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. MONACO / MONTE-CARLO A Mediterranean country in its own right, the Principality of Monaco combines tradition and ancestral values with outstanding modernity and dynamism ...
Located in the south-east of France, 12 km away from the Italian border, the Principality covers a narrow coastal strip just over 4 km in length, on the Mediterranean sea shore and at the foot of the Southern Alps. Monaco benefits from a privileged climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and temperatures ranging on average between 10° in winter and 25 to 30° in summer.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Monaco's economy was based on luxury tourism trade and an embryonic industrial sector. Most State revenues came from the SBM and the few businesses in Fontvieille. Under the guidance of Prince Rainier III, Monaco's economy has greatly developed and diversified. < prestigious with boutiques luxury elegant together groups Circle Golden famous the town, of heart In Monaco. Principality : casket natural their found have pieces beautiful most The jewellery. and perfume couture, haute in established are names trade luxury. capital international undeniably is Monaco by night. The Casino may be the famous aspect of Monaco's nightlife but those in-the-know are equally impressed by the dynamism of its hyper-cool night-club scene, with new trendy spots emerging all the time. Places to drink in style in a clubbing ambiance might include: Le Black Diamond - good fun with good music till the first ray of the morning light... plus Café Grand Prix and Sass Café with live music sessions throughout the night. The world-famous Jimmy'z, rendezvous for the international jetset, at the tip of the Larvotto peninsula; The Living Room in the Avenue des Spélugues; and Karément, a hip new tapas bar on the first floor of the Grimaldi Forum, which welcomes clubbers all night long: music, lights, glittery shine and fun, stunning decor and sea view! In the Monte Carlo Casino, Place du Casino, designed by Charles Garnier, the gaming rooms are superbly decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and unique allegorical paintings commissioned exclusively for the Casino and realised by great painters. SIGHTSEEING Casino
Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House, built it in 1863. Its marble paved "atrium", surrounded with 28 Ionic columns made of onyx, gives access to the Opera Hall which is entirely decorated in red and gold, with bas-reliefs and sculptures. For more than a century, its stage has been the setting for international lyrical creations, prestigious concerts, as well as exceptional ballets. Its linked "Gaming Rooms" are admirably decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, and allegorical paintings Undergoing a refurbishment programme for the first time in over 100 years, the Opera will re-open on 19th November 2005, Monaco's National Day, to stage the most beautiful lyric performances.
Monaco's Cathedral
Built with white stones from La Turbie in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine style construction shelters the tombs of the deceased Princes. As for the interior decoration one may especially admire an altarpiece (retable) painted in 1500 by Louis Brea, a native of Nice, as well as the high altar and the Episcopal throne made of white marble from Carrara. Pontifical Services are held during the main liturgical celebrations, accompanied by a four keyboard Grand Organ, inaugurated in 1976; its magnificence permits remarkable spiritual concerts to be organised. From September to June, every Sunday at 10 am, Mass is sung by the "Petits Chanteurs de Monaco" and by the "Maîtrise de la Cathédrale".
Monaco's Oceanographic Museum
Monaco's Oceanographic Museum, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, holds, other than equipment used for the Prince's oceanographic research and zoological collections brought back from scientific campaigns, objects linked to the sea, a scientific library; and the aquarium, renowned for the variety and rarity of the species that it contains, which are representative of Mediterranean and tropical fauna.
The Prince Palace
As guardian of an age-old tradition, this Palace, located in a unique setting, was built on the site of a fortress erected by the Genoese in 1215. Today one may indeed admire the splendours of this palace, such as: its Italian-style gallery and its 16th century frescoes; its Louis 15th suite all in yellow and gold, its Blue Suite, a harmonious blend of glorious blue and gold; its Palatine Chapel covered with polychromatic wood-panelling (wainscoting); the Throne Room, decorated with an impressive Renaissance fireplace; the Palatine Chapel built in the 17th century; St-Mary's Tower, built from white stones from nearby La Turbie; the Main Courtyard and its 17th century Ferrara marble horseshoe-shaped staircase... www.monaco-tourisme.com www.monaco-congres.com www.monaco.net www.palais.mc www.visitmonaco.com |
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