Tourist Pages

 

 

Mónaco Ville & Montecarlo

Tourist information, useful links & accommodation

B&B, Hotels and Hostels in Mónaco

 

  
 

 

  

home 

 

  
  The Principality of Monaco more commonly known as Monaco, is a constitutional monarchy and city-state located along the French Riviera, between the Mediterranean Sea and France, a few miles off the French border with Italy.  Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world and the world's second-smallest independent country with a population of just 32,409 and an area of 1.95 square kilometres (481.9 acres).

In the 1850s, Monaco was the poorest state in Europe. Its luck changed with the opening of Monte Carlo Casino - Europe's first - in 1865. The rather dull-sounding Plateau des Spélugues on which it stood was renamed Monte Carlo (a translation of 'Mont Charles' after Charles III), and within months it ranked as one of Europe's most glamorous playgrounds. Nowadays it has more millionaires per capita than any other country.

 

  
     
   

Monte Carlo is the wealthiest of Monaco's four quarters, sometimes erroneously believed to be the country's capital, even though there formally is none. Monte Carlo is known for its casinos, gambling, glamour, and for sightings of famous people.  It's situated north of the port and, with Monaco Ville, constitutes that part of the principality that visitors associate most closely with the Monaco of their dreams. Monte Carlo is, above all, famous for its casino and grand prix. Monte Carlo quartier includes, not only Monte Carlo proper where the casino is located, but the neighbourhoods of Saint Michel, Saint Roman/Tenao, and the beach community of Larvotto.

Monaco Ville sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is home to the state's most alluring sights. It's connected to the port area of La Condamine by the steep Rampe Major, a red-brick pedestrian ramp built in the 16th-century to connect the palace and port.