Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The odd statue of a woman with a fishing net is dedicated to
Prince Albert I's
glor-
ious reign (1889-1922). Albert was a Renaissance man with varied skills and interests. He
had a Jacques Cousteau-like fascination with the sea (and built Monaco's famous aquar-
ium), and was a determined pacifist who made many attempts to dissuade Germany's
Kaiser Wilhelm II from becoming involved in World War I. It was Albert I's dad, Charles
III, who built the casino.
• Now walk toward the palace and find the statue of the monk grasping a sword.
Meet
François Grimaldi,
a renegade Italian dressed as a monk, who captured
Monaco in 1297 and began the dynasty that still rules the principality. Prince Albert is his
great-great-great...grandson, which gives Monaco's royal family the distinction of being
the longest-lasting dynasty in Europe.
• Make your way to the...
Prince's Palace (Palais Princier):
A medieval castle sat where Monaco's palace is
today. Its strategic setting has had a lot to do with Monaco's ability to resist attackers.
Today, Prince Albert and his bride live in the palace, while poor Princesses Stephanie and
