Prince's Palace of Monaco

A monument with medieval origins

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

Built from 1215 onwards on the remains of a Genoese fortress, the Prince's Palace of Monaco has survived the centuries by undergoing many transformations. 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, most of these works were lost during the French Revolution, when the Palace was looted and turned into a military hospital for the Italian Army.

The splendid Place du Palais is an emblematic site in itself, with an uninterrupted view over Port Hercule and the Port of Fontvieille, the presence of historic cannons and cannonballs, and the symbolic statue of François Grimaldi... An exceptional heritage site, to be explored without moderation!

Visit the State Apartments

The State Apartments of the Prince's Palace are open to the public for part of the year, taking visitors on 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 the style of the period;
  • The Throne Room, still used for major 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

Monaco's Prince's Palace, which is still inhabited by the current princely family, is constantly being maintained for the purposes of daily life and diplomacy.

When the first restoration team walked through the doors of the Palace in 2013, no one could have imagined the magnitude of the revelations to come. What was supposed to be a simple decorative painting operation has turned into a major scientific exploration: beneath the ceilings of the Palace lie frescoes from the late Renaissance, veritable monumental testimonies to the epic of the Grimaldis since the 16th century.

Initiated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II as part of a sustainable approach, this project places the Sovereign in the tradition of His Forefathers, great patrons of the arts who have always preserved and embellished their homes, by showcasing almost 600 m² of decoration with the greatest respect for ancient techniques and materials.

History shows that the building was originally constructed at the end of the 12th century. However, the siege led by the Genoese in 1506-1507 had a profound effect on the fate of this primitive fortress. Augustin Grimaldi, then Étienne Grimaldi - Honoré I's tutor - transformed the " old castle " into a Renaissance palace. The second quarter of the 16th century was a decisive turning point. In the space of just a few decades, the residence of the Grimaldi lords acquired the appearance that ten years of restoration work have given it today.

The changing of the guard

Every day at precisely 11:55 in the Place du Palais, don't miss the ceremonial changing of the guard by the Prince's Carabinieri. This solemn military ritual, performed with rigour and precision, attracts large numbers of visitors every day.

Since 8 December 1817, the Carabinieri have been responsible for 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: "Honour, Fidelity, Devotion".

A visit to the Prince's Palace, Monaco's most emblematic monument, 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 times and days:

Tours of the State Apartments are currently closed.
Reopening on Monday 30 March until Thursday 15 October 2026.

  • From March to 30 June and from 1 September to October: Open every day from 10am to 6pm. The ticket office closes at 5pm and the last entrance at 5.15pm.
  • From 1st July to 31st August: Open every day from 10am to 7pm. Ticket office closes at 6pm, last entry at 6.15pm.

Closed for the Formula 1 TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco. From 4 to 7 June 2026

Opening times and dates are subject to change