Prince's Palace of Monaco

Wikipedia dates the palace to 1191, when the Republic of Genoa acquired the harbour that Monte Carlo now borders, while the palace's official site says that grant came with a duty to fortify and that construction began in 1215. That Genoese fortress, with four towers joined by ramparts, forms the core of the present palace. The Grimaldi ruled first as feudal lords and from the 17th century as sovereign princes, but their power often rested on fragile agreements with larger neighbours.

Unlike other European sovereigns who built fresh Renaissance and Baroque palaces, the rulers of Monaco had to keep their residence fortified. As a result, the palace is described as one of the most unusual in Europe. When the fortifications relaxed in the late 18th century, the French seized the palace and stripped it of its treasures, and the Grimaldi were exiled for more than 20 years. In 1997 the family celebrated 700 years of rule from the same palace.

The palace is a blend of styles. Its principal facade appears as a terrace of Renaissance palazzi from different periods, united by a common rusticated ground floor, with towers rising behind that were mostly rebuilt in the 19th century. The court of honour has two tiers of frescoed open arcades that serve as a ceremonial balcony and state entrance.

The state apartments were laid out from the 16th century and enhanced in the style of Versailles in the 18th century. A horseshoe-shaped staircase leads to the Gallery of Hercules and the Mirror Gallery, which was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Guests then move through the Officers' Room and the Blue Room to the Throne Room, whose ceiling frescoes by Orazio de Ferrari depict the surrender of Alexander the Great. Other rooms include the Red Room, the York Room and the Mazarin Room, lined with Italian gilded and painted panelling. Wikipedia notes that much of the interior's appearance results from heavy restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries the palace and its owners became symbols of the glamour associated with Monte Carlo and the Riviera. Wikipedia notes that this took on a fairy-tale quality when the American film star Grace Kelly became the lady of the palace in 1956. It remains the residence of the current Prince of Monaco.

The palace stands on the Rocher de Monaco, in the old town above the harbour, and the square in front is a popular spot for viewing the palace facade. As an official residence, access to interior rooms may be limited by season and official schedules, so confirm details in advance. A private tour with a driver can combine the Rock with Monte Carlo and the harbour.