Panorama taken in the end of May 2010 in Monaco-Ville,that shows the Port d'Hercule and part of Principality of Monaco.

Principality of Monaco - Monaco-Ville visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Principality of Monaco' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Monaco.

The Principality of Monaco is a city state, commonly referred to simply as Monaco. The principality has been ruled by the Grimaldi family of Genoa from the 13th century. It is a parliamentary monarchy bounded on three sides by France with a coastline in the Mediterranean Sea. Covering about 1.95km², Monaco is one of the most luxurious travel destinations on earth, home to many of the rich and famous.

Central to Monaco is a rocky promontory 'Le Rocher' (the Rock) on which the oldest nucleus of the city was built in the 13th century. It is on Le Rocher that some of the most important attractions in Monaco are found, including Prince's Palace. The Grimaldi family arrived at the end of the 13th century. Monaco was annexed by France during the French Revolution, but returned to the Grimaldi in the Treaty of Paris in 1814. Today Monaco has secured a place as one of the top luxury destinations of the world, made famous by the establishment of the Casino in Monte Carlo, the marraige of the Crown Prince and Grace Kelly in 1956, the Monaco Grand Prix Formula I race and the Rose Ball, the annual charity ball for the Red Cross has become the social event of the year in Monaco and one of the most important and splendid in the world.

Principality of Monaco Attractions

• Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace ) - 13th century Genoese fortress, official residence of the Royal Family, whose state rooms are often open to the public.
• Place du Palais - square in front of the Palais du Prince, laid out with cannon and cannon balls dating from Louis XIV, with the Changing of the Guard daily at 11.55am and stunning views over Port de Fontvieille.
• Musée Océanographique - marine museum with objects from journeys of Prince Albert and finds and equipment from various Jacques-Yves Cousteau expeditions. The Museum also contains an aquarium, library and various laboratories.
• Jardins de St-Martin - gardens around the Musée Océanographique with stunning views over Monaco and the Mediterranean.
• Monaco Cathedral - Romanesque-Byzantine built between 1875 and 1884 and containing an altarpiece by Louis Bréa (C.1500) and other works.
• Napoleon Museum - located inside the Place du Palais this museum contains memorabilia of Napoleon I.
• Fort Antoine Theater - a major attraction on Svenue de la Quarantaine, this is one of the best outdoor theatres in Monaco with a capacity of 350.
Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco - found on Rue Basse the museum contains life-size wax models of various rulers of Grimaldi dynasty of Monaco from the 13th century onwards, dressed in period outfits.Exhibition of HSH The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection - display of nearly 100 classic cars of all ages and six coaches belonging to HSH, Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
• Museum of the Chapel of Visitation Barbara Piasecka Johnson Collection - various masterpieces of sacred art by Rubens, Zurbaran, Ribera and the masters of Italian baroque housed in a 17th century Baroque chapel.
• Moneghetti - district on the northern end of Monaco with lovely terraces on the east slopes of the Tête de Chien.
• Monte Carlo Casino - one of the biggest draws in Monaco, found north of Monaco-Ville.

Monaco Tourist Office
At: 2a Boulevard des Moulins, 98000 Monaco
Tel: (+377) 92 16 61 16
Fax: (+377) 92 16 60 00
Web: visitmonaco.com

Train: The Monaco - Monte Carlo (SNCF) Station.
Flight: Nice-Côte-d'Azur International Airport 22km from Monaco.
Road: Monaco is linked to France, (A8) and other European nations by a network of highways.
Boat: Large cruise ships can dock in Monaco. The Principality's two ports are equipped to greet pleasure-boats, the Port Hercule harbor and Fontvieille.