Monaco - Useful information for your trip

Monaco, also known as the Principality of Monaco, is an independent city state of western Europe. The climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by wet winters and hot, dry and windy summers.

In 1612 the Grimaldis got the title of princes and Monaco became a principality. The Monegasque territory was object of dispute and in 1794, on the wave of revolutionary movements, the Principality of Monaco became part of republican France. Only in the Restoration period did the principality get its independence again with the support of Savoias. The principality had a great development under the Kingdom of Carlo III, who was the first to want it as an élite touris destination. In 1858 he commissioned the construction of the Grand Théatre and of the Casino. In 1860 the Savoy, the closest areas and the County of Nice became part of France; since then the principality of Monaco borders only with it, and it keeps close links with it because of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The changing of Monaco into a tourism international destination of high level is due to prince Raineri, prince since 1949, and to his beautiful wife; the famous American actress Grace Kelly, with her indisputable charm, who strongly contributed to give Monaco a world fame, attracting show celebrities from all around the world.

Monaco is today a unitary parliamentrary constitutional principality and the most important city is its homonym capital. The most famous neighbourhood of thìs city is Monte Carlo. Usually full of lots of famous people, with its beaches, its skyscrapers, its fashion and its very famous casinos is one of the most appreciated tourist destination for the élite. The economy of the country is characterized by the absence of direct taxes and by the presence of a confidential bank secret. This makes it a sort of "tax haven". This thriving economy is based on tourism, but also on lots of financial and estate assets and on the light industry. 

Monaco hosts two very important events for the world: the Grand Prix of Monaco and the prestigious tennis tournament Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. 

Other important tourist attractions are the Cathedral of Monaco and lots of museums like the Ocenographic Museum, one of the most famous aquariums in Europe, the Naval Museum with more than 200 boats, prince Ranieri's private collection of old cars, the Wax Museum and the Napoleonic memories Museum.