What you can see in Monaco - this question is asked by anyone who is planning a trip to one of the smallest countries on the world map for the first time. This tiny princedom with an area of only 1.95 km2 in the south of Europe near the border of Italy and France near Nice is located and represents 4 cities merged: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Fontvieille and Monte Carlo.
Monaco-Ville, also called the Old Town, is located in the center of the principality, hanging over the sea surface at the top of the cliff. The main feature of this part of Monaco is that it is forbidden to settle there foreigners. The number of attractions in this part of the principality of Monaco is impressive: in a small area there are more than 11 architectural and cultural monuments.
Princely Palace in Monaco
The princely palace in Monaco is not only a historical monument, it is also the residence of the ruling family of the principality. Visit it can be only 6 months a year, and even then not entirely - for excursions are available only the ceremonial apartment and museum of Napoleon, located in the southern wing. In addition to the beautifully decorated rooms that amaze with their luxuriance and luxury, visitors are also attracted by the changing of the guard, which occurs daily at 11-45 on the square in front of the prince's residence.
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Cathedral of Monaco
The cathedral in Monaco was erected in 1875 and is notable for breaking the canons of that time concerning the construction of churches. Unlike others, the cathedral in Monaco is not rich in stucco and gilding, but is built of white stone. It is located on the highest point of Monaco. The cathedral was also the site of the last refuge of the rulers of Monaco, because here is their family burial vault. The famous actress Grace Kelly , who was the wife of Prince Rainier, also rests in the cathedral. In addition, the cathedral is also famous for its organ, the sounds of which can be heard during religious holidays and concerts of church music.
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The Monaco Oceanographic Museum
Another of the most striking attractions of Monaco is the Oceanographic Museum . It is located in the very center of the Old Town and dates back to 1899, when Prince Albert, an ardent explorer of the deep sea, began his construction. Currently, more than 90 aquariums are open to visitors, in which almost all the inhabitants of the underwater kingdom are gathered, from the smallest fishes to sharks. A lot of work was invested in the brainchild of Prince Albert and the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who headed the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco for 30 years. In gratitude for the fruitful work of the museum was given the name of this scientist.
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Exotic Garden in Monaco
And certainly not worth to pass in Monaco past the exotic garden . Yes, and make it almost impossible, because this is located at the entrance to the principality. Visiting this unusual garden, which contains the greatest collection of flowers, bushes and trees, you can also enjoy a panorama of the coast of the principality. A unique monument of nature was created in 1913 and the age of many of its inhabitants is approaching a hundred-year boundary. Particularly fell in love with the nature of the principality of various kinds of cacti, which there are hundreds of species. In the lower part of the exotic garden is the cave of the Observatory, which was opened in 1916. During the excavations in the cave, there were found remains of ancient animals and stone tools, which can now be seen in the anthropological museum, for which there was also a place in the garden. The cave itself is also accessible to tourists and impresses with its stalactites and stalagmites.
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