Capital of the Principality of Monaco.  Principality of Monaco, French Riviera - Travel Guide

April 17th, 2013

The rock of Monaco has been a refuge for primitive people since ancient times. Their traces were found in one of the caves of the Saint-Martin garden. Archaeologists attribute them to the late Paleolithic period (300 thousand years BC). Approximately, in 2000 BC. The Ligurian tribe settled in this area. The ancient authors Strabo and Diodorus Siculus described them as harsh mountaineers, accustomed to hard work and a life full of hardships.

Legends attribute the founding of Monaco to Hercules, whom the Phoenicians called Melkart, and the Romans called Hercules. It was believed that he landed in these places, returning from Spain, and built the first structures. In his name, the city received the name "Portus Hercules of Monoiki", which means "the port of the lonely (temple) of Hercules." It is known that in ancient times in the city that stood on the site of present-day Monaco, there really was a temple dedicated to Hercules. The Greek charter of Hecateus of Miletus mentions a city called "Monoikos polis ligustik" - "Ligurian city of Monoikos". There is an assumption that in reality this name is of Ligurian origin, since the city served as the seaport of the Ligurian tribe of Oratells. Probably, later the name was changed, based on the association with "lonely Hercules."

Approximately, from the X century BC. on the territory of Monaco there was a Phoenician fortification. It is believed that it was the Phoenicians who brought Cote d'Azur Middle Eastern palms. Later, the town was often visited by the Carthaginians, and in the XII-XIII centuries. BC. it is mentioned among the Greek colonies. One way or another, it was an important strategic point between Genoa and Massalia (modern Marseille).

In the II century. BC. The area was taken over by the Romans, who included it in the Maritime Alps. In the port, Julius Caesar was loaded on ships, setting off for the battle with Pompey. The road to Marseille, laid by the Romans, went through the city - “Via Julia”, which for 500 years remained one of the main road arteries of the Roman state.

In the era of the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian (III-IV centuries AD), a boat with the body of the executed Corsican Christian Devot washed up on the shores of Monaco. Later, a church was built in his honor, and he himself was declared the patron saint of Monaco.

Since the 11th century, the Ligurian coast has been continuously raided by Arab pirates from North Africa. And in 975, the Muslims were finally expelled by the Count of Provence, Guillaume. After that, the coast began to belong to the Republic of Genoa and began to be settled again.

On the site of Monaco stood a small fishing village. The German emperors Frederick Barbarossa (1152-1190) and Henry VI (1190-1197) recognized the stretch of coast up to modern Monaco as the possession of Genoa (finally - in 1191).

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Creation of the Monegasque State

On June 10, 1215, the Genoese adherents of the emperor (Gibellines), led by Fulcco del Casello, having appreciated the strategic importance of the Monaco rock and the port, began to build a fortress with four towers on the site of the current princely palace. The castle replaced the ruined fortification of the Muslims. The transfer of Monaco to Genoa was confirmed in 1220 and 1241 by the German Emperor Frederick II (1212-1250), and in 1262 by the Count of Provence.

To attract new settlers, the founders provided them with substantial tax and land benefits. For the next three centuries, Monaco was the object of a fierce struggle between the Ghibelline families of Doria and Spinola (supporters of the German emperors), as well as the Fieschi and Grimaldi families of Guelph (followers of the popes), passing from hand to hand.

The founder of the Grimaldi family was considered Otto Canella, who in 1133 was the consul of Genoa. His son was named Grimaldi. In 1296, as a result of one of the civil wars in the Republic of Genoa, the Guelphs were expelled from Genoa and took refuge in Provence. Gathering a small army led by Francesco Grimaldi, on January 2, 1297, they captured the fortress of Monaco. According to the chronicle, the leader of the Guelphs disguised himself as a Franciscan monk and was allowed into the fortress by unsuspecting guards, after which he opened the gates to armed soldiers.

This time, Grimaldi failed to gain a foothold in Monaco. In 1301, they lost the fortress and were able to return it only on September 12, 1331, when Karl Grimaldi took possession of the rock. In 1341, Charles I (1330-1363) conquered Monaco from the Spinola family. He enjoyed the support of the French kings, so he was able to take possession of Menton and Roquebrune. Charles's father and Francesco's cousin, Rainier I was appointed Grand Admiral of France, commanding the French fleet in the battle against the Flemings in 1304. Charles himself brought to the French king Philip VI (1328-1350) a detachment of crossbowmen who took part in the famous battle of Crécy (1346), and his fleet participated in the siege of Calais. He later died during the capture of Monaco by the Genoese Doge Simon Boccanegra. The son of Charles, Rainier II (1363-1407), also a member of the French royal service, managed to keep only Menton (1346) and Roquebrune (1355), but in 1357 the Grimaldi lost their possessions. In 1395 they won them back, but in 1401 they lost them again.

The children of Rainier II in 1419 regained Monaco, and then divided the possessions among themselves. Thus, Jean I (1427-1454) became the sole lord of Monaco and Condamine. Having managed to free himself from the captivity of the Duke of Milan, he ruled his possessions until his death (1454).

Conflicts with Milan, Genoa and Savoy forced Grimaldi to seek protection from neighboring states, without giving up their independence. They managed to obtain such patronage from Florence (1424), Savoy (1428) and Milan (1477). And in 1448, Jean I ceded half of Menton and Roquebrune to the Duke of Savoy in exchange for recognition of his rights to these territories. The son of Jean I Catalan (1454-1457) entered into an alliance with the French king and married his daughter to his relative Lambert, who later became the king's chamberlain. In 1489, Lambert managed to achieve recognition of the independence of Monaco from the Duke of Savoy and the French king. The support of the latter was bought at the price of recognition of the suzerainty of Savoy over 11/12 Menton in exchange for recognition for Grimaldi feudal rights (this feudal oath was valid until 1507).

The policy of Lambert was continued by the sons Jean II and Lucien I (1505-1523). The latter reflected in 1506-1507. Genoese siege. The French king confirmed in 1498 and 1507 the sovereignty of Monaco, promising patronage to its rulers. The patent of King Louis XII (1498-1515) of 1512 recognized Monaco as an independent possession, whose seigneur cannot be "in any way diminished or interfered with in his rights, jurisdiction, sovereignty, prerogatives" and enjoys the "special patronage" of the monarch of France. In 1515, this position was confirmed by the new king Francis I (1515-1547). However, in 1523 the ruler was assassinated by followers of the French-backed Genoese admiral Andrea Doria. Having become a lord, Lucien's brother Bishop Augustin broke off relations with King Francis I and entered into an alliance with his main enemy in Europe - the German emperor and the Spanish king Charles V (1519-1556). According to the Treaty of Burgos (1524), Monaco came under the protection of Spain. It became an imperial fief, whose ruler had to take a feudal oath. Later, at the request of the Monegasque lord, this agreement was changed: the new agreement (November 1524) no longer contained a mention of the imperial fief.

Under the auspices of Spain

The union with Spain laid a heavy burden on the economy of Monaco. The Spanish garrison, which was in Monaco under the agreement of 1605, was maintained solely at the expense of the inhabitants of this state.

After the death of Augustin, due to the infancy of the children of Lucien I, the country was temporarily ruled by Etienne Grimaldi from Genoa. He scrupulously observed the agreement with Spain, but at the same time tried to strengthen the autonomy of Monaco. The reign of Lucien's son Honore I (1523-1581) was quite calm. His children Hercules I (1589-1604) and Charles II (1581-1589) continued the same policy. They devoted their main attention to the management of the possessions that Charles V assigned to them in southern Italy. In 1604, Hercules was killed by conspirators.

Until 1616, the regency under the son of the murdered ruler Honore I was carried out by his uncle, Prince Frederick de Valdetar. In 1612, he persuaded his nephew to accept a new title - "seigneur and prince of Monaco." Since 1619, the Monegasque monarch began to be called a prince. This title was recognized by the Spanish court and received a hereditary character.

Taking power into his own hands, the young prince gradually reoriented politics towards France. The negotiations, which began in 1630, lasted more than 10 years, with the prince receiving support from the first minister of France, Richelieu. In 1635, another Franco-Spanish war began, and in 1640 an uprising broke out in Catalonia against Spain, whose participants called on France for help. In this ominous atmosphere on September 14, 1641 in Peronne, the Monegasque ruler and french king Louis XIII (1610-1643) signed an agreement according to which Monaco was recognized as a free and sovereign principality under the protectorate of France, and the prince was obliged to command the French military garrison.

Under the protectorate of the French king

A few months after the conclusion of the treaty, the prince armed his adherents, and with their help forced the Spanish garrison of the fortress to capitulate. In 1642, Honore II was solemnly received by the French court. Instead of the possessions he lost in Naples, previously donated by the Monegasque lord Charles V, the prince received others - on French soil: the viscountship of Charles in Auvergne, the duchy of Valentinois and the marquisate of Beau, along with the seigneury of Saint-Remy in Provence. At court, he was patronized by the first minister, Cardinal Mazarin, and King Louis XIV (1643-1715) became the godfather of his grandson, the future Prince Louis I.

According to the Treaty of the Pyrenees of 1659, the Prince of Monaco was to receive back all his possessions in Naples and Milan, but he abandoned them in favor of the French king, who transferred them to the Duke of Lanti.

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Honoré II minted his coin. He did a lot to decorate the city and especially the princely palace, where he collected a huge collection of furniture, paintings, valuables, etc. Luxurious ballet performances, festivities, balls and magnificent religious ceremonies were held in Monaco. After the death of Honore II, his grandson Louis I (1662-1701) ascended the princely throne, whose name is associated with the construction of a number of monumental buildings in the country. He published a comparatively liberal collection of laws. The Monegasque cavalry, led by the prince, fought on the side of France and Holland in Flanders and Franche-Comte during the war against the British. When the issue of the Spanish succession arose, in 1698 Louis XIV appointed Louis I as his ambassador to the papal court, instructing him to obtain support from the Pope as a French candidate for the Spanish throne. While in Rome, he squandered many of the riches his grandfather had collected. In 1701 the prince died in Rome.

His son Prince Antoine (1701-1731) moved in the circles of the highest French aristocracy, maintained ties with the future regent, the Duke of Orleans. He achieved considerable heights in the French army, participating in many battles. Antoine restored and strengthened the princely palace, where he held magnificent festivities. The prince was fond of music, conducted his own orchestra and corresponded with prominent French composers: Andre Detouche, Francois Coupren and others. The close ties of Monaco with France, despite the neutrality of the principality, forced in 1707 to fear the invasion of the troops of the Duke of Savoy, and the prince began to build new fortifications. The military threat was eliminated only after the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht in 1713.

With the death of Antoine, the male line of the Grimaldi dynasty came to an end. The daughter of Prince Louise-Hippolyta ruled the state for only a few months, and then power passed to her husband Jacques-Francois de Matignon, proclaimed Jacques I (1731-1733). In 1733, he handed over the throne to his son Honore III (1733-1793). The new prince, like his predecessors, served in the French army, taking part in hostilities on the Rhine, in Flanders and the Netherlands, for which he received the rank of marshal in 1748.

During the War of the Austrian Succession in 1746-1747. Monaco was blockaded by Austrian and Sardinian troops. They were pushed back by French forces under the command of Marshal de Belle-Isle. The subsequent reign of Honore III was not overshadowed by conflicts. The principality's economy prospered and the standard of living of the population grew despite the country's meager natural resources. Monaco's main source of income was maritime trade and the collection of duties from ships bound for Italy. The prince, who had extensive land holdings in Auvergne, Valentinois, Provence and Normandy, also acquired land in Alsace.

Period of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars

All possessions of the Prince of Monaco in France were lost after the French Constituent Assembly on the night of August 4, 1789 abolished feudal law. Initially, the assembly upheld the Treaty of Peronne and even intended to compensate the prince for the loss of his property, valued at 273,786 francs, but after the overthrow of the French king in 1792, this project was abandoned. Honore III's references to the Treaty of Peronne did not help, and by the time of the prince's death in 1795, the financial well-being of the dynasty was already undermined.

In Monaco itself, a struggle broke out between two parties, one of which advocated the preservation of the sovereignty of the principality, and the other demanded, first of all, to create a system of representative government. As a result, the second party managed to win. In January 1793, the National Convention was elected, which soon announced the overthrow of the Grimaldi dynasty.

The entry of French troops into Nice accelerated the formation of a new regime. On February 15, 1793, the French Convention decided to unite the principality with France. Monaco, renamed Fort Hercule, formed a canton within the French Republic, and then became its administrative center(later the center was moved to San Remo). All the wealth collected in the princely palace was seized: paintings and works of art were sold, and the palace itself turned into a barracks, and then into a hospital and a shelter for the poor. Most members of the princely family (including Honoré III), some of whom served in the French army, were arrested, later released, but were forced to sell almost all their property.

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The situation changed after the abdication of the French Emperor Napoleon. The first peace of Paris on May 30, 1814 restored the borders of the principality, which existed before January 1, 1792, under the French protectorate.

Honore IV, the son of Honore III, became prince, but due to poor health, he ceded the throne to his brother Joseph. The son of the abdicated prince Honore-Gabriel rebelled against this decision and convinced his father to transfer power to him. In March 1815, Honore IV (1815-1819) went to Monaco, but, having arrived in Cannes, he was arrested by the landing Napoleonic troops and taken to Napoleon.

After the final collapse of the Empire, according to the second Treaty of Paris of November 20, 1815, the principality was under the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The treaty between Monaco and the Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel I was signed in Stupinigi on November 8, 1817. It was even less favorable for the principality than the treaty with France that was in force before the French Revolution. The principality's finances were in a deplorable state, the country's resources were markedly reduced, and the communes, parishes and hospitals owed large sums.

After the death of Honore IV, power passed to his son Honore V (1819-1841), to whom in 1810 Napoleon awarded the title of baron, and the Restoration regime - the title of peer of France. The new prince took steps to overcome the crisis. But his tough policy was met with popular discontent and protest demonstrations, especially in 1833 in Menton. After the death of Honore V, power passed to his brother Florestan I (1841-1856), a great admirer of literature and theater, who was completely unprepared to govern the state. Most of the issues were resolved by his wife Carolina, who temporarily managed to alleviate the discontent caused by the decrees of Honore V. But the détente did not last long, and soon Florestan and Carolina tightened their policy again, hoping in this way to restore prosperity to the principality.

Meanwhile, in Menton, the demands for independence were heard more and more loudly. The inhabitants of the city sought the adoption of a liberal constitution, like the one introduced by King Charles Albert in the Kingdom of Sardinia. They categorically rejected the constitution proposed by Florestan. After the revolution of 1848 in France, the situation became even more aggravated. Florestan and Caroline transferred power to their son Charles, but it was too late: uprisings began, Prince Florestan was overthrown, arrested and imprisoned, and the princely government was abolished. However, in 1849 Florestan was restored to the throne.

On March 20, 1848, Menton and Roquebrune, officially remaining fiefs of Sardinia and Savoy, proclaimed themselves independent cities "under Sardinian patronage." On May 1, 1849, the authorities of the Kingdom of Sardinia issued a decree on their accession to the district of Nice. Monegasque princes Florestan and Charles III (1856-1889) failed to regain these territories.

In March 1860, in gratitude for the military assistance provided by the French emperor Napoleon III in the unification of Italy, the Kingdom of Sardinia ceded to France Savoy and the county of Nice, including Roquebrune and Menton. On July 18, 1860, Sardinia withdrew its troops from Monaco, ending the protectorate.

According to the agreement of February 2, 1861 between Prince Charles III and Napoleon III, Monaco renounced all rights to Menton and Roquebrune in favor of France, for which it received compensation in the amount of 4 million francs. The treaty officially recognized the independence of the Principality of Monaco, but at the same time it was reduced to 1/20 of the former area. In accordance with unpublished additional articles of the treaty, Monaco undertook not to transfer parts of its territory to any power other than France.

Principality before World War II

Reduced in size and deprived of resources, Monaco was in an extremely difficult financial and economic situation. It was impossible to raise taxes further. Back in the 1850s, the authorities decided to improve things by opening a casino, but the gambling house of the French entrepreneur Durand soon closed due to lack of transport links and lack of competitiveness. The merchant Lefebvre, who bought the company, was also unable to set things right.

After several attempts to revive the trade, Charles III and his mother Caroline decided to organize a company called the Society of Sea Bathing. The concession to create a gambling house was sold to the banker François Blanuza for 1.7 million francs, who previously headed the gambling house in Hamburg. The term of his license was 50 years. Blanc was able to organize a casino, the cash flow of which soon exceeded the most optimistic expectations. Hotels, a theater and a casino built by the Society of Sea Bathing began to attract crowds of tourists to the principality from the very beginning.

In 1865, Monaco and France signed a convention establishing a customs union. At the same time, the prince reserved the right to conclude international treaties and agreements. The parties agreed on the construction of a railway line on the territory of Monaco. Since 1868, after the railway line between Nice and Ventimiglia was put into operation, the number of tourists increased even more. In 1870, 140 thousand people visited the country, and in 1907 - already more than 1 million (at that time there were 52 hotels in the principality).

The economic progress of Monaco was accompanied by the expansion of urban construction. The Spelyug quarter was quickly built up with luxurious hotels and prestigious buildings. In 1866 it was renamed in honor of the prince - Monte Carlo. In 1869, an opera opened in Monte Carlo, which gained worldwide fame under the direction of the famous conductor Raoul Gainsbourg. During the reign of Charles III, railway stations were built in Monaco and Monte Carlo, a post office was organized, the first postage stamps of the principality were issued and gold coins began to be minted. A separate bishopric was created in Monaco. In 1881, the civil code was enacted.

The population grew very rapidly: in 1870, only 1,500 people lived in the principality. In 1888 this number increased to 10,000, and in 1907 to 16,000.

The foreign policy activity of the principality also developed. In 1866-1905. Monaco has concluded agreements on the extradition of criminals with Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Russia, Switzerland, Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, Denmark, as well as a convention on cooperation in the legal field with France, Italy, Belgium. The Principality signed multilateral agreements: the Paris (1883) and Berne (1886) conventions, the Madrid Agreement (1891). It appointed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and also to the papal court.

Prince Albert I (1889-1922), famous for scientific research in the field of oceanography, paleontology, anthropology and botany, founded the Institute of Oceanography in Paris with the famous Oceanographic Museum in Monaco (opened in 1910), the International Peace Institute (1903 ) and Exotic Garden. And also contributed to the development of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology in Monaco and other research institutions.

In 1911, the prince approved the constitution of the Principality of Monaco, according to which the monarch had very broad powers, but shared legislative power with the National Council, elected by popular vote. In October 1914, the constitution was suspended.

Albert I patronized the development of art and culture: magnificent performances were staged at the Monaco Opera, famous seasons of Russian ballet were held. According to the convention of 1912, French troops could be brought into the territory of the principality only at the prior request of the prince. In 1914, Albert I tried in vain to dissuade the German emperor from starting hostilities in the First World War. His son Louis served in the French army and was promoted to general during the First World War.

Officially, Monaco remained neutral in the First World War, but France feared that the principality might fall under the influence of the Germans, since the heir, Louis, was not married, and the cousin of the prince, Duke Wilhelm von Urach, was a subject of Germany. On July 17, 1918, Monaco had to sign an agreement with France, which entered into force on June 23, 1919. The French Republic recognized and guaranteed the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Principality. The Principality was obliged to act "in accordance with the political, military, maritime and economic interests of France" and to coordinate its foreign policy with it. Only Monegasque and French citizens approved by the French government could become heirs or regents of Monaco. In the event of the termination of the princely dynasty, Monaco had to form an autonomous state under the protectorate of France. The French army and navy received the right to occupy Monaco, even without the consent of the prince.

In 1918, a political crisis erupted in the country: the National Council refused to recognize the legitimacy of a daughter born out of wedlock to the heir to the throne, Louis. On October 30, 1918, the authorities issued an ordinance allowing the heir to adopt or adopt children in the absence of his own legitimate descendants.

Modern Monaco

The grandson of Louis II, Prince Rainier III, who took the throne in 1949, contributed to the development of the principality's economy, scientific research, sports and culture. Having preserved the traditional image of a luxurious tourist center and a gambling paradise (in 1973, casino revenues accounted for only 5% of the budget), the country has turned into a business, industrial and cultural center. Due to the drainage of sea areas, the area of ​​​​the state during his reign increased by 1/5. In 1981, the city of Fontvieille was founded on the territory reclaimed from the sea to the west of the Rock of Monaco. Currently, it is planned to extend the site on which the Rock of Monaco is located far into the sea and significantly expand the territory of Monte Carlo. The developed sites will be built up: it is planned to create an underground railway and a station there. In the field of economy, measures were taken to modernize the tourism infrastructure, develop the hotel business and facilities suitable for holding international meetings and congresses. Large-scale work was carried out in the country on the construction of port facilities, an underground railway, the reconstruction and expansion of a hospital, administrative buildings, urban infrastructure, tunnels and parking lots. A new stadium and water stadium was built, as well as an airport for helicopters.

In 1966, the Monegasque state decided to tighten control over the most important source of income - the Society of Sea Bathing. Threatening to nationalize the casino, it bought up most of the company's shares.

New education laws improved compulsory schooling. They began to build new schools, take measures to develop sports and culture. The prince established awards for writers and composers, opened the palace for concerts of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. The princely family patronized the organization of art festivals and ballet performances. In 1954, the Monte Carlo television station began operating, and since 1961, the International Television Festival has been held. Scientific research began to develop: Science Center, a laboratory for marine radioactivity, a center for underwater resources of the sea, etc.

In foreign policy, emphasis was placed on maintaining close relations with France: the French presidents and the Prince of Monaco repeatedly exchanged official visits. In 1951, both countries signed a convention on good neighborliness and mutual assistance in the field of customs duties, postal services, taxes, and television. However, the topic of taxes caused friction in relations between states. France sought to return taxes from capitals settled in Monaco to its budget. On May 18, 1963, after Monaco refused to make changes in the field of taxation and the establishment of French customs cordons on the border with the principality, a new Franco-Monegasque convention was signed in Paris, which provided for the introduction of income tax in the principality on the basis of French taxation. But citizens of Monaco, the French living in the country for more than 5 years, and companies in whose capital the share of Monegasque investments exceeded 25% were exempted from the tax.

Ruler Monaco Prince Albert II, Marquis de Bou

Coat of arms of Monaco

In the late 1990s, Monaco was increasingly accused of becoming an international offshore center for money laundering. In 2000, a commission of the French National Assembly submitted a report and recommended that French banking control be extended to Monaco. Parliamentarians claimed that the number of fake firms registered in Monaco had reached 6,000 by 1998, and there were 340,000 accounts in 49 banks, with 2/3 of the owners living abroad. It was argued that the justice of the principality, dependent on the princely house, does not take any measures to curb the current situation.

On October 24, 2002, after three years of negotiations between Monaco and France, a new treaty was signed, replacing the 1918 treaty. He confirmed the "traditional friendship" of the two countries, the French guarantees of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Principality, as well as the obligation of Monaco to exercise its sovereignty in accordance with "the fundamental interests of the French Republic in the fields of politics, economy, security and defense" and to coordinate with France its foreign politics. Monaco has the right to open diplomatic missions abroad or transfer representation of its interests to France. The provisions on the possibility of changing the order of succession to the throne and the introduction of French troops were formulated much softer than in 1918. The text of the treaty only stated that the territory of Monaco was "inalienable", and that France should be informed of the change in succession, and French troops could enter the territory of Monaco only with the consent of the prince or at his request (except in cases where sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are threatened, but the normal functioning of power is interrupted).

Rainier III tightly controlled the political life of the principality. In 1950, the authorities banned the activities of the Communist Party. Until 1958, the National Democratic Accord bloc, a coalition of the Radical Socialist Party and the Monegasque Democratic Party, won the elections to the National Council, and in 1958 it was ahead of the National Union of Independents. In January 1959, the National Council was dissolved, and in 1911 the constitution was suspended. In January 1961, the prince approved the new composition of the parliament. And on December 17, 1962, the country received a new constitution, confirming the extensive powers of the monarch. Legislative power was vested in the prince and an elected National Council, while executive power was in the Government Council, consisting of a minister of state and three councillors. At the same time, the head of the Government Council had to be a French citizen and was appointed by the prince from among three candidates recommended by the French president. Parliament did not have the right to control the actions of the government, and to come up with legislative initiatives. In 1963, women in Monaco received the right to vote. Elections to the National Council in 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998 were consistently won by the National Democratic Union (NDU) party, formed from the merger of the National Union of Independents and the National Democratic Accord. The 1998 elections resulted in the VAT winning over 67% of the vote and all 18 seats in the National Council. The opposition parties National Union for the Future of Monaco and the United for the Monegasque Family received 23% and 9% of the vote, respectively.

Someday, global warming will cause the glaciers to melt, and all land will go under water. It would seem that humanity is doomed to extinction (at least until the gills grow), but Vincent Callebaut did not agree with this, who designed giant island ships on which people could survive.

Project ship with Monaco street

Monaco has a train station 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(station Moscow-Belorusskaya) via Belarus. Monaco has several city bus routes.

Getting around in 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 picturesque rock on the shore mediterranean sea. Most populated city Principality, the resort of Monte Carlo, is located in the northeast of Monaco, with the main attraction in the form of the casino of the same name. The port in 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 glamour, for a century. Additional fame for this tiny country was brought by a 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 in 2005. The story began with 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. Under a settlement agreement in 1918, Monaco would have 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 Stephanie, she lost control and fell off a cliff, killing herself (Stefania was only injured).

Attractions of Monaco:

Monaco-Ville

Monaco-Ville- the capital of Monaco is built on 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. In this part of the country there are a lot of historical sights of Monaco. Among them - the Cathedral of Monaco and the official residence of the princes of Monaco - Grimaldi. Sights of Monaco-Ville:

• place du Palais - the traditional changing of the guard at 11:55 a.m. daily.
• Fort Antoine (1710)
• Notre Dame Cathedral (see below)
• Prince's Palace of Monaco (see below)
• Hôtel 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
• Barracks of the Carabinieri (caserne des carabiniers) of the 18th century
• Fountains and statues on Place Saint-Nicolas
• House 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 by Charles Garnier, 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 society has now become the 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 failed. Then he decided to turn to the already successful owner of a casino in Hamburg - Francois Blanc. The new casino built turned out to be so financially successful that until now the Grimaldis do not levy taxes (except VAT) in their principality from local residents(this is an exceptional situation for Europe). Some famous films have been filmed at the casino, including Never Say Never with James Bond (1986), another Bond film GoldenEye (1996) with Pierce Brosnan, and the movie Coco (2009).

• Gardens of St. Martina– picturesque gardens with beautiful sea views. Among the pines, agaves and aloe 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 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 cactus. 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 for 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 - the interior of the cathedral features paintings by the famous artist Louis Brea. During concerts of religious music and holidays, the organ sounds. The cathedral was built in 1875 in the Romanesque style. white stone on the site of the former church of St. Nicholas of the 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.
• Church of the Sacré Coeur (Église du Sacré-Cœur de Monaco), Moneghetti quarter - built in 1926 - 29 for the Jesuit order of monks.
• Church of St. Karla(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

Museums of Monaco:

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

Musée d'anthropologie prehistorique.

• 56 bis Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, .
• Getting there: bus 2 in the direction " jardin exotic" to the end.
• Opening hours: daily, except November 19 and December 25. May 15 - Sep 15: 9 - 19, Sept 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

Musée oceanographique. Located on the legendary "Rock" of Monaco-Ville, the oceanography museum was founded 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 has live corals that don't normally live in captivity. It is worth planning about 2.5 hours to visit the aquarium and the museum.

• Opening hours - daily, except December 25 and the Grand Prix race: Oct-March 10 - 18, Apr - June 10 - 19, July and Aug. 10 - 20:30, Sept. 10 - 19.
• Entrance: 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

Musée des timbres et des monnaies. The museum has a collection of stamps from the Principality of Monaco, as well as related materials used for printing stamps, from the very first, issued in 1885, to the present day. The museum also displays coins and banknotes of the Principality since 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 towards Jardin Exotique, stop "Villa Paloma". Bus 5, stop Hôpital. Parking "Jardin Exotique".
• Villa Sauber - 17, avenue Princesse Grace, bus 6, stop "Grimaldi Forum / Villa Sauber". Parking "Grimaldi Forum" and "Place des Moulins".
• Opening hours: Oct 1 - May 31: 10 - 18, June 1 to Sept 30: 11 - 19, closed January 1, May 1, 4 days during the Grand Prix race, November 19, December 25.
• Entrance: NMNM (Villa Paloma + Villa Sauber) : 6€, NMNM / Jardin Exotique and Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique: 10€, free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Museum of Old Monaco

Musée du Vieux Monaco. The museum can be visited free of charge on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm from June to the end of September. The museum has a collection of antiques, 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 am - 6 pm.
• Closed December 25th and January 1st.
• Entrance: 6 €, children 8 - 14 years old - 3 €.
• Address: Terrasses de Fontvieille

Museum of Napoleon souvenirs

Museum of Napoleon Souvenirs and Collection of Historical Archives of the Palace(Musee des Souvenirs Napoleonien et Collections des Archives Historiques du Palais). In the Napoleon Museum and the Historical Archive of the Prince's Palace there are more than a thousand items and documents that belong to the First Empire, as well as Napoleon's personal belongings. There are separate halls dedicated to different periods of the principality's history.

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

Monaco map:

Restaurants in Monaco:

Monaco - a country of successful and rich people - could not fail to collect the best restaurants. The Principality has several Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants. There is even a restaurant with 3 Michelin stars! The best restaurants are concentrated around the casino in.

The best restaurants in Monaco:

Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse*** — pl. du Casino Monte-Carlo, 3 Michelin stars (!). Perfect classic interior in light colors and an outstanding wine collection. Prices: business lunch with drinks 145€, ready-made menus 230€ – 310€. A-la-carte: 190€-320€. www.alain-ducasse.com

Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo** — 4av. de la Madone Monte-Carlo, 2 Michelin stars. Luxurious interior decorated with columns. Creative cuisine based on high quality products and contrasting flavors. Excellent wine list. Prices: fixed menus 49€ (lunch) - 199€ - A-la-Carte: 80€-265€, appetizers from 18€, main dishes 52 - 82€. www.metropole.com. Opening hours: lunch 12.15 - 14.30, dinner: 19.15 - 22.30.

Yoshi* — 4av. de la Madone 98000 Monte-Carlo. 1 Michelin star, Japanese cuisine. The second Joël Robuchon restaurant in the Metropol Hotel. Excellent wine list. Prices: lunch 29€ - menu: 59€ (lunch) - 199€ - A-la-Carte: 56€-313€. www.metropole.com

Vistamar* — Place Beaumarchais Monte-Carlo. 1 Michelin star. Beautiful modern decor in pastel colors, a terrace overlooking the port and a great modern kitchen. Prices: lunch 42€ - Menu: 65€-120€ - A-la-Carte: 85€-120€. www.montecarloresort.com

Inexpensive Monaco restaurants:

Loga — 25 bd des Moulins Monte-Carlo. Cozy family restaurant with salads, pasta and regional dishes. Prices: lunch 14€ including drinks - Menu: 16€ including drinks (business lunch) - 21€ incl. drinks (in the evening) - A-la-carte: 39€-65€. www.leloga.com

INTRODUCTION

The Cote d'Azur of France is an example of a real luxury resort. Even at the beginning of the twentieth century, members of the Russian royal family, members of the family of the English queen, rested here. A little later, the Cote d'Azur became a favorite vacation spot for writers, artists, and Russian aristocrats. The coast received its name from the light hand of the writer Stéphane Liéjard, who named one of his novels "Côte d'Azur" after he saw the magnificent and unsurpassed in its beauty bay of Hyeres. Many years later, only the mention of the Cote d'Azur evokes unearthly associations in us.

On the Cote d'Azur, the sun shines 300 days a year. It is here that the French Riviera and the fairy tale state of Monaco are located. Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Riviera - all these are resort cities of the Cote d'Azur.

Hotels on the Cote d'Azur are distinguished by a high level of service and well-thought-out infrastructure.

More than a third of the territory of the Cote d'Azur is occupied by beaches - both pebbly and sandy.

Every month in major cities coast are fairs and festivals, there are many national holidays.

No place in the world can compare to Azure coast abundance and variety of flowers. The small independent state of Monaco is also located on the Cote d'Azur. The lush colors of the flowers brighten the Riviera landscape, and the scents fill the local markets. Flowers are a symbol of a country immersed in sunlight.

MONACO

The Principality of Monaco is a dwarf state located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders on the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. It is located 15 kilometers from Nice. Considered one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The population of Monaco is 30,000 people, the native Monegasques are only 5,000. It occupies an area of ​​about two square kilometers. The average person only needs one hour to walk across the country.

Monaco is a country that includes the merged cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine (the business center of the state) and Fontvieille (industrial area).

This small independent state enjoys tax breaks, this country of picturesque harbors, unrealistically beautiful castles and resorts, as well as intricate, almost fairy tales royal family, this is the state of car racing.

The country is located east of the prime meridian and south of the equator, in the northern tropic. The Franco-Italian border is only ten kilometers away. On the one hand, the state is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, on land - the territory of France, on the north side, it closely adjoins the borders of the principality French city Beausoleil.

The capital of the state is the city of Monaco. The population of the capital is 3000 inhabitants. The city has retained its medieval appearance. The city is located on a flat rock area.

The main attractions of the capital are the princely palace complex, built in the 13th-19th centuries, where tourists watch the changing of the guard of honor. Here is the famous Oceanographic Museum, which is visited by a huge number of tourists, as well as the Museum of Primitive Anthropology and the Cathedral, built at the end of the nineteenth century in pseudo-Romanesque style.

Most of the population lives in the business center of La Condamine, which is also located here. National Library and the stadium, as well as sea ​​port.

Of the 30,000 people permanently residing in Monaco, only 6,000 are citizens of the state - these are Monegasques. Monegasques are the indigenous inhabitants of Monaco, proud of their origin from the ancient Ligurians and retaining almost a medieval political system.

True, this system has undergone significant changes under the influence of the principles of freedom, fraternity and equality, progressing in neighboring France, under whose patronage the state has been since 1918. France maintains neutrality with regard to the internal affairs of the state, having assumed obligations only for its protection.

The name of the country in translation from the ancient Greek language is “hermit”. The country is known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and Formula 1 championship races - the Monaco Grand Prix.

The country of Monaco is small and therefore transport is mainly by road. However, there is also a boat taxi for those who want to enjoy beautiful views and don't get stuck in traffic.

Via water taxi you can get to almost any famous hotel in the principality:

Monte-Carlo Bay, Monte Carlo Beach, Meridien Beach Plaza and others. A boat taxi for only 15 euros and half an hour can take you to Nice.

The country is a member of many international organizations: UN, OSCE, Council of Europe, Interpol, UNESCO, WHO.

Monaco has permanent representatives to the Council of Europe and the UN, 10 diplomatic missions in Western Europe. Consulates of Monaco are located in 106 cities and 45 countries. 66 countries have consulates general, consulates or honorary consulates in Monaco.

The structure of Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is a prince or princess (the name "principate"). Monaco is the only state in Europe in which the monarch has real and almost absolute power. Legislative power in the country belongs to the prince and parliament. According to the 1962 constitution, only the prince has the right to ratify international treaties.

In addition, the government appoints the prince, and it must report to him, and not to parliament, so you can call the state a monarchy with full responsibility.

At the head of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty is currently Prince Albert II. The dynasty has Italian and French roots.

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF MONACO

Ancient history

Monaco is in ancient times a rocky cliff on the coast (or just a rock). It has long served as a refuge for primitive people. Traces of their residence were found in a cave in the garden of Saint-Martin. Finds in the grottoes of the Observatory, in the rock near the current Oceanographic Museum, as well as in other places, date back to the Late Paleolithic (300 thousand years BC) and Neolithic. It is believed that the first settled inhabitants of Monaco were the highlanders (Ligures), who settled along the coast of the Ligurian Sea around 2000 BC, accustomed to hard work and thrift. Ancient authors described the Ligurian tribe as harsh highlanders, accustomed to a life of hardship. On the territory of Monaco, archaeologists have found ancient figurines and bas-reliefs. For better access to the sea, the Ligurians began to use the port.

The Ligurians were subsequently driven out by the Phoenicians. It has been historically proved that in the period of the X-XI centuries BC, there was a Phoenician fortification on the territory of modern Monaco. The Phoenicians lingered in this small state for a long time. They also brought various plants to Monaco, including palm trees from the distant Levant, which took root well on a rocky cliff.

During the period of Phoenician colonization in Monaco (from the tenth century of the past era to BC), a temple was built dedicated to the mythological hero - Hercules (in Greek mythology), Hercules (in ancient Roman mythology) and Melqart, as the Phoenicians called him. Ancient legends attribute the founding of the city to this mythological hero.

The origin of the name "Monaco" goes back to antiquity, in Ancient Greece and Phoenicia.

Now no one knows where the word "Monaco" came from. There are several hypotheses, and one of them is that the name comes from the Ligurian tribe Monoikos, who lived on the cliff in the sixth century BC.

The port of Monaco in ancient times was associated with the cult of the Roman hero Heracles, who was called "Monaque" and "Melkart". The name "Hercules" was often used in combination with the expression "Hercules Monoikos", which means "Hercules is a lone warrior." Modern name port - the port of Hercules.

Another hypothesis is that the name "Monaco" comes from the Greek word "monoikos", which the ancient Hellenes called the Ligurians. Translated from the language of the ancient Hellenes, this meant "those who live separately, hermits."

There is another legend that says that Monaco owes its foundation to Hercules, who, returning from wanderings in Spain, lay down to rest in paradise Azure Coast. Hercules admired the view from the cliff and founded the city, which he gave the name "Portus Herculis Moneki". The last word means "secluded", and it then formed the basis of the name of the modern city and principality.

In ancient manuscripts, historians Diodorus Siculus and Strabo mention the existence of an ancient tribe called Monoikos on the Monaco cliff. This colony existed in the fourth century BC and was founded by people who came from Massilia. In the 7th-6th centuries BC, the name Monaco is mentioned in the list of Greek colonies on the Mediterranean Sea. Convenient location, as well as inaccessibility from land, the presence of a convenient bay and good fortifications make Monaco one of the most important strategic points between Genoa and Massilia. This was well understood by the Romans, who came to conquer the territory in the second century BC. In the port of Monaco, Julius Caesar loaded his ships, setting off for the battle with Pompey.

Reference. Massilia is the ancient name of the city of Marseille. A Greek colony founded in the fourth century BC by the Phocians, who formed an aristocratic republic and spread their influence throughout the Spanish and Gallic coasts. The city became one of the most important cities of the Roman province, although it did not submit to the Roman ruler. The city was a favorite pastime of educated Romans living in exile.

Pompey and Caesar provided their patronage to Massilia, therefore, no matter how the city tried to maintain neutrality, he had to take part in the battle.

Massilia, during the battle between Caesar and Pompey, took the side of the latter and was defeated in 49. Since then, the Republic of Massilia lost its political influence and became one of the most important centers of Roman education and science in southern Gaul. Of the surviving monuments of this era, it is worth mentioning the temple of Diana of Ephesus and the temple of Apollo.

In the first century AD, the territory of modern Monaco fell under the rule of the Roman Empire, and was under its rule until 476. The Romans built the famous Via Julia, which began in the area of ​​the present city of Ventimiglia and went through La Turbie and Monaco to Nice and then to Marseille. For five centuries, the Via Julia served the Roman Empire faithfully and was one of its main highways, connecting Rome with Gaul, Germany, Spain and England.

The port of Monaco was also actively used by the Romans. In particular, it was in this bay that Caesar gathered his fleet for the decisive battle with Pompey.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, the lands belonging to Monaco were attacked by various peoples and tribes called barbarians, who robbed and destroyed all the achievements of the empire, taking revenge on it for past humiliations and slavery. The Romans were driven out by the Arabs, the latter by the Genoese. On the site of the present city of Monaco there was a small fishing village - a suburb of the town of La Turbie. For several hundred years, such raids continued, in which Arab tribes also took part. Many years later, in 975, the French count, who ruled the province of Provence and claimed the throne of Monaco, was able to drive the Saracens out of the territory of Monaco. However, all his efforts were in vain - in 1419 Monaco was finally given to the Grimaldi family. Monaco thus became a feudal state under the protectorate of Genoa.

Reference. According to Wikipedia, the Saracens (Greek Σαρακηνός - “Eastern people”) are a people mentioned by the ancient Roman historian of the 4th century Ammianus Marcellinus and the Greek scientist of the 1st-2nd centuries. n. e. Ptolemy. Nomadic band of robbers, Bedouins, who lived along the borders of Syria.

From the time of the Crusades, European authors began to refer to all Muslims as Saracens, often using the term "Moors" as a synonym.

Currently, the term is used by historians in relation to the population of the Arab Caliphate in the period before the conquest of the Khulagu Abbasid Caliphate, as a result of the Mongol campaign in the Middle East (7th century - 13th century).

Formation of the Principality of Monaco

In 1162, the emperor of the "Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation" Frederick I Barbarossa gave the Genoese consuls all rights to the coast of the Ligurian Sea from La Spezia to Monaco, and thirty years later, the son of Barbarossa, Henry VI, transferred the rock and the port of Monaco to the Genoese.

Since 1191, Monaco fell under the rule of Genoa, which was established by the Roman-German Emperor Henry VI. In 1215, the construction of fortifications began, and it is the beginning of the construction of the fortress that is considered the date of the founding of modern Monaco. Very quickly, one after another, new buildings erected by the Genoese began to grow. At this time, the Genoese built in Monaco a square castle with four towers on the foundations of an old Moorish fortress, which by this time had turned into ruins.

For many decades, the castle served as a reliable fortification of the fortress and was a guard merchant ships who entered the bay of Monaco.

At the end of the eighteenth century, a clan war broke out in Genoa, which escalated into civil war. The rivals were the Gibbelins, behind whom stood the emperor of Germany and the Guelphs, behind whom the Pope was visible. Having lost the fight, the latter were forced to leave the territory of Genoa. One of the families of the Guelph clan was the Grimaldi family. The Grimaldi family after the defeat settled near Ventimiglia, a few kilometers from Monaco. In search of a better home, the family clan chose a fortress on top of the Monaco cliff. By cunning, led by their leader Francesco Grimaldi, who bore the nickname "cunning", the representatives of the clan captured the garrison of the fortress. Francesco and a number of warriors changed into monastic cassocks, after which a group of "wandering monks" asked for shelter in the fortress.

An ancient legend says that on one of the Christmas days in 1297, a modest Franciscan monk knocked on the gates of the castle. Unsuspecting guards let him warm up. Once inside, the wanderer threw off his monastic cassock and drew his sword. Following him, other armed warriors burst into the open gates of the undefended fortress. This monk turned out to be Francesco Grimaldi, the founder of the current royal dynasty of Monaco.

At first, control was established in the territory of the modern Principality of Monaco in the person of Reniero Grimaldi, lord of Canier-sur-Mer. Rainier was a sailor at heart: first he fought for the Republic of Genoa, and then served Philip IV the Handsome, as a result of which he was granted the rank of Admiral of France. In 1302 he commanded a fleet in the war against the rebellious Flemings.

As a lord, he fortified the castle of Monaco, making it a powerful fortress. He died in 1314.

Then the fortress again came under the control of Genoa. In 1308, Grimaldi bought Monaco from Genoa.

From September 1331, another representative of the Grimaldi family - Carlo - again became the ruler of the fortress of Monaco, and from 1342 he received the status of lord of Monaco. In 1346 and 1355, the feudal estates of Menton and Roquebrune were annexed to Monaco. In 1419, the state of Monaco was officially founded.

Located between France and Italy, Monaco has always been of interest to the rulers of these two states. In 1489, King Louis II of France and Count Charles VIII of Savoy recognized the independence of the principality. In 1525, Monaco came under the patronage of Spain.

Since 1612, the monarchy began to be called principate, the ruler of Monaco, Honore II (1597–1662), took the title of prince.

In 1641, the patronage of Spain was completed and Monaco was annexed to France. The reign of Honore II is famous for the fact that the Peruvian peace was signed. As compensation for the losses from the benefits provided by Spain, Prince Honoré II of Monaco accepted the French lands: the Duchy of Valentinois, the Viscountry of Carlet, the Marquisianship of Les Baux, and the feudal estate of Saint Remy in Provence.

It was thanks to the reign of Honore II that Monaco began to mint its own coin. It was during the reign of Honore II, who was a very literate and educated person, that the Prince's Palace turned into a museum, became a real repository of world treasures.

In fairness, it must be said that the confrontation between Genoa and the Grimaldians for power over the territory of the fortress of Monaco did not end there. Many times power passed from hand to hand: the majestic defensive structure on the top of the cliff either passed into the hands of the Genoese, or was recaptured by the Grimaldians. But in the end, power was won back by the Grimaldi clan, the fortress and the surrounding lands became their possessions.

The Grimaldi family is one of the few in Europe that has ruled since the 8th century AD. In 1731, Grimaldi was actually replaced by the French aristocrats Matignons, who changed their surname to Grimaldi. The Grimaldi family is known for its scandalous reputation. Even after, as a result of a long struggle, Grimaldi managed to finally and irrevocably establish himself in power (1419), the heirs of Francesco Grimaldi continued to engage in piracy. In the struggle for power, representatives of the clan killed each other. So, Jean II Grimaldi, after eleven years of reign, was killed by his brother Lucien Grimaldi, who led the principality for 18 years. He was killed with a dagger by Bartolomeo's own nephew Doria Grimaldi. Lucien's successor, Hercules, reigned for fifteen years until he was drowned while swimming.

Henry I was thrown into the sea by his subjects, and Henry IV into the Seine. At present, they prefer to remain silent about the notoriety of the Grimaldi family. Only the coat of arms of Monaco, which depicts two monks with drawn swords, still reminds us that the noble local knights were once real robbers who robbed and killed the inhabitants of rich Provence and made robbery and pirate raids even on Genoa.

Already at the beginning of the reign of the Grimaldi dynasty, Monaco became an independent principality under the protectorate of Genoa. However, the representatives of the clan have to defend their independence from the aggressive ambitions of the king of France, the dukes of Milan, the Genoese. The fortress of Monaco withstood sieges and repelled attacks from land and sea. The most famous and famous siege of the fortress garrison was in 1506-1507, when the Genoese surrounded the fortress both from land and from the sea. The siege continued for one hundred and two days, but the heroic defenders of the fortress defended their independence and the independence of the principality. By the end of 1519, the Principality of Monaco was significantly weakened and fell into decay. In 1524, Prince Augustine Grimaldi turned to the "Emperor of the Roman Empire" Charles V the Wise to take the principality under his protectorate. Charles did just that, retaining the formal rights of sovereign for Augustine.

In 1605, Spanish troops entered the principality. In 1641, the population of Monaco rebelled against Spanish dominance, and the principality came under the protectorate of France.

History 18th–19th centuries

At the end of the seventeenth century, Monaco was annexed by France, and only in 1814 was the first Peace of Paris signed, which restored the principality to the borders that existed before January 1, 1792, under French patronage.

From 1793 to 1814, the Principality of Monaco was part of the Alpes-Maritimes department of the French Republic under the name Fort Hercule. The prince at that time was Honore IV, son of Honore III, who, due to poor health, very quickly ceded the throne to his brother Joseph. The son of Honore IV, Honore-Gabriel, was dissatisfied with this decision, rebelled and convinced his father to transfer power to him.

In March 1815, the former ruler went to Monaco, but, having arrived there, he was arrested and taken to Napoleon. The world was engulfed in war with Napoleon. Then the prince's family was arrested, the property was looted, and the Palace was turned into a working house. After the overthrow of the reign of Napoleon, Monaco, by decision of the Congress of Vienna in 1815, was transferred under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The board was returned to the Grimaldi family, their rights were restored.

A treaty was signed between the principality of Monaco and the Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel I, which was more favorable to the principality than the previous treaty. The economic and financial condition of the principality was in a pitiful state, the resources of the country were greatly reduced, and the hospitals and communes were in a deplorable state and heavily indebted.

Son Honoré IV reigned from 1819 to 1841. Back in 1810, Napoleon awarded him the title of baron, and the Restoration regime - the title of peer of France. The new prince made every attempt to overcome the protracted crisis in the country. However, the tough measures taken did not find support among the population of the principality and were expressed in all kinds of protests, especially in 1833 in Menton. After the death of Honore V, power in the principality passed to his brother Florestan I, a big fan of various entertainments, literature and theater, completely unprepared for state rule. His wife Korolina, who came from a bourgeois family, dealt with issues of state administration. For some time, she managed to reduce the discontent of the population caused by the decrees of Honore V, but the softening of the regime did not last long. Florestan and the Queen soon had to tighten their policy again, hoping in this way to restore their former majesty and wealth to the principality.

In the meantime, demands for independence were increasingly heard in Menton. The inhabitants of the city sought a liberal constitution, similar to the one introduced in the Kingdom of Sardinia by King Charles Albert. The inhabitants did not accept the constitution that Florestan and Korolina proposed. Florestan handed over power to his son Charles, but it was too late.

In 1848, the revolution destroyed the princely power in Monaco. Prince Florestan I, who plunged the country into an economic abyss, was arrested and taken to prison. A year later, princely power was restored, Florestan again sat on the throne, and the Sardinian protectorate lost its power over the principality.

In March 1848, Menton and Roquebrune, officially remaining fiefs of Savoy and Sardinia, declared themselves free and independent cities under the auspices of Sardinia. In May 1849, the Sardinian authorities issued a decree on the annexation of these cities to the district of Nice. Monegasque princes Florestan I and Charles failed to return these territories.

Reference. Savoy (fr. Savoie, francoprov. Savouè, lat. Sapaudia) - historical area in the southeast of France at the foot of the Alps. For some time it existed as an independent duchy, which during its heyday included the territories of Nice, Genoa, Geneva and Piedmont. Since 1860, as part of France, although the Savoy dynasty becomes ruling in the newly created Italy. In modern France, on the territory of Savoy, there are two departments - Savoy and Haute-Savoie.

In the early 50s of the nineteenth century, Napoleon III again put forward his claims to Savoy. To capture this area, Napoleon used the tense relationship between Sardinia and the Austrian Empire due to the unification of Italy. Between France and Sardinia in 1858, the Plombier Agreement was concluded, according to which Sardinia pledged to cede Savoy and Nice to France in exchange for its help against Austria.

After the transfer of Menton and Roquebrune to France, the territory of Monaco was reduced from 20 kilometers to its current size.

In 1856, a customs union was established with France. After the end of the Austro-Italian-French war and the annexation of Lombardy, Parma, Tuscany, Modena and Romagna to the Sardinian kingdom, Napoleon III achieved the conclusion of the Treaty of Turin, according to which Savoy and Nice passed under the jurisdiction of France. True, the formality of the plebiscite was observed, but everything possible was done so that the plebiscite was in favor of accession.

Reference. Plebiscite - (Latin plebiscitum, from plebs - common people and scitum - decision, decision) - a survey of citizens, as a rule, in order to determine the fate of the relevant territory. In some countries (for example, in France) it is considered a synonym for a referendum. From a formal legal point of view, the procedures of the P. and the referendum coincide.

The cession of this territory to France caused great discontent among the people, which Garibaldi, a resident of Nice, reflected in his speech.

In 1856, the inhabitants of the two largest cities of Monaco, Menton and Roquebrune, rebelled, with a population of 22 thousand people. The population defeated the army of the prince, aimed at suppressing the uprising. After many years of long and fruitless negotiations, in 1861, the Prince of Sardinia, Charles III, sold his rights (no longer existing) to manage the cities of Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to France for 4 million francs. These territories accounted for almost 80% of the total territory of Monaco. The treaty officially recognized the independence of the Principality of Monaco, but it retained 1/20 of former territory according to unpublished additional articles of the treaty between Charles III and Napoleon III. It turned out that the principality came under the patronage of France and the French Emperor Napoleon III. Napoleon quickly established his order in the principality.

In 1869, the inhabitants of the Principate were exempted from land taxes, housing taxes, personal taxes, and from taxes on obtaining licenses for trade and professional activity.

A real revolution in the economy of Monaco occurred in 1863, when the first casino opened. The event literally changed the whole life in the state, as the gambling establishments of Monaco are considered to be among the best in the world. They are equated with the rank of sights of the principality. This is a very profitable business and a stable income of a dwarf state.

The gambling business in Monaco was started by the French banker Francois Blanc, who settled in Monaco in 1861. He was expelled from Germany, where he owned a casino in Homburg. The banker suggested to Charles the Third to build a gambling establishment in the city. Ten years earlier, the Frenchman Durand had been allowed to open a casino in Monaco, but it quickly ceased to exist due to lack of communication (there was no good roads) and lack of competitiveness (there was a very famous and popular casino in Nice). Another French businessman Lefebvre also tried to continue the gambling business, who bought his business from Duran, but he did not bring him luck either.

The French banker Francois went the other way, he buys a concession to open a casino for 1,700 thousand francs and establishes the "Anonymous Society of Sea Bathing and Clubs for Foreigners." This anonymous society laid the first stones in the city of Monte Carlo and built a casino in 1863. The casino was built according to the design of Charles Garnier and since then has served as an unattainable benchmark for all similar establishments around the world. Since then, the fame of the principality begins. Players from all over Europe began to come here, and since the building was built in 1868 Railway between France and Monaco, the casino in Monte Carlo gained worldwide fame and became one of the main means of replenishing the state budget. Following the casino, the Parisian Hotel (Hotel de Paris) and the Parisian Cafe (Café de Paris) owned by the society were built and opened. The population of Monaco began to grow rapidly, from 1500 people in 1870, it doubled in three years, in 1888 it reached 9864 people, and in 1907 - 16 thousand people. Foreign tourists and players began to come to Monaco more and more intensively. In 1907, fifty-two hotels were already operating in Monaco, and if about 140 thousand tourists visited the country in 1870, then in 1907 - more than a million.

Card games and casinos were banned in many countries, so the gambling houses, salons, hotels and casinos of Monte Carlo attracted the rich from all over the world. The income of the joint-stock company "Anonymous Society of Sea Bathing and Clubs for Foreigners", created, apparently, for conspiracy, grew at an unheard of pace. The complete abolition of taxes and liberal financial legislation continued to ensure a massive influx of rich people into the tiny principality.

In 1881, the national flag of the state was officially approved.

A significant dawn and transformation of the principality occurred during the reign of Prince Albert (1889-1922).

- a dwarf state in southern Europe. In the north, east and west it borders on France, in the south it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The name of the country comes from the ancient Greek "monoikos" - "hermit".

Official name: Principality of Monaco

Capital: Monaco/Monaco-Ville

The area of ​​the land: 1.95 sq. km. of which 0.4 km2 is due to the development of the seashore.

Total population: 35 656 people

Administrative division: Four administrative districts-cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

Form of government: Constitutional monarchy (principality).

Head of State: Prince.

Composition of the population: 16% Monegasque, 47% French, 16% Italian, 4% English, 2% Belgian, 1% Swiss, 14% other.

Official language: French. Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and English.

Religion: 90% are Catholics.

Internet domain: .mc

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +377

Country barcode: 300-379

Climate

The climate in Monaco is Mediterranean: moderately warm winters (average January temperature + 8 ° С) and dry sunny summers (average July temperature + 24 ° С). The number of sunny days in a year is about 300. Unstable weather and drizzling rains, which usually last no more than 3 days, are brought by a strong east or south wind from the marin sea. A gusty, dry and cold mistral wind blows from the interior of France, bringing the temperature down.

The Alpes-Maritimes protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Thanks to soft climatic conditions Monaco is popular resort. The average annual rainfall is 1300 mm. They fall out mainly in autumn.

Under the conditions of dry summers and autumn-spring rains, brown soils with hard-leaved xerophytic vegetation, as well as red-colored soils of terra rossa, formed in Monaco. Brown forest soils are found in the mountains.

Geography

The Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest countries in the world (area 1.95 sq. km). Located in the south of Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, near the border of France and Italy. It borders the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. Monaco includes the merged arrondissement-cities of Monaco ( Old city), Monte Carlo, La Condamine (business center and port) and Fontvieille (industrial area).

The capital of the country, the city of Monaco (3 thousand inhabitants), picturesquely located on a flat rock area, has generally retained its medieval appearance. The main attractions of the city are the princely palace complex, built in the 13th-19th centuries; the famous Oceanographic Museum, which annually receives a large number of visitors; Museum of Primitive Anthropology; Cathedral built at the end of the 19th century. in pseudo-roman style. Most of the country's population lives in La Condamine. Here are the seaport, the national library and the stadium. Monte Carlo is world famous for its casinos.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Kermes and holm oak, pine, black and Alep pine, boxwood, juniper, olive, fig and other typical representatives of the Mediterranean flora are common in the forests. In Monaco, there are also dwarf palm, maritime pine, Atlas cedar and cork, beech, felt-leaved oaks.

Large-fruited strawberry (blooms in late autumn or winter), cistus, myrtle, pistachio, viburnum, red juniper, etc. stand out in the maquis. Shrub kermes oak predominates in the composition of the gariga, to which juniper, gorse, rosemary, hold-tree, thyme are mixed.

One fifth of the territory of Monaco is occupied by gardens and parks. There are plantations of olive, fig, pomegranate, almond, pistachio, persimmon. Grow bananas, oranges, lemons, tangerines. Japanese medlar and camphor laurel from Japan, aloe, cacti, agaves from North and South America, eucalyptus trees from Australia have been introduced.

Animal world

The fauna of Monaco is poor. Of the mammals, there are small rodents, hedgehogs, shrews, bats, including the Mediterranean bat. There are many birds: mountain warblers, spectacled and white-bearded, garden bunting, sea mockingbird, kingfisher, red-necked nightjar, skylark, black-and-white and black-bellied wheatears, thrushes, etc.

Among reptiles, the steppe gecko, chalcid and sand lizards, snakes, Aesculapian snake, etc. stand out, among amphibians - tree frog and green toad. Insects are abundant in Monaco, including butterflies. Dolphins and a small number of commercial fish species (sardine, anchovy, flounder, mackerel, mullet, catfish), lobsters, mussels are found in the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea.

sights

Monaco is one of the world centers of tourism and best resort Azure coast. Consisting of four main regions (Monaco-Ville or Le Rocher, La Condamine, Fontvieille and Monte Carlo), this tiny country connects almost all of its activity with tourism.

Located on a rocky ledge of the spurs of the Alpes-Maritimes, the country is almost completely built up with high-rise buildings at the very edge of the sea, surrounded by villas immersed in greenery. And yet, more than 20% of the territory of Monaco is occupied by gardens and parks, and the coastal strip is framed by entertainment venues, hotel complexes and beaches. And, of course, Monte Carlo - "European Las Vegas" and Europe's largest casino complex.

According to legend, the area got its name from the temple "Heraklos Monoikos" ("Heracles the only") built by the Greeks, although the first settlements on the site of the principality belonged to the Phoenicians (about 900 BC). Such an ancient age of this land could not but leave its mark on the modern appearance of the country, therefore the architecture and life of this tiny state have long been, in fact, one big museum.

Banks and currency

Banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00 with a lunch break from 12:00 to 14:00. A bank near the Casino in Monte Carlo is open daily and even at holidays from 12:00 to 23:00.

The official currency of Monaco is the euro. 1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 euros and coins of 1 and 2 euros and 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Foreign currency can be changed at hotels or banks. Traveler's checks can also be exchanged at banks, checks in US dollars, euros and pounds sterling are exchanged without commission.

Credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Useful information for tourists

Monaco is famous for the abundance of various exhibitions, competitions and festivals of European and world level.

The country has one of the most powerful and extensive police surveillance systems in the world. Policemen in uniform and in civilian clothes are found almost everywhere, they have the right to inspect suspicious objects and cars “on the spot”, conduct current face control, check telephone bills, hotel rooms and homes, in addition, surveillance cameras are installed almost everywhere. The crime rate in the principality is extremely low.

The sanitary and epidemiological situation in the country is one of the calmest in the world. The tap water is quite drinkable, but it is recommended to use bottled water, as the mineral composition of the local water is somewhat different from the usual standards. Absolutely all food and vegetables of excellent quality.

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 counter, porter, maid or guide 0.5-1 euro. The majority of employees and workers in Monaco are residents of neighboring regions of France and Italy.

Geographical position

Principality of Monaco- a small country located in a picturesque corner, in the south of Europe, 10 kilometers from the border of two large states of France and Italy. One side principality restricts Cote d'Azur mediterranean sea. On the other hand lies the border with France. On the territory of Monaco, there is just a junction between the Alpes-Maritimes and the Cote d'Azur. Total area of ​​the country is 1,98 square kilometers. Part of this area was previously the seashore. The terrain is hilly.

The Principality of Monaco is four merged cities. This capitalMonaco, old City with the same name, Monte Carlo, favorite vacation spot of the world's celebrity elite, La Condamine, business center and seaport, Fontvieille, industrial district.

The geographical position of the country is very favorable. The Maritime Alps reliably protect the Principality from the cold northern winds. The Mediterranean coast attracts celebrities to vacation here. The amazing beauty of the bay is one of the advantages of the Principality. A large area in the country is occupied by artificial green spaces, parks, squares. For this reason, many rightly consider Monaco to be the Garden of Eden.

Climate in Monaco soft, it is conducive to relaxation throughout the year. Summer here hot dry weather. The air temperature reaches 25-30 degrees. There are practically no precipitations. winter temperature does not fall below -3 degrees. AND average temperature across the country during this period is +10 - 11 degrees. Rains - a rare thing. They go mostly in autumn or winter. General average annual rainfall less than 1300 mm. The inhabitants of the Principality of Monaco owe such a fertile climate to the Alpes-Maritimes. It is they who hide the country from the unfavorable cold currents of air masses moving from the north of Europe.

Due to the dry and warm climate in the country grows a large number of exotic plants. This dwarf palms, figs, olives, as well as other typical representatives of the Mediterranean flora. Meet here oak, boxwood, pine, juniper. On the slopes of the Alpine mountains stretched meadows of xerophytic grasses. Thickets of low shrubs can also be found on the slopes. The inhabitants of Monaco cultivate plants imported from other countries and continents. This bananas, citrus fruits, agaves, cacti, eucalyptus. There are a large number of gardens and parks in the cities. In general, more 20% areas of the Principality are occupied by vegetation.

Visas, entry rules, customs rules

In order to cross the border of Monaco, you need Schengen or french visa. It can be obtained from the French embassy on the basis of an invitation. To apply for a visa required a foreign passport valid for 4 months from the date of entry, a general passport, a certificate from the place of work indicating the average monthly income, position and date of employment, a completed application form with a 3 * 4 photo attached to it, an invitation, as well as a document certifying the solvency of the traveler.

Basic entry requirements to the country are the availability of round-trip tickets, insurance for at least $ 30,000, and tourists need to have a hotel reservation. If there is a private invitation, a single entry visa is issued. It can be valid from 1 to 90 days. Valid term of a visa depends on the type of invitation. For business trips, it is possible to request a multivisa. Before submitting documents to the embassy, ​​you need to pay a consular fee. It takes from two to three days to two weeks to process documents at the embassy.

Customs regulationsa in Monaco are no different from those in other European countries. The amount of cash brought into the country not limited. An amount over 9 thousand euros is required declare. Can be freely export no more than 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 0.25 liters of eau de toilette. Permitted bring animals, but be sure must be a certificate from the veterinarian about the pet's health status and vaccinations.

Population, political condition

lives in Monaco 31.7 thousand people according to 2000 data. National composition quite extensive. Most of the population are French people. There are about 47% . Italians by nationality - 16% residents of Monaco. Indigenous people of the principality, Monegasques, make up 16% population. Monaco ranks first in terms of population density. This figure exceeds 16 thousand people per 1 square meter of area. Official state language in Monaco - French. But running are also Monegasque, English and Italian.

A little about state structure Monaco. This a constitutional monarchy. head of state, prince, transfers its powers by inheritance. If there is no heir, then by special agreement, Monaco becomes an autonomous state, and France will be a protectorate. legislative function bears prince and parliament. In the Parliament 24 deputies. It can only be represented by Monegasques who have reached the age of 25. They are elected in a general election by proportional representation for a term of 5 years. The role of the executive belongs Government Council. It meets on demand at least twice a year. The prince takes part in this. Heads the Government CouncilMinister of State, representative of neighboring France. Judicial branch based on the code of laws in force in France.

What to see

Residence of the princely family, Grimaldi Palace located on top of a cliff. It was erected on the site of an ancient fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. In summer, the princely family is away, so there is an opportunity to get inside. Spread out in front of the princely palace Palace Square. Along its perimeter lined up cannons cast during the reign of Louis XIV. Tourists gather here to watch the changing of the guard ceremony.

The most beautiful Chapel of Divine Mercy- monument 17th century. It was built specifically for holding meetings of members of the society of penitent sinners. A unique creation kept in the chapel, -wooden sculpture of Christ. It was created during the time of Napoleon I.

Cathedral built in Monaco in 1875. Here are the burial places of all members of the princely family.. The cathedral is active. Divine services are held here on the days of Catholic holidays.

Museum wax figures presents images frozen in wax of the princes who headed the throne in the period from the end of the 18th century to the present day. The museum contains clothes and household items from different eras.

Oceanographic Museum built in modern stylein 1910. It contains the most interesting collections of flora and fauna of the Mediterranean. In a huge underground room, you can admire the aquariums with the inhabitants of the deep sea living in them.

For a long time, the territory currently occupied by the Principality of Monaco has attracted conquerors. First mastered it Phoenicians. Later on this land settled Genoese. AT 1215 year they built the first fortress. This date can be considered the time of the founding of the state. Noble ranks of Provence would also like to rule in Monaco in those distant days. But the Genoese approved as the head of their representative. This took place in 1419 year and marked the beginning of the reign of the clan Grimaldi ruling to the present. Then the feudal Principality of Monaco separated. Genoa only served as a protectorate.

During from 1524 to 1641 Monaco year belonged to Spain, then it passed into the power of France. After 1815 years the principality was under the protectorate of the Sardinian kingdom. But this only lasted until 1861 of the year. Then everything went back to normal.

AT 1863 A significant event took place in the history of Monaco. Built in Monte Carlo first casino. This opened the era of gambling in the principality. They started coming here the richest people peace. Now the casino one of the main sources of income in Monaco.

AT 1911 was created first constitution. The state has become constitutional monarchy. Later in 1962 year the Constitution appeared, which is valid in Monaco to the present.

International trade

The Principality of Monaco is best known as world center of tourism. There are many more jobs than people living in the state, so unemployment rate is very low, and most of the workers come from abroad (mainly from France and Italy). The wonderful climate contributes to the development of tourism and a large percentage of income in the state depends on it. Also very well developed. banking sector. Low taxes make the Principality a very attractive investment destination. AT recent times strongly began to developbuilding.Also well developedpharmaceutical, chemical, electronic and food industry, manufacture of wearing apparel, souvenirs, faience etc., but the country does not have its own agriculture. The lack of its own resources makes Monaco completely dependent on imports from abroad.

My foreign trade Principality of Monaco carries out with almost all countries of the European Union(58% export and 45% import). Main foreign trade partners are Italy, Great Britain, Spain, Germany and China. To a greater extent, the state depends from France, because from there it imports electricity and water supply.

The shops

Here, as in other tourist towns, it is simply an incredible number of different shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs, ceramics, treat yourself to sweets and delicious chocolate. But adhering to a high level, Monaco has acquired the status of an elite tourist destination and therefore you can meet here boutiques of the most famous world brands. Bargain here not nice, this is below the dignity of sellers, and no one wants to do this, given the level of tourists.

Monaco is designed to make tourists have fun, convenient and comfortable. And since people come here to spend money on their loved ones, then you need to correspond to the level of a large tourist city. Like other similar cities, you, of course, you can buy a variety of souvenirs, but only in Monaco you can find stunning beauty ceramic products, luxury crystals. Fragrance lovers can choose for themselves chic perfume, a sweet tooth pamper yourself delicious fruits in sugar, sweets and chocolate which is produced on chocolate factory Monaco. In addition, a large number of boutiques are open in the country, representing the most famous brands in the world in the field of jewelry, clothing. A large number of antique shops, where you can buy interesting little things, yes, even with a good discount. Also Monaco has two large shopping malls where everyone will find something to their liking. You can even buy copies of designer clothes or bijouterie, the price of which will seem simply ridiculous compared to the originals presented in a nearby boutique. Walking along the streets lined with various shops, you can plunge into the world of beauty and luxury, pamper yourself and enjoy walking through these shops, filled to overflowing with all sorts of things.

Demography

Principality of Monaco located on the Cote d'Azur of the Mediterranean Sea and borders on land only with France. Country area is 1.91 sq. km.

Regardless of what's in 1964 principality increases its area by 20% (0.4 sq. km.) it remains smallest country in the world, only the Vatican is smaller than it.

Monaco is made up of four cities:Monaco-capital, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. The principality is home to about 36,000 people, which makes Monaco the most densely populated country in the world - about 18 thousand / sq. km. T only a quarter of the populationnatives of Monaco,rest - Foreigners. The majority of those living in dwarf state French people (47% ), 16% Italians, 16% Monegasque, to the rest 21% are included are included representatives of more than 125 nationalities. In the ratio of men - women, the gentle sex has a slight advantage. average life expectancy- about 80 years old, regardless of this, the country has negative birth rate.

Official language in the principality French, but English,Italian and Monegasque languages also widespread.

In the Principality of Monaco proclaimed religious freedom, but contrary to that 90% population - Catholics.

Industry

Works in industry 12% employed, in the service sector - 88% . Monaco has developed at a high level industries such as - electronic,electrotechnical, chemical, pharmaceutical. Also develop:precision instrumentation, production of building materials, faience, ceramics. An important place is occupied trade, making souvenirs and tourist service. The state has a high level of employment and living standards. Present state monopoly on telephone network activity, sale of tobacco products and post services. Companies in Monaco produce appliances and electronic components. This product exported to Europe and the USA. One of the main sources of income - travel business. Here Monaco is a huge hotel chain having, by local standards, the highest classification. More significant industries -cosmetics production,chemicals and medicines. For any type of business activity need to get administration permission. It is necessary to justify that the project will benefit the economy of the state. It happens very often that they refuse. The principality is connected with the outside world, primarily, by sea. with France it is connected railway. Motorways used not only as a means of transportation. On the embankments and crooked streets of Monte Carlo pass famous races.

vegetable and animal world

The beautiful Mediterranean vegetation is a trademark of the Principality of Monaco. Here it is exotic garden, in which one can find one of the richest collections of cacti in the world, as well as other plants from hot countries growing on steep rocks. In addition, it hosts botanical research different types plants. In the old part of the city is Japanese garden area 7000 square meters, located in accordance with the rules for arranging landscape parks in the country rising sun. Fontvey area proud of the magnificent Princess Grace Rose Garden. It is part of the so-called landscape park.

underground aquarium, the volume of which exceeds 400 cubic meters., represents 60 pools filled with sea water and is a true masterpiece of modern architecture. It was founded in 1910 prince Albert I and over time grew into a large scientific and tourist centre. This is one of the few aquariums in the world., Where live corals, and as you know, they cannot live outside their natural environment. The Principality of Monaco is also home to a magnificent underwater reserveLaRvotto, which contains one of the most exotic representatives of the underwater world.

Banks and money

problems with public transport not in Monaco. Walking at very short intervals all day buses, and the cost of travel, in principle, is acceptable. Can be purchased ticket, which per day will cost you in the area 4 euro. In addition to these buses, a small bus runs especially for tourists. steam locomotive with wagons, whose main function is take everyone to the main attractions of Monaco. Such a train costs a little more, but in half an hour you will get acquainted with all the best places. Take car for rent in Monaco is easy, for this necessary have a driver's license with you, which must comply with the international standard. In addition, you must be over 23 years old and have a credit card with you. There are some expensive car models that may require you to have two credit cards to rent. Upon presentation of a credit card from it can remove also an additional deposit, which is equal to the amount of car rental. This happens because full settlement for renting a car you will only produce when you return it. There are no particular difficulties on the roads of Monaco, the traffic is quite calm and measured, also applies to all pedestrians, because in Monaco it is established Speed ​​Limit on which drivers can no longer drive 50km/h.

Minerals

Someone may be surprised that in Monaco there are absolutely no minerals, except for shellfish, which are mined only in order to satisfy the huge demand of tourists. And, despite the lack of minerals, the influx of money into Monaco is not decreasing, but rather growing. This is due to the fact that the banks of Monaco, like no other, can not keep the client's identity secret, and in this country very low taxes which is also very encouraging. Besides, this great resort, which famous for its gambling clubs, rest here attracts a large number of people who are ready to spend their capital on luxury vacation. But you should not assume that apart from the resort, gambling and banks, there is nothing else here. On the contrary, Monaco shows great promise associated with the development pharmaceutical industry, as well as chemical and electronics industry. And, of course, we must not forget about construction because Monaco is growing and prospering every year. Yet Monaco is largely depends on imports from different countries . But, the positive side is that in Monaco almost no unemployed as the country steps forward and it needs more and more workers.

Agriculture

Monaco occupies very little space in its territory, this country is classified as dwarf countries. Due to its climatic conditions, geographical location, proximity to France and the stunning splendor of nature, Monaco is beautiful tourist place where thousands of people from different countries and many different celebrities spend their weekends. Precisely because Monaco is located on a relatively small piece of land, the country cannot afford to seriously engage in agriculture. Agriculture occupies everything here 6% throughout the country's industry. All products are consumed domestically, nothing is exported, because such quantities are simply not enough for export. Here they grow sugar cane, coconut trees, yam. Well, almost everything that this miniature can afford beautiful country. In addition, Monaco is engaged in animal husbandry, again in scanty sizes and basically, this small pets. Also put on a modest foot and fishing. But the most interesting is pearl mining and mother-of-pearl shells which are in great demand among tourists. In principle, this is all that Monaco can afford. The country receives all the main products through imports from other countries.

main source of income in the Principality of Monaco is considered travel business. People from all countries come here, ready to spend their money in such a way that it is wide and on a grand scale. A huge number of hotels and famous casinos attract the attention of everyone without exception, and especially the very rich people. And precisely because mainly wealthy people come to Monaco, here it is customary to tip almost everyone: hotel and hotel attendants, waiters in restaurants and other establishments, tour guides, guides and taxi drivers. In restaurants, the amount of the tip is already included in the bill., but some, especially generous ones, leave a tip on top. The same is true with tips for service personnel in hotels and inns., their tips are also included in the total amount for service. It is customary for taxi drivers to leave not less than 15% from the amount that you see on the counter. On the tips that some tourists leave, you can live quite comfortably, even without a salary, so all staff try to please tourists in order to get additional rewards, with pleasure carry out various assignments and requests of tourists. After all, for this, they receive a good increase in their basic salary.

National Features

When going to Monaco, you need to know a little about the peculiarities of this country, as well as, of course, any other country, in order not to find yourself in an awkward situation or offend the indigenous people with a random word. As a result of the fact that Monaco is considered the most expensive tourist country, where a lot of money is spinning, there are a large number of gambling establishments, such an order has been established that you will come across at every steprepresentatives of the authorities. And they does not have to be in the form; you may not even know that there is a policeman next to you who is watching you or your neighbors with all his eyes. Face control- this is a common occurrence, in almost any institution, besides your hotel room or a rental car may be searched. And no need to stop it because those are the rules. On the streets at almost every step you can meet the installed security camera and thanks to such diligence of the police in Monaco, a very small percentage of crime. A large influx of money requires the presence of the best law enforcement specialists. As for gambling clubs, for a man without fail You need to be in a suit and tie. And everyone who is going to visit the casino should be at least 18 years old and possession of a passport, is an prerequisite.

Electricity

Plug/Socket Monaco / / /

There are no problems with electricity in the country. Neon-lit casinos and discotheques open 24/7, luxury boutiques and shopping centers. All this, for sure, does not mean that Monaco lacks heat and light. Given the influx of money coming into the country, high prices for accommodation and going to restaurants where even the most ordinary meals will cost you no less than a hundred dollars. Monaco may well create comfortable conditions for tourists and for the many celebrities who visit this fairyland. Despite the fact that Monaco lives almost exclusively in the tourism business, it does not lack the most necessary things. So in the hotels of Monaco, you will feel not just like at home, but like in a real palace. Current power is standard everywhere, is equal to 220V, and even if you want to take advantage of the additional benefits of civilization, you will not experience any problems. Sockets everywhere European standard, which is very convenient so that you can connect additional household appliances and even your favorite computer, if you need it. Comfort, luxury, style and modernity will surround you throughout your stay.

healthcare

Monaco is a very expensive country that has to live up to its high standards. People with average incomes do not always manage to get here, because hotel accommodation costs two to three times more than in others. tourist countries. The level of service is very high, because very rich people come to Monaco, and meeting celebrities and famous athletes here is a completely ordinary thing. They come here, as usual, on a grand scale. In this regard, you you will not be able to enter Monaco if you do not have health insurance, because here, all foreigners coming from distant countries are very closely monitored.

Situation with drinking water also happy: tap water is safe to drink because it undergoes very good cleaning. But taste is not good, because it lacks some minerals, so it is best to buy bottled water for drinking, which is sold in all stores. Products, which you will purchase in the markets and in stores as well different high quality and you do not risk your health. The same organic products will be served to you in hotel restaurants and in any other catering establishments. So, you can forget that there is a risk of indigestion, unless you want to try something very exotic.