A monument with medieval origins

An emblematic monument of the Principality, the Palais tells the story of Monaco through its architecture and transformations.

Built in 1215 on the remains of a Genoese fortress, Monaco's Prince's Palace has endured through the centuries, transforming itself with the passing of time. From the 17th century onwards, it became a residence worthy of the Grand Siècle, marking a turning point in its architecture and refinement.

During the reign of Prince Honoré II, the Palace was enriched with precious art collections. Unfortunately, these works were largely lost during the French Revolution, when the Palace was looted and transformed into a military hospital for the Army of Italy.

The splendid Place du Palais is an emblematic site in its own right, with its unobstructed view of Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille, the presence of historic cannons and cannonballs, and the symbolic statue of François Grimaldi... An exceptional heritage to explore without moderation!

But that's not all! The Palace of Monaco, still inhabited by the present-day princely family, is constantly undergoing maintenance for both daily and diplomatic purposes. As painters-restorers worked on the façade of the Régie in 2014, part of whose decoration was crumbling away, they seemed to recognize older motifs beneath the layers of paint, painted directly onto the wall's plaster.
This was the starting point for a series of discoveries that unfolded before the eyes of Prince Albert II, who quickly launched in-depth investigations. In the space of a few weeks, other traces of ancient frescoes were found in other rooms of the Palace... and so began this major restoration-conservation project covering a total surface area of 600 m2!

This titanic, eco-responsible restoration project took 8 years to complete, and is considered one of the largest painting restoration-conservation projects in Europe! This vast project should be completed by the end of 2025. Unless new discoveries are made in the last three rooms of the "old quarter", where surveys have yet to be carried out...

Visit the State Apartments

The State Apartments of the Prince's Palace are open to the public for part of the year, offering visitors a journey through the history and art of princely living. Among the most remarkable rooms are :

The Cour d'Honneur, where the Monaco Philharmonic Orchestra performs every summer;
The Galerie d'Hercule, decorated with mythological frescoes;
The Hall of Mirrors, inspired by Versailles;
The Salon York and the Chambre d'York, with their classical charm;
The Salon Louis XV and its adjoining room, decorated in period style;
The Throne Room, still used for grand ceremonies.

All this is complemented by a rich collection of tapestries, frescoes, antique paintings and period furniture, testifying to the refinement of the Grimaldi dynasty.

A preserved heritage

The Prince's Palace is the subject of ongoing preservation and restoration work, carried out with respect for its history. In 2014, during maintenance work on part of the facades and interior spaces, ancient decorations painted directly onto the plaster were discovered. These unexpected discoveries revealed valuable historical frescoes, previously hidden beneath more recent layers.

Rare testimonies to bygone eras, these elements gave rise to in-depth research and a meticulous restoration campaign carried out by heritage specialists. The work, carried out in an eco-responsible manner, highlights almost 600 m² of decor, with the utmost respect for ancient techniques and materials.

These conservation efforts are part of a strong commitment to passing on the Prince's heritage to future generations, while promoting the cultural and artistic wealth of the Palace.

The changing of the guard

Every day at precisely 11:55 a.m. on the Place du Palais, don't miss the ceremonial changing of the guard of the Prince's Carabinieri. This solemn military ritual, performed with rigor and precision, attracts many visitors every day.

Since December 8, 1817, the Carabinieri's mission has been to ensure the security of the Palace, His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince and the Princely Family. They also help to enforce the law and maintain public order. Their motto: "Honor, Fidelity, Devotion".

A visit to the Prince's Palace, Monaco's landmark, combines history, art, tradition and modernity. With its sumptuous State Apartments, its commitment to heritage preservation and its daily rituals, it is the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the Principality.

Practical information

Opening days and times:

March 26 to June 30: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m.)
July 1 to August 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closes at 7 p.m.)
September 1 to October 13: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m.)

Exceptional closures:

From June 6 to 9 inclusive
June 16th
June 26 to 28 inclusive
From 17th to 20th July inclusive