The Landmark Attractions of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco, or better known as Monaco, is a small Western European country located along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Coast, and surrounded by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Région of France on three sides.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in Monaco; millions of visitors flock to this country each year to experience its glamour, natural beauty and other attractions. Some are considered to be the landmarks of Monaco, and are definitely not to be missed if you were to visit this country.

Otherwise known as Monte Carlo Opera House, Salle Garnier Opera House was built by Charles Garnier, the same architect who had built the Monte Carlo Casino and Paris Opera House. It is embellished in red and gold decorations, with a profusion of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. One of the best opera houses in the world, it has hosted a number of great opera performances such as those by Patti, Tamagno, Caruso, Chaliapine, Schipa, Gigli, Lubin and Dalla Rizza, as well as international ballet performances and classical concerts.

Located on the Place du Palais, the Prince’s Palace was built on the site of a fortress built by the Genoese in the 13^th century. The palace takes one on a journey through history from the time of the Guelfes and the Gibelins to the Napoleonic period, and features breathtaking spaces such as the Italian-style Gallery, the Louis XV Salon, the Salon Belu, the Mazarin Salon, the Throne Room, the Palatine Chapel, the Sainte-Marie Tower and a main courtyard paved with over 3 million colourful pebbles forming beautiful geometric patterns.

Inaugurated in 1910 by Prince Albert I, this monumental architectural masterpiece took 11 years to build. Its grandiose façade rises majestically above the sea to a height of 279 feet. The grand rooms of the museum, open to public on two floors, contain a remarkable collection of marine fauna collected by Prince Albert himself. They include various marine species, stuffed or in skeleton form, and a massive display of a 66-foot whale’s skeleton. In the basement, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary live display of marine flora and fauna placed in a massive aquarium containing over 4,000 species of fish representing the tropical marine ecosystem. Within this establishment, there is also an exhibition and conference space, a restaurant on the top floor and a shop selling souvenirs.

Located on rue Colonel Bellando de Castro and built in 1875, the Monaco Cathedral stands on the site of a 13^th century church dedicated to Saint Nicholas and houses the tombs of the former Princes of Monaco. It is also the final resting place of Monaco’s much-loved Princess Grace. Pontifical services take place on major religious festivals such as the Feast of Sainte Dévote on the 27^th of January and the National Day on the 19^th of November. From September through to June, there are also choir performances from the singers of the Cathedral Choir School, Les Petits Chenteurs de Monaco, during the Sunday mass.