SEARCH

SIGN IN

Login:
Password:
Forgotten password? Remember me

Share your travel experience with us!
You can be Europe Travel Guide contributor.
Write an article or upload pictures by creating an account.

CREATE NEW ACCOUNT HERE

History & Heritage

Various populations from prehistoric times and antiquity have sought refuge on Monaco’s Rocher and in its port. Sailors have heralded from as far away as the Orient. In the sixth century B.C. a Ligurian tribe inhabited the area leaving behind their name to what would become Monaco.

For seven centuries the Grimaldi family has presided over the Principality of Monaco, one of the longest ruling families in Europe. This rare dynastic longevity is proof of national unity between the Princes and the Monegasque people

Religious and secular traditions live on. Sometimes they are interlinked, with popular festivities following ritual ceremonies. Religious traditions, however, are more deeply anchored in the collective memory of the Monegasque people. They are an integral and exclusive part of their social, cultural and moral heritage. Furthermore, despite the limited size of its territory, the Principality of Monaco has a most rich and varied architectural heritage.

The Principality is comprised on one municipality, Monaco. The climate is moderate during the winter and hot, but not excessively, during the summer. Average annual temperature is 16.31 degrees centigrade with an exceptional number of sunny days.

French is the official language, but Italian and English are also widely understood and spoken. The Monegasque language is spoken by the older population and taught to the youth in school.

Monaco is a state and town open to the world, living in its heartbeat. Nearly 125 nationalities are represented. Of the residents, 28% are French, 17% Italian and 6% British.

The Euro was introduced in Monaco on January 1, 1999 and since January 1, 2002 coins and bills are introduced, making the Euro the Principality’s legal tender.