Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
UNEXPECTED MONACO
WHY THE PRINCIPALITY WILL SURPRISE YOU
At less than two square kilometres, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, yet it is packed with a tapestry of travel experiences. As a destination that is constantly reinventing itself, and with a rich history and culture as well as plenty of green spaces, visitors will find there’s more to Monaco than first meets the eye. Here’s three ways Monaco will surprise you…
1 History and Culture
As a harbour city, Monaco has a colourful past and its long culture and history are evident in all corners of the country.
There are many museums to choose from but the worldrenowned Oceanographic Museum – housed in a Neoclassical palace perched on the edge of the cliffs that looks out over the Mediterranean Sea – is a must. Inside, find more than 6,000 specimens, an immersive exhibition on the Great Barrier Reef, and a rescue centre which cares for and rehabilitates turtles.
Constructed in 1878 and designed by architect Charles Garnier, the Opéra de Monte-carlo is also worth seeing from the outside and in. The lavish building hosts some of the top names in the world of opera.
Don’t miss a visit to the Romanbyzantine Cathédrale de Monaco, built in 1875 from white stone sourced from a French commune called La Turbie. The cathedral houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes and princesses, a looming altar and the white Carrara marble Episcopal throne.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco also has a long history, dating back to the early 13th century. The palace lies on the Monaco Rock and is the official residence of the Grimaldi family. The palace is set to reopen many of its richly decorated rooms to visitors in 2022, offering a glimpse into royal life through the centuries.
Finish your historic tour with a wider exploration of the Old Town, strolling the narrow alleys dating back to the Middle Ages that link together little squares, to feel like you have gone back in time.