Architectural heritage

A symbol of power and the constitutional monarchy, the Prince’s Palace is the residence of the Royal Family and bears witness to the changes that the Principality has seen since the thirteenth century. Construction on the Palace began in 1215, although it has been continually extended and modified. Originally medieval in character, it took on the appearance of an Italian palace during the sixteenth century. The Renaissance-style façade with its gallery, balustrades and baroque gate contrasts with the neo-Gothic tower in dressed stone. The Royal Courtyard is enhanced by a pebble and stone slab floor, a horseshoe staircase adorned with Carrara marble and, above all, sixteenth-century frescoes depicting scenes from mythology. 

@ Eric MATHON - Palais Princier 

The Oceanographic Museum (1899–1910) demonstrates the Principality’s commitment to science and protecting the oceans. Built by the architect Paul Delefortrie, at the behest of Prince Albert I, who was an explorer, sailor and advocate of the sciences, the museum is characterised by its two huge bas-reliefs celebrating the world of science: Truth revealing the forces of the world to Science, and Progress coming to the Aid of Humanity, both by Gustave Dussart. The building’s architecture celebrates the link between the Principality and scientific exploration through depictions of an eagle, an albatross, a walrus head and the bow of a boat, as well as the names of exploration ships (Talisman, Valdivia, Alice, Hirondelle, etc.).

The Cathedral was built between 1875 and 1903 by Charles Lenormand, the architect behind the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Nice (1864–1879). Constructed in an Auvergne Roman-Byzantine style that borders on the eclectic, it features elements of ancient architecture, such as a triangular pediment, cornices with modillions and small Byzantine columns. In 1868, the Principality broke away from the Nice Diocese, and a decision was taken to build a cathedral to replace the Church of St. Nicolas, which had been completed in 1321. The Cathedral houses the tombs of Monaco’s princes and princesses, who rest alongside bishops, and it is at the heart of Monegasque religious life, the location where the sacraments of the Royal Family are celebrated.

The Casino and the Société des Bains de Mer are inextricably linked to the Principality’s economic growth. The Casino was built between 1858 and 1863 on Spélugues hill at the initiative of Prince Charles III (1818–1889), who hoped to expand seaside and gambling activities in a bid to boost Monaco’s economy. The architect Jules Dutrou got involved in 1869, proposing a larger casino, then Charles Garnier modified it further, adding the Opera building, officially opened in 1879, and a new gaming room, the Salle des Amériques, officially opened in 1881. The architect Jules Touzet took on the Salles Jumelles, or twin rooms, which were once lobby areas used as hubs of conversation, as well as the façade of the main entrance, while in 1910, Julien Médecin designed a final gaming room adorned with paintings by Armand Segaud.