Principality of Monaco (dwarf state)
The Principality of Monaco (Principaute de Monaco) is a dwarf independent state associated with France, located in southern Europe on the Ligurian Sea (no larger than London's Hyde Park).
It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is known for its casinos in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 round held here, the Monaco Grand Prix.
It should be noted that over the past 100 years, Monaco has been living off gambling and satisfying the whims of the rich from different countries. In addition, the Principality of Monaco has become one of the world's largest places of property speculation, a kind of low-rise Manhattan-on-the-Sea, with an incredible concentration of fin-de-siecle (late 19th century) hotels instead of skyscrapers.
Since the XIII century, the principality has been owned by the Grimaldi family and, by law, in the event of the termination of the dynasty, the principality of Monaco (dwarf state) must again become part of France. The current ruler, Prince Rainier, is the only legitimate autocratic ruler in Europe, and all French laws must be approved by him for application in Monaco.
The principality has a parliament, which has a small set of rights and is elected only by the Monegasques - subjects of Monaco, constituting only about 16% of the population. However, there is no opposition to the ruling family in Monaco. Nationals of Monaco and residents without French citizenship pay no income tax, but their wealth is guarded by strict security forces: Monaco has more police officers per square meter of territory than any other country in the world.
If you are a true car racing fan, then you should come to Monaco in the last week of May, at this time Formula 1 races for the Monaco Grand Prix take place here around the port and the casino. At this time, it is impossible to get to any place from where the track is visible without a ticket, which excludes the possibility of inspection attractions .
The oldest part of the Principality, 2 kilometers long, Monaco-Ville, is concentrated around the princely palace on a high rocky promontory. To the west of it are the new suburb and Fontvieille marina. On the other side of the cape is the old port quarter of La Condamine (La Condamine), at the eastern border - seaside resort Larvotto with artificial beaches and imported sand, and in the middle - Monte Carlo.
City-district Monte Carlo
Monte-Carlo is a city-district located in the Principality of Monaco, where a lot of money is spinning. Arriving in Monaco, you should definitely see the famous Casino Monte Carlo(Casino de Monte-Carlo). The casino does not allow persons under the age of 21, you may have to present a passport. The dress code is strict, shorts and T-shirts are discouraged, and for the most interesting departments, a skirt (for women), a formal suit, jacket and tie (for men) are more or less mandatory. Bags and large coats are checked at the entrance.
Amateur players who come for one day, as a rule, do not enter the casino itself, but go to a small slot machine hall (one-armed bandits and poker machines) with free entry, located at the main entrance to the casino. You can walk around the impressive lobby, use the luxurious restrooms and visit the small theater (which hosts temporary exhibitions) without any obligation.
The first game room of the inner sanctuary is the European salons (Salon Europeen, open from 14.00, entrance 10 €). There are other slot machines around the tables with American roulette, craps and blackjack, the croupiers were trained in Las Vegas, the lighting is dim and very smoky. However, the decoration of the halls above this piece of Nevada is made in the rococo fin-de-siecle style, and the ceiling of the adjacent Pink Salon Bar is painted with images of naked women smoking cigarettes.
The heart of the whole establishment is the Salons Prives (passage through the Tuzet Halls). To get there, you have to look like a player, not a tourist (no cameras or camcorders), plus you have to pay 20 € at the entrance. These rooms are much larger than the European salons and more richly decorated, and the atmosphere in them for the first time opening hours or out of season resembles the atmosphere of a cathedral.
No clinking of coins, just the sliding of chips and the soft talk of the croupier. Elderly gamblers walk quietly, sorting through large banknotes (the maximum unspecified rate here is 76 thousand €), TV cameras under the chandeliers monitor the players sitting at the tables, and no one drinks anything. In the evenings at the height of summer, the halls are filled to overflowing, and evil loses its solemn and noble connotation.
Next to the casino is the Opera House, and around the palm-lined Casino Square, there are other casinos, palace hotels and grand cafes. The American bar of the Hotel de Paris gathers "the cream of the world" If you are dressed appropriately and are not afraid of being judged by others for refusing to order a drink for 30 €, then you can have fun there for free, against the backdrop of the decadence of the Belle Epoque era, people watching, in which, most likely, the most interesting aspect is bank accounts.
Monaco-Ville, Fontvieille and Larvotto
After the casino, polished Monaco-Ville (Monaco-Ville, buses No. 1 and 2), where mugs with a portrait of Prince Rainier and similar trinkets are sold in every second store, does not make much impression on tourists. You can wander around the luxurious Prince's Palace of Monaco(Palais de Monaco).
Admire the wax figures of the princes at the Wax Museum of Monaco (L'Historial des Princes de Monaco, 27 rue Hasse). View a slideshow of different sides of the Principality in Monte Carlo Story underground opposite the Oceanographic Museum, or walk among the tombstones of the former princes and Princess Grace in the neo-Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedral of Monaco(Cathedral of Monaco).
What is really interesting in the Old Town is part of the collection of religious art by Barbara Piasecka-Johnson in the Museum of the Chapel of the Trial (Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation) on Place Vizitación. This small but exquisite collection includes works by Zurbaran, Rivera, Rubens, and even extremely rare early religious works by Vermeer.
Perhaps the main place to visit in Monaco is the aquarium in the basement of the Oceanographic Museum, where marine life surpasses the most fantastic inventions of Kandinsky and Hieronymus Bosch. Not so exceptional, but still peculiar, are the cacti in the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotic) on the Boulevard Jardin-Exotic high above Fontvieille.
The entrance ticket also entitles you to enter the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (Musee d'Anthropologie Prehistorique), which traces the history of the human race from the Neanderthals to Prince Grimaldi, and the prehistoric caves of the Grotte de l'Observtoire with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
Fontvieille, a part of the city a little south of the Palace, has other museums, including his lordship's car collection, his collection of coins and stamps, his ship model collection, and his zoo with rare wild animals on the terrace of Fontvieille (Terrasses de Fontvieille; bus number 6) at the port.
Close to Larvotto beach is National Museum(Musee National, 17 avenue Princesse Grace), dedicated to the history of dolls and robots. It's better than you might expect: some of the dollhouse scenes are very funny, and the slowly crawling robots are very surreal.
Useful information about the Principality of Monaco
The railway station is located at the upper end of boulevard Rainier III and has 4 exits: the signs "Le Rocher-Fontvieille" will take you to the end of Avenue Prince Pierre (avenue Prince Pierre) above Place d`Armes, and the signs Monte Carlo - to Place Saint Devote.
The other two exits lead to the Boulevard Belgique and the footpath in front of the station. Municipal buses run throughout the principality from 7.00 to 21.00 (single ticket 1.50 euros, card for 4 trips 3.50 euros). Buses following the lower corniche stop at the bus station, other routes have stops in different places, but everyone stops at Monte Carlo.
Local bus number 4 from the bus station and buses number 1 and 2 go to the "Casino-Tourisme" stop near the tourist office (2 boulevard des Moulins), which has a conveniently located branch at the railway station for train arrivals (Tuesday-Saturday 9.00-17.00) .
Very convenient is the incredibly clean and efficient free lift linking the upper and lower streets (marked on the tourist map). Bicycles are available for rent from Monte-Carlo-Rent (quai des Etats-Units) at the port.
The form of government of Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, with some secondary signs of dualism. The head of state is the prince.
State structure The country is governed by a constitution enacted on December 17, 1962. constitution, in particular
Although it proclaims the principle of separation of powers, the power of the prince is absolute (it cannot be limited by anything or anyone). In 2002 the principality's constitution was revised. Officially, the powers of the legislature (National Council) were somewhat expanded.
Executive power is represented by the Minister of State (head of government) and the four-member State Council (government) headed by him. The Minister of State is a French citizen who is appointed by the prince for a period of 3 years on the proposal of the French government.
Legislature
divided between the prince and a unicameral National Council (parliament) of 24 members elected every 5 years by universal suffrage. In 2002, the parliament received the right of legislative initiative (previously it belonged only to the prince). The Council can amend government projects, approve the introduction of taxes. It also ratifies international treaties that modify existing domestic legislation.
The judicial branch of government is also headed by the prince; various courts administer justice on his behalf.
head of state
stva- the prince, who represents the principality in relations with other states, puts forward bills, carries out, in agreement with the National Council, a complete or partial revision of the constitution, has the right to pardon, amnesty, awards and granting Monegasque citizenship. Prince of Monaco since May 9, 1949 - Rainier III (Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand) from the Grimaldi dynasty, born in 1923, grandson of Prince Louis II. He graduated from the University of Hastings in the UK and the University of Montpellier (France), in 1944-1945 he served in the French army with the rank of colonel. Died April 6, 2005.
The Prince has a Crown Council, which is designed to help the head of state in the implementation of a number of constitutional prerogatives and advise him on issues affecting the interests of the state. He gives opinions on draft laws and decrees submitted for his consideration by the prince.
Parliament of Monaco- The National Council, consisting of 24 members elected for 5 years by universal suffrage of citizens of Monaco of both sexes who are at least 18 years old. 16 members of the National Council are elected by majoritarian, 8 - by proportional voting system. Members of Parliament pass the laws and budget of the Principality; at least 2/3 of the vote is required to amend the constitution. The National Council may be dissolved by the Head of State with the consent of the Government Council, but new elections must be called without delay. The government of the country is not responsible to the National Council.
executive power e comes from the prince. Administration is carried out by a minister of state, who represents and is appointed by the head of state. The Minister of State is assisted by a Council of Government, headed by him, of advisers responsible for the management of specialized departments. The minister and members of the council are responsible to the prince for the administration of the principality. The duties of the government include: drafting bills and submitting them to the prince, enforcing laws, managing administrative and public services, issuing ministerial acts and decrees regarding the implementation of laws and princely decrees, commanding the forces of order and the police, conducting foreign policy, etc.
Legislature in Monaco belongs to the prince, but he fully delegates it to the judicial authorities acting on his behalf. The judicial system is based on the French code of laws. It consists of the courts of first instance, the courts of justice and the courts of appeal. There is also a Supreme Court, consisting of five members and two assessors appointed by the prince for a period of four years on the proposal of the National Council.
Administratively, the Principality consists of four quarters, corresponding to the cities that form it.
Monaco has a police force, but no army of its own, except for the Royal Guard, which consists of 65 people. Defense matters are in the competence of France.
Monaco is the only state in the world where the military band is larger than the army.
And it's not a joke. The army in Monaco has 82 people, while the strength of the military band is 85 people. Smaller than Monaco, only the Vatican. But the Vatican is a special state, its sovereignty is not independent, but stems from the sovereignty of the Holy See.
But, despite this, Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries and is widely known for its casinos in Monte Carlo. However, there are plenty of other attractions as well. Monaco - Significant Cultural Center. In 1879, according to the project of the architect Charles Garnier (author of the Paris Opera), the building of the Monte Carlo Opera was built. Here in different years they sang Enrico Caruso, Fedor Chaliapin, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti.
In 1911 Sergei Diaghilev founded here Russian ballet under the auspices of Prince Pierre of Monaco. Dancing on the stage of the Opera Anna Pavlova, Vatslav Nijinsky, Tamara Karsavina, George Balanchine, Serge Lifar, and later - Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov.
The Princess Grace Academy of Classical Dance operates in Monte Carlo. The Prince Pierre Foundation, founded by Rainier III in honor of his father, annually presents the Grand Prize for Literature, the Prince Rainier III Music Prize and the International Prize for Contemporary Art.
The famous Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is located in the city, the director of which was the legendary explorer.
Every year Monaco hosts the International Circus Festival and TV Festival.
But first - about the history of Monaco, located in southern Europe on the coast of the Ligurian Sea; on land, the country shares a border with France.
History
First settled in Monaco Phoenicians, it was in the X century BC. e. Later the Greeks joined them.
In 1215, the Republic of Genoa founded its colonies and built a fortress on the territory of the principality. The Republic of Genoa was an independent state in Liguria, on the northwestern coast of the Apennine Peninsula.
January 8, 1297 during the civil war in Genoa, Monaco was occupied Francois Grimaldi and his supporters. This date is considered to be the beginning of the reign of the Grimaldi dynasty and the existence of the independent state of Monaco. Since then, for more than 700 years, the principality has been ruled by representatives of this family. In 1789 the country was annexed by France.
The Treaty of Paris (first) on May 30, 1814 restored the principality within the borders that existed before January 1, 1792, under a French protectorate.
After the final collapse of the Empire, according to the Treaty of Paris (second) on November 20, 1815, Monaco was transferred under the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia (a state that existed in Italy from 1720 to 1861)
On July 18, 1860, Sardinia withdrew its troops from Monaco, ending the protectorate.
In 1865, a casino was opened in Monte Carlo and a customs union with France was established. These events accelerated the economic development of the country.
A well-known billionaire made a very large contribution to the economy of Monaco Aristotle Onassis: thanks to his investments, it was possible not only to expand the territory of the principality, to build a port, but also to create an entertainment industry that made Monaco a rich country, which attracts the entire world elite.
The Prince was also active in construction in Monaco. Rainier III. In 2005, being very ill, he transferred his powers to his son and heir, Prince Albert II who currently rules the country.
Brief information about the country
Form of government- constitutional dualistic monarchy.
Capital
Largest cities- Monaco, Monaco-Ville, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille, La Candamine. In essence, they all merged into one city of Monaco.
head of state- prince.
Chief Executive- Minister of State.
Territory- 2, 02 sq. km. Recently, the territory has been expanding due to the drainage of marine territories.
Population– 35 986 people 47% of the population are French.
State religion- Catholicism. The state guarantees freedom of religion.
Currency- Euro.
Administrative division- three communes, which are divided into 10 districts.
Economy- develops mainly due to tourism, gambling, construction of new residences, as well as through the media covering the life of the princely family.
Climate- subtropical, Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and mild rainy winters.
State symbols of Monaco
Flag- is a panel with two equal stripes placed horizontally. Top - stripe red colors, bottom white.
The flag was adopted in 1881 during the reign of Prince Charles III. The colors of the flag are associated with the colors of the Grimaldi princely family, whose representatives have ruled the principality since the Middle Ages. At the end of the 18th century, Monaco was annexed to France, but in 1814, after the fall of Napoleon, the rule of the Grimaldi dynasty in Monaco was restored, at the same time the current Monegasque flag appeared, although it was officially approved only in 1881.
In 1945, the Indonesian government adopted exactly the same flag. This became a reason for a diplomatic conflict: Monaco expressed an official protest, which was rejected due to the fact that the Indonesian flag is older than the flag of Monaco.
Coat of arms Monaco - coat of arms of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The shield is divided diamond-shaped into silver and scarlet. The shield is framed by the chain of the Order of St. Charles, entwined with green oak leaves. The shield is held by monks armed with swords. The mantle is scarlet, trimmed with a gold ribbon and lined with ermine fur. The shield is topped with a princely crown. On the bottom of the ribbon is the motto "Deo Juvante" (lat. "With God's help"). Armed monks symbolize a real historical event - in 1297, Monaco was conquered by soldiers of Francesco Grimaldi, dressed in monastic cassocks. The motto belongs to the Grimaldi dynasty.
Sights of Monaco
In Monaco - official residence rulers of Monaco from the Grimaldi family. Initially, the palace was founded as a Genoese fortress in 1191, then it was expanded and rebuilt many times. Since the end of the XIII century. The palace belongs to the Genoese family of Grimaldi.
Since the 17th century, when the Grimaldis began to rule as sovereign rulers of Monaco, they had to constantly be in very unstable diplomatic agreements with their more powerful neighbors. Therefore, instead of luxurious palaces in the Baroque style, as in other European countries, they were built in the form of a fortress. However, this did not stop at the end of the XVIII century. to occupy the palace for the French for 20 years.
The uniqueness of the palace also lies in the fact that it was the only residence of the princes of Monaco for more than seven centuries, and therefore the financial and political situation of the Grimaldi house is directly reflected in the architecture.
In 1997, Grimaldi was celebrated in the palace 700 years his reign in Monaco. At present, the palace is still the princely residence.
Built in 1875 Cathedral in Monaco, it is completely different from the traditional churches of that time, where gilding, brown-green stucco and pink hues predominate. This cathedral was made of white stone, which destroyed the prevailing stereotypes.
The Cathedral is located in the Old Town, on the site of an old church destroyed during the French Revolution. It is located on one of the highest and most beautiful points in the Principality of Monaco. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with paintings by a famous artist Louis Brea.
On the National Day and religious holidays of Monaco, services are held in the Cathedral, during which you can hear the sounds of the organ. This "divine" musical instrument was installed in the Cathedral in 1976. The Cathedral is also the tomb for the princes of Monaco, their wives and daughters. Representatives of thirty-five generations of the Grimaldi family are buried here. The popularly beloved Princess Grace, who died in a car accident, is also buried in the Cathedral. The altar and pulpit of the cathedral are made of white Carrara marble.
Napoleon Museum
The Napoleon Museum, located in Monaco-Ville, stores things that once belonged to Napoleon I or in any way connected with his life. The Napoleon family was distantly related to the princely dynasty of Monaco. This museum is also called Museum of Napoleonic memories and collections from the historical archives of the palace.
Louis II, an admirer of imperial France and the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, began to collect the collection. The collection was significantly enlarged during the reign of the grandson of Louis II and his successor Prince Rainier III, under which the museum moved to the south wing of the princely palace. The museum has been open to visitors since 1970.
The museum collection contains documents that date back to the times of the First Empire: letters and documents dating back to the reign of Napoleon, the period of his conquests and exile. The personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte are stored here, as well as his religious articles brought from St. Helena. Here is the hat that was on the emperor during the battle of Marengo; Napoleon's red leather blotter for the table; the watch he used during the war with Russia; letters signed by Napoleon, etc. The museum has cannonballs left over from the Battle of Austerlitz; a rich collection of weapons.
Among the snuffboxes, watches and clothes are paintings and sculptures dedicated to the French emperor, including busts of Napoleon by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova And Jean Antoine Houdon, as well as a bust of Josephine by the court sculptor of Napoleon I, Francois-Joseph Bosio.
The museum also presents exhibits that tell about the history of Monaco: the Patent of Independence of Monaco from 1512, granted by the French King Louis XII, the letter of the French King Louis XIV to his Serene Highness Prince Antoine of Monaco, the uniforms of soldiers of Monaco from different times, a collection of rare coins, seals and several historical postage stamps. The museum also has a room with the clothes of Roman emperors.
18th century fortress Fort Antoine
It was erected by Prince Antoine I, a great lover of music. Today this fortress is an open theater.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
The Oceanographic Museum with an underground aquarium is a masterpiece of modern architecture. The structure is located almost on a sheer cliff. Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I. A unique aquarium has been created here, in which waters from a hundred seas splash. This is one of the few aquariums in the world where corals grow (they do not take root in captivity).
Palace Square
This is the favorite place for walks of citizens and guests of the city. It is here that you can watch how every day at the same time at the main entrance to the Prince's Palace there is a solemn changing of the guard - a ritual that has not changed throughout the history of the city. During this ceremony, a brass band plays.
In tiny Monaco, there are amazing places where you can hide from the city and tourist bustle for a while. One of them is the gardens of St. Martin. The air here is saturated with the aroma of Mediterranean plants, the crowns of old trees provide a pleasant shade in summer. Complementing the picture is a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea.
In these gardens with a fabulous view of the sea, in addition to various trees and flowers, statues, fountains, etc. are placed. The gardens are located on the steep slopes of the mountain just behind the building of the Institute of Oceanography. Monaco is probably the only city in Europe where you can move around with an elevator. From the foot of the mountain you can take the lift to the Saint Martin's Gardens park.
This is the first public garden that appeared in the principality during the reign of Prince Honore V in the first half of the 19th century. Small winding paths, a small pond and numerous bronze sculptures, including a monument to Prince Albert I, founder of the Oceanographic Institute.
Wax Museum of the Princes of Monaco
The museum reflects episodes in the history of the Grimaldi dynasty from the end of the 13th century. until now. The wax figures are life-sized, many of them are dressed in authentic costumes from different eras. There are 40 characters on 4 stages, costumes were donated by the family of the dynasty. Here are the figures of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace with their children: Princess Caroline, Crown Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie.
Known for its wide harbor and is the main port and business center country. Harbor of Hercules, or Port of Monaco, is the largest marina in the Principality of Monaco.
Church of Saint Devota
Saint Devota Virgin, martyr of Corsican. She was born in the city of Mariana in Corsica, about 283. The young maiden decided to devote herself to God. By order of a prefect named Barbarian, she was thrown into prison and suffered torment for her faith. Her mouth was crushed, her body was dragged over stones and thorny brambles. Saint Devota was martyred in Mariana - she was quartered or stoned to death.
After her death, the holy governor ordered that her body be burned so that it would not become an object of veneration. However, it was saved from the flames by the Christians. The body of the saint was placed on a ship bound for Africa. But the storm overtook the ship, and the dove, flying out of the saint's mouth, led him to the place where Le Gomat is now located, part of the Principality of Monaco, where the chapel of St. George already stood then.
Her tormented body was found by fishermen. In honor of the saint, a chapel was built in Monaco, which exists to this day. To the day of remembrance of the saint, January 27 flowers bloom around her. The chapel of Saint Devota is first mentioned around 1070 as belonging to the monastery of Saint-Pont.
Maritime Museum
The museum's collection contains more than two hundred and fifty exhibits, which in one way or another are related to the sea. You can see layouts here famous ships, among which you can find exhibits from the private collection of Prince Rainier III.
The surgeon-dentist also took an active part in the creation of the Monegasque Maritime Museum Pallanza. He was in love with the sea and during his service and sailing the seas with his own hands he created more than one and a half hundred magnificent models of ships. In 1990, there was a solemn transfer of models made by Pallanza to the administration of Monaco. This event was the beginning of the museum. Prince Rainier III began to create it, he allocated a room where the collection of Pallanz's models was located, and later the prince enlarged it with exhibits from his own collection.
The sea played an important role in the fate and history of the principality. The Grimaldi clan fought the Saracen pirates for many centuries. In the middle of the XIV century. Grimaldi's ships took part in the Battle of Crécy on the side of Philip VI against the British. During World War II, the Monaco fleet defended the borders of France from the attacks of Nazi Germany. The models of ships presented in the Maritime Museum are a perfect copy of natural ships in a reduced size.
Museum of Old Cars of Prince Rainier III
This is one of the most visited museums in Monaco after the Oceanographic Museum. Prince Rainier III was a passionate car lover. For 30 years he collected a collection of vintage car brands. It is represented in his personal museum.
The unusual collection of Prince Rainier III contains about 100 models that represent different eras. There are also six carriages with the coat of arms of the princely family.
The first purchase of Prince Rainier was the De Dion Bouton car, which was assembled in 1903. Then he bought the Renault Torpedo, released in 1911. There are exhibits from Peugeot, Citroen, Lincoln in the collection , "Packard", as well as the American brands "Cadillac" in 1953, "Kreisler-Imperial" in 1956.
Several cars represent prestigious models from Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes and Jaguar. There is also an old London taxi that Princess Grace once drove.
Cars are placed in a large, specially equipped hall, which overlooks the port of Fontvieille.
Jardin-Exotic Park
Park "Jardin-Exotic" is located on a mountain slope, it grows more than 7 thousand species of cacti and many other tropical plants. At the base of the slope there is a grotto with artificial lighting, inside you can observe stalactites and stalagmites.
Rally "Monte Carlo"
The rally race is organized by the Automobile Club of Monaco. The stage runs along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and southeast France. Since its inception in 1911 by Prince Albert I, this challenging stage has been regarded as a testing ground for improvements and innovations in the automotive industry. The victory in this rally brings fame and honor to the automaker. From 1973 to 2008 The Monte Carlo Rally was a stage of the World Rally Championship, and since 2009 it has been included in the Internacional Rally Challenge (IRC) calendar. The road surface varies by section (dry asphalt, wet asphalt, snow and ice), so the right choice of tires plays an important role in the race. This rally features beautiful and varied sections. The track is full of steep and narrow mountain roads with many hairpin turns. The Rally Monte Carlo has 2 night stages.
Grand Prix "Formula 1"
The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race on the Monte Carlo city circuit in the Principality of Monaco. Held from the first World Cup in 1950 to the present (was not included in the championship 1951-1954). From 1929 to 1948, before the advent of Formula 1, the Monaco Grand Prix of motor racing was held as an independent sport. The Monaco Grand Prix is considered one of the most prestigious races in the Formula 1 championship.
Skillful diplomacy and jewelry maneuvering between the interests of big countries and great powers have allowed such miniature states as the Vatican, Luxembourg, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and Liechtenstein to survive to this day. The principality is named after historical capital- Monaco. It should be noted that this state is the only one in the world where the number of employees in the army is 82 people, less than the musicians of the military orchestra, of which there are 85!
A small digression into history
Already in the Stone Age, the first people settled the territory of the modern Monegasque coast, but the warlike tribe of the Ligures destroyed around the 2nd century BC. e. their culture. Starting from the X century BC. e. Phoenicians and Greeks lived here, and then the Romans. During the heyday of the Roman Empire, Monaco was part of it, being part of the Alpes-Maritimes province. A fierce struggle between the Ghibellines - supporters of the German rulers, and the Guelphs - adherents of the power of the popes, was fought for the principality in the Middle Ages.
The history of Monaco, associated with the Grimaldi dynasty, began in January 1279, when the city was captured by the Genoese Guelphs under the leadership of François Grimaldi, nicknamed the Evil One. He got his nickname because, according to legend, he entered the fortress, dressed in the clothes of a Franciscan monk, and managed to open the gate to let his associates in. In memory of such an event, two Franciscan monks with drawn swords act as shield holders on the coat of arms of the principality.
For centuries, Monaco was under the protectorate of Spain, France and the Italian principalities. The principality became a sovereign state only in 1861 as a result of an agreement between Napoleon III and the Monegasque ruler Charles III, having lost most of its territory.
The recovery of the economy in Monaco begins after late XIX century casinos were opened. The tourism and resort industries are actively developing. wonderful climate, European service, the fashionable atmosphere of this resort attracts wealthy tourists from all over the world to the principality. A soft tax policy and a high level of security attract many entrepreneurs to this country, and in recent years Monaco has successfully developed high-tech industries and the tourism and services sector.
Where is it located?
This small principality is very well located in the subtropical latitudes under the protection of the Alpes-Maritimes, fencing it off from the northern cold winds, on the Mediterranean coast. On three sides, this sovereign city-state borders on France, and on its fourth border, on the Mediterranean Sea. The principality is located on the hills Cote d'Azur. The total area of Monaco is 2.02 km 2. About 37,000 people live on it, which is why it is considered the most densely populated in the world.
Political system
State power in the country is divided between the ruling head of state and parliament, and the executive is entrusted to the state minister heading the Government Council. The legislative branch of government is represented by the National Council. In 2002, the Constitution was adopted, according to which the Kingdom of Monaco is a hereditary and constitutional monarchy, headed by a prince. From 1949 until April 2005, the country was ruled by Rainier III Grimaldi, after whose death his son, Prince Albert II, ascended the throne. His son, Jacques Honore Rainier, born in 2014, is considered his heir, but his twin sister Gabriella Teresa Maria is next in line for the throne.
Today, the capital of Monaco is Monte Carlo, and before it, until 2007, Monaco-Ville.
City Principality
Modern Monaco is a city-state formed by the merger of several previously separate settlements. The whole principality is divided into four districts - urban areas:
- Monaco-Ville (Monaco-Ville) - the historical center;
- Monte-Carlo (Monte Carlo) - the official capital of Monaco;
- La Condamin (La Condamine) - banking and office center of the country;
- Fontvieille (Fonvieille) - a new industrial area.
Let's get to know them better.
The resort and port area, the historical center of the principality and the "family nest" of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty. Monaco-Ville, also called local residents La Roche (in French, roche means "rock"), is colorfully located on a flat area of a 60-meter cliff. It is here that the Prince's Palace (Palais de Monaco) is located, which was originally built as a castle in the 13th century. Only at the end of the 16th - beginning of the 17th century, under Prince Honore II, this defensive structure began to turn into a palace. All military equipment and battlements were preserved, but the inner chambers were made more comfortable for living. In the future, the princes of Grimaldi rebuilt and modernized their residence. The castle-palace acquired its current appearance in the 19th century. In addition to the private quarters of the princely family, in the south wing of the residence there is a historical archive, which contains not only historical documents, but also collections of coins and stamps issued by the state of Monaco since 1640. Nearby are the Napoleon Museum and the library. The palace itself is surrounded by a beautiful park with fountains, and not far from it there is an observation deck from which the surroundings and the sea are perfectly visible. In front of the Palais de Monaco is the main square of Monaco - the Palace, which attracts many tourists and travelers who want to see the daily changing of the guard of the princely guards, a colorful and unforgettable sight.
Historical heritage
In the northeast of the cliff is the fortress of Fort Antoine, which today operates a theater under open sky. The southern slope of the rock of Monaco is a zoological garden, which contains representatives of African and tropical fauna.
Not far from the Prince's Palace there are several museums, themes of which are related to the history of Monaco. The capital country has rich history and many rare exhibits that can be seen at the Wax Museum or at the Musée du Vieux Monaco (Museum of Old Monaco). In the Monaco-Ville area, there is a functioning Cathedral, which is the burial place of all the princes and their family members. It is here that Grace Kelly, the wife of Prince Rainier III and the mother of the current reigning Albert II, is buried, a popular Hollywood actress in her time.
Monte Carlo
"Mount Charles" is the name of the most fashionable and expensive area of Monaco, named after Prince Charles III Grimaldi. It was his decision to open a large casino and the permission to build it, issued by Francois Blanc, that saved the country's economy and led to the fact that the city of Monaco became the world capital of excitement and luxury.
This most important district of the Principality is located just 18 km from Nice Airport and borders on the south with La Condamine, and on the north with the French town of Tenao. Since 2007, the capital of Monaco has been located in Monte Carlo. However, in addition to the status of the capital, this region is known throughout the world as the most expensive, sophisticated and prestigious resort in the world. He gained such fame thanks to the casino, beautiful beaches, the Monte Carlo Rally and the Grand Prix track in Formula 1 car racing.
The most important building here is the casino, the first building of which was opened in 1862. After the fire, only the game room remained, which, as a result of restoration work, turned into a lobby. The architect of the second building of the Casino was the architect Charles Garnier, the author of the building of the Parisian Grand Opera. In 1878, a beautiful complex was built, which, in addition to the casino, includes a cabaret and Opera theatre more commonly referred to as the Salle Garnier. Sarah Bernard herself opened an opera in Monaco in 1897.
The area surrounding the casino is called the "golden mile" not only because of the huge money left in gambling houses, but also because boutiques of the most famous and expensive world brands such as Hermes, Dior, Cartier and others are concentrated here.
La Condamine
This district is located between the rocks of Monte Carlo and Monaco, in a small bay. La Condamine is the principality's office and business center and is home to the majority of Monaco's population. The railway station and the main port of the country, the national library, as well as a shipyard are also located here. In addition, in this area there are flour mills and breweries, clothing and weaving factories, souvenir production and a printing house. The most famous sights of La Condamine are the Church of Saint Devota, the patroness of Monaco, pedestrianized street Rue Princess Caroline, Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, Jardin Exotic Market and Park, which has a collection of more than 7,000 cacti of different species.
Fontvieille
The youngest region is located in the west of the principality, and its entire coastal part is a territory reclaimed from the sea, artificially reclaimed. In Fontvieille, there are enterprises of the most highly profitable industrial sectors: precision instrumentation and electronic, electrical and chemical; production of faience, majolica and ceramics. It is in this area that a giant sports center with an underground pool was built - the Prince Louis II Stadium.
Another modern attraction of Fontvieille is the large Commercial Center, where you can find everything from a pizzeria to antique cars. It is here that the collection of classic rare cars of the Prince of Monaco is exhibited. Not far from this center is the Maritime Museum, which contains hundreds of models of various ships. A green oasis of Fontvieille is the landscape park, where the Princess Grace Rose Garden, laid out in 1984 in memory of her, has recently been restored and refurbished.
General information about Monaco
The official name is the Principality of Monaco (La Principante de Monaco, The Principality of Monaco). Located in the southwestern part of Europe on the Mediterranean coast, it is surrounded by the territory of France from the land (border 4.4 km). The area is 1.95 km2, of which 0.4 km2 is due to the development of the seashore (in terms of its territory, Monaco surpasses only the Vatican). Population - 31.987 thousand (2002). The official language is French, Monegasque, Italian and English are also common. Capital - Monaco (more than 3 thousand people) National holiday - Day of the Princes (National Day) November 19th. Monetary unit - euro (since January 2002).
Member of the UN, UNESCO, World Health Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, World Intellectual Property Organization, etc.
Geography of Monaco
Monaco is marked on the map of Europe by a point with coordinates 43°44′ north latitude 47°24′ east longitude. The country is located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, the coastline is rocky, indented with bays. Monaco is located in the Alpine fold zone. The highest mountains are Mont Atel (1149 m) and Monte Grammondo (1377 m). There is no agricultural land in the country. The soil is brown, in the mountains it is brown. The vegetation belongs to the general Mediterranean group - oaks, boxwood, cedar, etc. Among the cultivated trees are olive, citrus, and so on. There are no large animals preserved in Monaco. Coastal waters are poor in fish, due to the lack of convenient places for spawning grounds. The climate of Monaco is typical Mediterranean (January +8°С, July +24°С). The annual amount of precipitation is 1340 mm.
Population of Monaco
Population growth rate 0.45% (2002), birth rate - 9.6‰, mortality - 12.91‰, infant mortality - 5.73 people. per 1000 newborns. Average life expectancy - 79 years, incl. women - 83 years, men - 75 years. Age structure of the population: from 0 to 14 years old - 15.5%, 15-64 years old - 62.1%, 65 years and older - 22.4%. In general, despite a relatively high birth rate for European state(1.76 children per family), population growth is due to the constant influx of migrants.
The population of Monaco represents 125 nationalities. The largest groups: French - 12.8 thousand (47%), Monegasques - 5.1 thousand (16%), Italians - 5.1 thousand (16%). Indigenous people are Monegasques. The basis of the Monegasque language was French, Provencal, and also the Genoese languages. The country has a social system, in many respects similar to the French one (pensions, health insurance, maternity protection system, family benefits). Retirement for men and women - 65 years (55 years for women with 3 children). In con. 1990s the pension was $1,345 per month. By religion, 90% of the inhabitants are Catholics.
History of Monaco
On the territory of Monaco, from 1419, the rule of the house of Grimaldi begins. In 1814, the Principality gained independence and since then has been in the orbit of French influence. Monaco is a constitutional hereditary monarchy (principality). According to the Constitution of 1962, the Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state, acting within the framework of the basic principles international law and special agreements with France. Administratively, the state consists of 4 merged districts-cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.
The head of state is the prince (since 1949 Prince Rainier III of the Grimaldi dynasty). Legislative power belongs to the prince and the National Council (a parliament consisting of 18 deputies elected for 5 years by direct universal suffrage). Monegasques have the right to vote. Executive power is exercised by the Government Council headed by the Minister of State. According to the 1918 treaty between Monaco and France, 2 out of 4 seats in the Government Council are occupied by representatives of France (including the post of Minister of State). In reality, power is almost entirely concentrated in the hands of the prince. Under the prince, there is a Crown Council (7 people). The judicial system consists of courts of first instance, magistrates and appellate courts. Members of the Supreme Court (5 members and 2 assessors) are appointed by the prince for 4 years. The main political organizations are the National Democratic Union, the National Union for the Future of Monaco and the Union for the Support of the Monegasque Family. There is an association of entrepreneurs and trade unions in the country. There is no conscription in Monaco. official relationship with Russian Federation established at the consular level.
Economy of Monaco
Monaco is developing at a sustainable pace and provides its inhabitants with a high standard of living (national statistics are not available, so all quantitative estimates are approximate). In 1999, the GDP was $870 million ($27 million per capita). At the same time, in the 1990s GDP growth rates (1.1% on average) lagged somewhat behind population growth rates. Since the mid 1990s. there has been an increase in the budget deficit, which in 1999 amounted to 52 million dollars. This prompted the government to take a number of measures to modernize and diversify all sectors of the economy.
The preferential tax regime allows large international banks to use Monaco to create a network of banks and financial groups (in the late 1990s - 47 banks and 5 financial groups). After the removal of restrictions from France (in 1987), the banking system of Monaco is growing rapidly, especially at the expense of capital from South-East Asia. At the same time, the government assured that its confidentiality would be preserved and it would not allow the laundering of "dirty" money. This sector of the economy brings almost half of all government revenues. Tourism is another important industry that generates a quarter of government revenue. In 1998 the country was visited by 278 thousand tourists. Since the 1990s business tourism is developing in the country.
The development of industry is closely connected with the maintenance of the tourist complex and financial institutions. In 2001, the industry consisted of enterprises in the chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries (45%), enterprises for the production of plastics (23%), printing goods (6%), mechanical workshops (5%), textile enterprises (3%), food (2 %), others (4%). The state provides financial and fiscal benefits to owners if they open their enterprises in the territory of the principality.
Monaco has 1,100 different trading companies and 400 wholesale companies. In total, trade, the hotel sector and restaurants account for 40% of business turnover. The country has monopolies in the sale of tobacco, telephone and postal services. More than half of the total workforce employed in enterprises and institutions are residents of neighboring regions of France and Italy, although in con. 1990s Monaco has registered an unemployment rate of 3%.
Science and culture of Monaco
School education covers all children from 6 to 16 years old (first stage - 5 years, second - 7 years). In all schools, education is carried out mainly according to the program adopted in France. Some features: religious course, history of Monaco, Monegasque language; from the 6th grade is intensively studied English language. 6.3% of the budget is spent on education.
