8th January 1297 in Monaco

09/01/2013  Monaco around the world

716 years ago, the Genoese François Grimaldi seized Monaco.



The history of the Grimaldi began at the time of the struggle between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines (supporters of the Pope and the Emperor).

On 8 January 1297, the Genoese François Grimaldi, a supporter of the Guelphs and nicknamed "La Malizia," seized the Monegasque fortress while disguised as a Franciscan monk. 

This historical fact gave rise to the famous French proverb "L'habit ne fait pas le moine" (literally, "The habit does not make the monk"), meaning that appearances can be deceptive, and "clothes do not make the man."



Photo credits:  Stanislas Kiabski


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