 | | | France > Monaco
| | | | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | Saint Devote is the patron saint of the Grimaldi family and every January 27th, the Principality celebrates St. Devote's Day as a national holiday. According to legend, during the Roman era a young Corsican Christian named Devote was executed and her body placed in a boat for Africa. The boat drifted off course and ran aground on the coast of modern-day Monaco, where a state was founded in her honor. The Chapel, originally built in the 11th century, is at the site where, in the 4th century, the boat with St. Devote's body landed. At the end of the 19th century, the chapel was restored, enlarged and given a new, monumental façade. Every January 26th, a boat is burnt on its square at nightfall in the presence of the royal family. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | If it weren't for the Casino, Monaco would be just another little town on the French Riviera. The Casino is an extraordinary work of architecture, elaborately decorated, so you don't have to be a gambler to enjoy it. However, if you want to penetrate the inner sanctums, you'll need considerably thick wallet. It's almost worth it just to view the over-the-top baroque splendor of the Casino's architecture. The surrounding area is quite picturesque. In front, the Place de Casino is a small but marvelous park with perfectly sculpted bushes and pretty fountains. The rear of the casino grounds has a huge walkway built on top of a massive hotel overlooking the sea. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |
 | | | France > Monaco
| | | | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | This magnificent cathedral was built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century church and is the final resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco and home to the Grimaldi family burial chamber, along with several important 16th century paintings and a wooden altar dating from the Spanish Renaissance. From September through June, "Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco" and the singers of the Cathedral Choir School sing during the mass every Sunday at 10:00AM. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |  | | | France > Monaco
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 | | | France > Monaco
| | | | Visit the famous Casino and its garden with sculptures by Botero. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | This enchanting garden, designed by the landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, covers 23,000 square feet right next to the Mediterranean Sea and a short distance from the casino. The garden is an oasis amidst the skyscrapers with its koi pond, waterfalls, rocks, bridges, pine and olive trees. The natural stones were carefully chosen according to their shape, color and size. The bamboo fences, Tea House, stone lanterns, tiles and wooden gates were all made in Japan. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | The Oceanographic Museum represents Monaco's commitment to the marine environment. It houses the collections of Prince Albert I, the Scientist Prince, whose numerous cruises and research provided the basis of modern oceanography. The collections on show represent a complete range of marine and submarine fauna, with gigantic skeletons of oceanic mammals. The Musée houses what is probably the best aquarium in Europe, with nearly 4,000 fish from 350 different species occupying 90 seawater tanks. If you're unlucky enough to hit Monaco on one of those 65 rainy days, this is the perfect place to console yourself. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |
 | | | France > Monaco
| | | | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | If you're searching for the "real Monaco", the Place d'Armes is the place to start: sit on one of the benches that line the plaza and enjoy the beautiful Belle Epoque architecture and mosaic decoration on the buildings; stroll around the blue tiled fountain; walk into the center of the covered market and imagine you're in another time. During the day, the large open-air market offers fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers and the covered market with 35 stalls is buzzing with activity. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | This is the official residence of the ruling Grimaldi family; when Prince Rainier is in residence, a flag is raised. Monaco's royal palace has been around since the 13th century and its 15 rooms, including the Throne Room, are open to the public. In the south wing of the palace, the Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens has a collection of Napoleon's personal knickknacks, including one sock, a handkerchief and some medals, coins, uniforms and swords. | | Photo: Giuseppe Pennisi | | |
 | | | France > Monaco
| | | | | |  | | | France > Monaco
| | | | | |  | | | France > Monaco
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