Monaco history
Monaco brings to mind fast cars, gorgeous beaches, and a rich and vast history. The Rock of Monaco is one of the most important and historic places within the country. The Rock of Monaco served as both a fortress and a shelter for the people of Monaco, but also as a symbol of the history of Monaco.
19th century
The 19th century brought about the sovereignty of Monaco under the Prince of Monaco and the fall of Napoleon. France accepted the sovereignty of the nation, but annexed the majority of the historical lands to France. Prince Charles III exchanged a large amount of land for cash and independence from the French in 1862. Monaco lost many of its natural resources in the exchange, but gained its independence. Shortly after becoming a sovereign state, the Casino of Monte Carlo opened in the year 1863, and economic growth continued with the building of a railway from Monaco and France.
Quick fact!
Monaco gained its independence from the Republic of Genoa on 8th January 1297.
1914 – 1948
The French agreed to protect Monaco with the signing of a treaty in 1918 following the Monaco Succession Crisis. The years following the First World War saw more economic stability within the small country.
It wasn’t until World War II the conflict and protests ravaged the streets of Monaco. The Prince of Monaco, Louis II, supported the French cause during World War II, but decidedly remained neutral during the global conflict. Despite the country’s neutrality, Mussolini’s Italian forces invaded and occupied Monaco in 1942.
German forces occupied Monaco after the fall of Mussolini, and began the process of Jewish deportation in 1943. Although much could not be done to protect Monaco against the German Gestapo forces, Prince Louis II would often use the Monaco police to warn Jewish citizens who the German forces planned on deporting next. Monaco was finally liberated after a German retreat. After World War II Monaco was left to re-establish their once thriving economy and tourism.
Quick fact!
Since the year 1297 Monaco has been ruled by the members of the House of Grimaldi, except when under French control from 1793 to 1814.
1949 – present
Prince Louis II passed away soon after the end of World War II. Prince Rainier III then became the Head of State and revised the Constitution of Monaco in 1962. Prince Rainier III is also quite famous for marrying American actress Grace Kelly. Fame and fortune aside, the revisions within the constitution included the abolishment of capital punishment, the founding of a Supreme Court, and equal rights to women.
The economic growth of Monaco during the 20th century is primarily due to the lax taxes, tourism, and the high standard of living within the country. Monaco became a member of the United Nations in 1993, and in the early 2000’s a treaty between France and Monaco clarified the relations between the two countries. Prince Albert II succeeded his father Prince Rainier III in the year 2005, after the signing of the French treaty.
Monaco language and culture
Culture of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is a city-state on the Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera). It is a constitutional monarchy governed by Prince Albert II (the son of Prince Rainier III and the American film actress Grace Kelly).
Sports
Monaco hosts a variety of sports events, including chess tournaments and the Monte-Carlo Masters, a yearly tennis tournament for professional players.
The Monaco Grand Prix is probably the most prestigious racing event in the world. It was first organized in 1929, under the supervision of Prince Louis II. Although football is not as popular in Monaco as it is worldwide, there is one football venue located in the Fontvieille district, with a total capacity of 18,500 spectators.
Festivals and traditions
Any tourist would be excited to see the Formula 1 Grand Prix held in May, as this is one of the events Monte Carlo is best known for.
The International Circus Festival attracts many visitors during winter, but if you’ve planned your trip in March, you can spend a few evenings attending the Monte Carlo Opera or the Rose Ball, a very important charity event with a different theme every year. Moreover, there are several firework and concert celebrations held during July and August.
Languages of Monaco
French is the official language of Monaco. Monaco does have its own language, Monégasque, which in the 1970’s was threatened with extinction. Nowadays it is taught in some schools in Monaco and is spoken by just over 20% of the population.
Due to the popularity of Monaco, there are also large Italian and English speaking communities throughout the country.
Basic French words and phrases
Hello – Bonjour
Goodbye – au revoir
Please – S’il vous plaît
Yes – Oui
No – Non
Thank-you – Merci
My name is… – Je m’appelle…
Where is…? – Où est…?
I would like – Je voudrais
I don’t speak French – Je ne parle pas français
Monaco weather
Monaco’s enviable ‘Mediterranean Climate’ makes it a popular holiday destination all year round. The great weather is influenced by the principality’s geographical position between the Southern Alps and Mediterranean Sea on the French Riviera. Monaco generally experiences very mild winters with warm dry summers. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year!
Spring in Monaco
Visit Monaco during this season for the arts festival and colourful spring flowers. Cooler and crisper than summer thanks to the ‘le mistral’ wind, spring temperatures are a pleasant 10°C to 16°C during April and May. Leave your heavy clothes at home and travel light with cotton clothing and a wrap or jacket for the cooler evening.
Summer in Monaco
With its balmy evenings, Monaco is the perfect setting for summer concerts under the stars. During the day temperatures aren’t stifling, even in July and August, with constant cooling sea breezes. On average temperatures range in the mid 20s°C. Though it experiences humidity, rainfall in Monaco during summer is minimal, you may get one or two days at the most. Pack lightweight clothing, sunglasses and your swimsuit!
Autumn in Monaco
The warm, clear weather continues through to autumn in Monaco. The season usually starts with a glorious Indian summer with temperatures still around the late teens by October. You are more likely to get rain as the season progresses, and especially in November, one of its two wettest months. Bring your umbrella and raincoat for autumn showers, and lightweight to medium weight clothing.
Winter in Monaco
Monaco is still a great place to visit in winter, though the sunshine hours are slightly less and there’s more chance of rain. You probably won’t experience snow or bitterly cold temperatures though – they happen once every ten years! With average highs well up around the 10°C mark in January and February, you’ll only need to pack lightweight to medium weight clothing and perhaps an umbrella.
Average temperatures in Monaco
Average rainfall in Monaco
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