".
• Villa Sauber - 17, avenue Princesse Grace, bus 6, stop "Grimaldi Forum / Villa Sauber". Parking lots "Grimaldi Forum" and "Place des Moulins".
• Opening hours: 1 Oct - 31 May: 10 - 18, 1 June to 30 Sep: 11 - 19, closed 1 January, 1 May, 4 days during the Grand Prix race, 19 November, 25 December.
• Admission: NMNM (Villa Paloma + Villa Sauber): 6€, NMNM / Jardin Exotique and Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique: 10€, free entry first Sunday of every month.

Museum of Old Monaco

Musée du Vieux Monaco. The museum can be viewed for free on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm from June to the end of September. The museum contains a collection of antique objects, ceramics, paintings, furniture and costumes illustrating the life of the inhabitants of Monaco-Ville. Visit.

• Address: 2, rue Emile de Loth, 98000 Monaco, www.traditions-monaco.com.

Rainier III Vintage Car Museum

Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco. Located on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, this outstanding collection includes almost a hundred cars of various ages, from the largest car companies in Europe and America, as well as 6 carriages that belonged to Prince Rainier III.

• Visit: approximately 45 minutes.
• Opening hours: daily 10 - 18.
• Closed December 25 and January 1.
• Entrance: 6 €, children 8 - 14 years old - 3 €.
• Address: Terrasses de Fontvieille

Napoleon Souvenir Museum

Museum of Napoleon souvenirs and collection of historical archives of the palace(Musée des Souvenirs Napoleonien et Collections des Archives Historiques du Palais). The Napoleon Museum and the Historical Archives of the Prince's Palace contain more than a thousand objects and documents that relate to the First Empire, as well as Napoleon's personal belongings. There are separate rooms dedicated to different periods of the history of the principality.

• Audio tour time is 30 minutes.
• Opening hours: 1 Dec - 1 Apr: every day, except 25 Dec. and January 1, from 10:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Apr 2 – Oct 31: Hedgehog. 10 - 18.
• Entry: 1 Dec - 1 Apr. 4 €, children 8 – 14 and students: € 2,
• April 2 - Oct 31 (ticket includes admission to the Napoleon Museum and Grands Appartements) € 9, children 8 - 14 and students: € 4.50.
• Combo ticket: Palais Princier and Musée Océanographique- 18 €, children 4 - 18 years old 8 €.
• Address: Place du Palais - Monaco-Ville Tel. www.palais.mc

Monaco. What do you think of at first when you hear this name - city state, gambling business, no taxes, rich yachts? No matter what you imagine, most likely you can guess that Monaco is a very beautiful and interesting place. And indeed it is. From Nice you can go to Monaco and spend the whole day there. If you want to have time to watch the changing of the guard at the princely palace, which takes place at 11:55, then you need to leave Nice early. You can get from Nice to Monaco by bus number 100. The bus travels along the shore for approximately 45 minutes. If you get off at the Cemeterie stop, you can begin your acquaintance with Monaco with the botanical garden (Jardin Exotique), where many cacti are presented and where, judging by their appearance, they feel at home. Have you ever seen cacti that look like black roses? No? Then this is the place for you! Walking along the paths of this fairy tale, you admire the opening panorama of the Principality of Monaco and the Cote d'Azur. Here, in the garden, you can visit the Observatory Cave and admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was opened in 1916. Once upon a time there was a small astronomical observatory nearby - hence the name of the cave. Excavations were carried out in the cave for a long time while it was being prepared for display to the general public. In 1950, the cave was opened to the public. The cave is karst, and was formed as a result of the erosion of limestone rocks by water with carbon dioxide dissolved in it. Descending into the city, you admire the plants and flowers, small parks, and a series of cute streets. There is a helipad near the seashore from which you can go on various helicopter excursions along the coast. However, they must be ordered in advance. And again the rise, this time to the historical center of Monaco, to the princely palace. It’s interesting to see the princely palace, but, unfortunately, you can’t take pictures there. The palace was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress. It is now the official residence of the reigning Prince of Monaco, Albert II. After the palace, you should go to the oceanographic museum with an aquarium. On the way to the museum, you once again have a view of the Porte de Fontville with luxury yachts, recently created on land reclaimed from the sea. The Oceanographic Museum is impressive with its size and exhibition. His aquarium will be interesting for both children and adults. It presents plants and animals that live in the Mediterranean and the tropics. You can even pet sharks in the outdoor pool. After the museum you can go to Port Hercule. The port is deep-water, so ocean liners enter there. Of course, you can see many large yachts there. Not far from the port is the entrance to the underground train station, from which you can return to Nice or travel to other cities along the coast. On the way to the station, stop by Fort Antoine - this is one of the attractions of Monaco. Built in the 18th century, today the fort serves as an open-air theater. We didn’t make it to the casino this time. We promise to show it the next time we visit Monaco...

Useful information for tourists about Monaco, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Monaco, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of Monaco.

Geography of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is one of the smallest states in the world, located in the south of Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, near the border of France and Italy. The territory of Monaco consists of the merged city-districts of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

Monaco is located on an elevated sea coast formed by limestone mountains, which represent the southern extension of the Alpes-Maritimes. Cape Monaco is rocky and protrudes far into the sea, La Condamine is a small open bay. The surface relief is hilly, rugged, rocky. The highest point is Mont Agel (140 m).

State

State structure

Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the prince, who transfers the rights of administration to his heir. The head of government is the minister of state. Legislative power belongs to the monarch and the National Council (unicameral parliament). The functions of the lower chamber are performed by the Communal Council.

Language

Official language: French

Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and English.

Religion

90% of the population are Catholics, 6% are Protestants.

Currency

International name: EUR

Euro (Euro), equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

You can exchange currency at exchange points at banks, train stations, and hotels.

Credit cards from the world's leading systems and travel checks are freely used. It is also profitable to exchange currency through ATM machines.

Popular attractions

Tourism in Monaco

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Monaco

On the Cote d'Azur of the Mediterranean Sea there is a truly paradise - the Principality of Monaco. This is one of the smallest states in the world and one of the most fashionable resorts. Monaco – dazzling luxury and sophisticated elegance. The wonderful mild climate, magnificent natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches of the Cote d'Azur, the famous casinos of Monte Carlo, the legendary Formula 1 and a lot of other entertainment will fill your holiday with unforgettable impressions.

The Principality of Monaco consists of only a few cities that have practically merged together - Monaco Ville (the official capital), Monte Carlo, La Condamine and a small territory reclaimed from the sea - Fontvieille. Despite the very tiny size of Monaco (about 2 sq. km), there are interesting historical and cultural attractions and always a huge number of tourists.

Monaco Ville or the so-called "Old Town" is built on a flat cliff top 60 meters above sea level and is the historical center of Monaco. Here is the Prince's Palace with a magnificent palace square. In the southern wing of the palace there is the Napoleon Museum and the Collection of the Historical Archive of the Prince's Palace. Also on the territory of Monaco Ville is Fort Antoine, the stunning Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, which for some time was headed by the famous French explorer of the World Ocean Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the magnificent Gardens of St. Martin, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Old Monaco. Of particular interest are the magnificent white stone Roman-Romanesque Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which is also the tomb of the Princes of Monaco, and the Chapel of Mercy (one of the oldest buildings, built in 1639).

Monte Carlo is rightfully considered the cultural and entertainment center of Monaco. Here is the world famous Casino - one of the oldest and respectable gambling establishments in the world, striking with its magnificent architecture and luxury. In Monte Carlo, it is also worth visiting the Opera House, the National Museum of Monaco, the Church of St. Charles and the wonderful Japanese Garden.

Monaco's main port is located in La Condamine, and Monaco's business life is concentrated here. The main attractions of La Condamine include the magnificent Exotic Garden, the Church of Sainte-Devote, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, the Market and the pedestrian Rue Princesse Caroline. The Fontvieille area is famous for the park of the same name with the stunning Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Philately and Numismatics, the Zoological Garden and the Louis II Stadium. And in the huge Commercial Center is the Prince Rainier III Vintage Car Museum, which houses a magnificent collection of luxury vintage cars (one of the best collections of its kind in the world).

Monaco is the picturesque Alps, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, fashionable beaches and interesting sights. But still, the main life of the country revolves around a huge number of exquisite restaurants and cafes, famous nightclubs, discos and, of course, casinos.

Tips

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 meter, the porter, maid or guide - 0 .5-1 euro.

Office hours

Banks are open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 16.30 from Monday to Friday.

Purchases

Shops are usually open from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00.

VAT is 18.6% (there is a lower tax rate for medicines and medical equipment, as well as food and non-alcoholic drinks) and is included in the price of goods. Foreigners who purchase goods worth at least 185 euros in one store can receive a tax refund. The money is returned at customs when crossing the border upon presentation of the check and the goods, or the check is sent to your place of residence and cashed at the bank.

Emergency numbers

Police - 17 or 93-153-015.
Urgent medical assistance - 93-259-869.
Fire and paramedic services - 18 or 93-301-945.

Questions and feedback about Monaco

Monaco - Questions and Answers

General information about Monaco

The official name is the Principality of Monaco (La Principante de Monaco, The Principality of Monaco). Located in the southwestern part of Europe on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded on land by the territory of France (border 4.4 km). Area - 1.95 km2, of which 0.4 km2 is due to the development of the seashore (Monaco's territory is surpassed only by the Vatican). Population - 31,987 thousand (2002). The official language is French; Monegasque, Italian and English are also common. Capital - Monaco (more than 3 thousand people) National holiday - Day of Princes (National Day) November 19. The monetary unit is the euro (since January 2002).

Member of the UN, UNESCO, World Health Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, World Intellectual Property Organization, etc.

Geography of Monaco

Monaco is marked on the map of Europe with a point with coordinates 43°44′ north latitude 47°24′ east longitude. The country is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, the coastline is rocky and indented by bays. Monaco is located in the Alpine fold zone. The highest mountains are Mont Atel (1149 m) and Monte Grammondo (1377 m). There is no agricultural land in the country. The soil is brown, in the mountains it is brown. The vegetation belongs to the general Mediterranean group - oaks, boxwood, cedar, etc. Among the cultivated trees are olive, citrus, etc. There are no large animals left in Monaco. Coastal waters are poor in fish, which is due to the lack of convenient places for spawning grounds. The climate of Monaco is typical Mediterranean (January +8°C, July +24°C). The annual precipitation is 1340 mm.

Population of Monaco

The population growth rate is 0.45% (2002), the birth rate is 9.6‰, the death rate is 12.91‰, the infant mortality rate is 5.73 people. per 1000 newborns. Average life expectancy is 79 years, incl. women - 83 years old, men - 75 years old. Age structure of the population: from 0 to 14 years old - 15.5%, 15-64 years old - 62.1%, 65 years old and older - 22.4%. In general, despite the fairly high birth rate for a European state (1.76 children per family), population growth is due to the constant influx of migrants.

Monaco's population represents 125 nationalities. The largest groups: French - 12.8 thousand (47%), Monegasques - 5.1 thousand (16%), Italians - 5.1 thousand (16%). The indigenous people are Monegasques. The Monegasque language was based on French, Provençal, and Genoese. The country has a social system that is in many ways similar to the French one (pensions, health insurance, maternity protection system, family benefits). Retirement age for men and women is 65 years (55 years for women with 3 children). In con. 1990s the pension was $1,345 per month. By religious affiliation, 90% of the residents are Catholics.

History of Monaco

In Monaco, the reign of the House of Grimaldi began in 1419. In 1814 the principality gained independence and since then has been in the orbit of French influence. Monaco is a constitutional hereditary monarchy (principality). According to the Constitution of 1962, the Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state, operating within the framework of the basic principles of international law and special agreements with France. Administratively, the state consists of 4 merged city districts: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

The head of state is the prince (since 1949 Prince Rainier III of the Grimaldi dynasty). Legislative power belongs to the prince and the National Council (a parliament consisting of 18 deputies elected for 5 years by universal direct suffrage). Monegasques have the right to vote. Executive power is exercised by the Government Council, headed by the Minister of State. According to the 1918 agreement between Monaco and France, 2 out of 4 seats in the Government Council are occupied by representatives of France (including the post of Minister of State). In reality, power is almost entirely concentrated in the hands of the prince. Under the prince there is a Crown Council (7 people). The judicial system consists of courts of first instance, magistrates and appellate courts. Members of the Supreme Court (5 members and 2 assessors) are appointed by the prince for 4 years. The main political organizations are the National Democratic Union, the National Union for the Future of Monaco and the Rally for the Monegasque Family. There is an association of entrepreneurs and trade unions in the country. There is no conscription in Monaco. Officially, relations with the Russian Federation are established at the consular level.

Economy of Monaco

Monaco is developing at a steady pace and provides its residents with a high standard of living (there are no national statistics, so all quantitative estimates are approximate). In 1999, GDP was $870 million ($27 million per capita). At the same time, in the 1990s. GDP growth rates (on average 1.1%) lagged somewhat behind the population growth rates. Since the mid-1990s. There was an increase in the budget deficit, which in 1999 amounted to $52 million. This prompted the government to take a number of measures to modernize and diversify all sectors of the economy.

The preferential tax regime allows large international banks to use Monaco to create a network of banks and financial groups (in the late 1990s - 47 banks and 5 financial groups). After the removal of restrictions from France (in 1987), the banking system of Monaco rapidly expanded, especially due to capital from Southeast Asia. At the same time, the government assured that its confidentiality will be maintained and it will not allow laundering of “dirty” money. This sector of the economy generates almost half of all government revenues. Another important industry, generating a quarter of government revenue, is tourism. In 1998, the country was visited by 278 thousand tourists. Since the 1990s. Business tourism is developing in the country.

The development of industry is closely related to servicing the tourism complex and financial institutions. In 2001, industry consisted of chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics (45%), plastics (23%), printing (6%), machine shops (5%), textiles (3), food processing (2). %), others (4%). The state provides financial and fiscal benefits to owners if they open their enterprises in the territory of the principality.

There are 1,100 different trading establishments and 400 wholesale companies operating in Monaco. In total, trade, the hotel sector and restaurants account for 40% of business turnover. The country has monopolies in the sale of tobacco, telephone and postal services. More than half of the total workforce employed in enterprises and institutions are residents of neighboring regions of France and Italy, although in the end. 1990s Monaco has an unemployment rate of 3%.

Science and culture Monaco

School education covers all children from 6 to 16 years of age (first stage - 5 years, second - 7 years). In all schools, education is carried out mainly according to the program adopted in France. Some features: religious course, history of Monaco, Monegasque language; From the 6th grade, English is studied intensively. 6.3% of the budget is spent on education.