Monaco-Ville

The Jardins de St-Martin in Monaco extend along the coast round the peninsula with a steep cliff on the seaward side, near which stands a statue commemorating Prince Albert I, celebrated as a marine researcher. At the end of the gardens is the Musée Océanographique (marine museum); the facade facing the sea is 87m/286ft high and rests on massive foundations. The museum, which was opened in 1910 and took 11 years to build, houses valuable scientific collections (objects from Prince Albert's journeys of exploration, finds, submarines and diving equipment of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, slides of marine plants and animals), also an important aquarium, laboratory and library and exhibits of model ships and educational film shows, especially about Jacques-Yves Cousteau. From the roof terrace (restaurant) it is possible to enjoy a superb view of the Italian Riviera as far as the Esterel Massif (also visible from Fort Antoine on the east of the peninsula).On the western slope of the cliff is the Center d'Acclimatation Zoologique (a center for animal acclimatization, a kind of zoo with tropical and African fauna), established in 1954.

In the western part of Monaco lies the Place du Palais with its bronze cannons dating from the time of Louis XIV; from here there is a beautiful view of Monte-Carlo. Dominating the square is the Palais du Prince, built in the 13th C. as a Genoese fortress. The changing of the guard takes place every day at 11.55am. Apart from providing this display, the Prince's Guard is also responsible for the security of the Prince and his family and also appears at major events.In the Palais there are splendid apartments, including the throne-room in Empire style, the York bedroom (18th C.) and beautiful 17th C. frescos (Genoese work). Tours take place when the Prince and his family are absent (in which case the Prince's flag on the Tour Ste-Marie is not raised).During the summer months concerts take place in the palace courtyard.

The Rue du Tribunal in Monaco leads from the palace to the cathedral, built between 1875 and 1884 in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. A chapel to St Nicolas, dating from 1252, was pulled down to make way for the building of the cathedral. Inside can be seen an altarpiece by Louis Bréa (C.1500), other works of the Nice School, as well as tombs of the princes (burial place of the Princes of Monaco) and bishops. The grave of Princess Grace is also to be found here.Opposite stands the Palais de Justice (lawcourts) and nearby the Historial des Princes (historical collection), as well as the notable Chapelle de la Miséricorde of 1639; the first provost of the penitential monks resident here was Prince Honoré II. Inside there is a wooden statue of Christ, by François-Joseph Bosio, official sculptor of Napoleon, born in 1769 in Monaco (d.1845 in Paris).