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 stood the test of time, 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, most of these works were lost during the French Revolution, when the Palace was looted and turned into a military hospital for theItalian Army.

The splendid Place du Palais is an emblematic site in its own right, 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 to explore without moderation!

But that's not all! The Palace of Monaco, still inhabited by the current princely family, is constantly being maintained for the purposes of daily life and diplomacy. While restoration painters were working on the façade of the Régie in 2014, with some of the decoration crumbling away, they seemed to recognise older motifs under the layers of paint, painted directly on the plaster of the wall.
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 to be 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 Grands Appartements

The Grand Apartments of the Prince's Palace are open to the public for part of the year, offering visitors a journey through the history and lifestyle of the Prince. 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

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

These rare testimonies to bygone eras were the subject of in-depth research and a meticulous restoration campaign carried out by heritage specialists. The work, carried out as part of an eco-responsible approach, showcases almost 600 m² of decor, with the utmost respect for ancient techniques and materials.

These conservation efforts are part of a strong desire to pass on the Princely heritage to future generations, while promoting the cultural and artistic treasures of the Palais.

The changing of the guard

Every day at precisely 11.55 am, in the Place du Palais, don't miss the ceremonial changing of the guard of 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 ensuring the safety 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 Grand 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:

26 March to 30 June: 10am to 5pm (closes at 6pm)
1 July to 31 August: 10am to 6pm (closes at 7pm)
1 September to 13 October: 10am to 5pm (closes at 6pm)

Exceptional closures:

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