Culture & Traditions

The Grimaldi family has ruled the principality for centuries and plays a significant role in the culture. Prince Albert II plays a central role as his events are popular, and he is seen to work hard at his charity work and environmental interests.

The New National Museum of Monaco, Oceanographic Museum, and the Prince’s Palace Museum offer in depth looks into the history and culture of the past. 

The port of Monaco has long been a strategic location. Italians, Phoenicians, and Greeks have each taken their turns as rulers, and legends say Hercules once passed through the area – the ancient port is named for this god of strength and heroes. 

The palace fortress on the rocky promontory, with an excellent natural defensive location, was first built when German Emperor Henry IV gave it to Genoa. The Grimaldis were one of the aristocratic families in the 12th century and had an interest in leading. In 1297 Francesco Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, entered, killed a guard, and seized the fortress – thus began the dynasty. Over these centuries the Grimaldis have successfully fought to keep their land and sovereignty against the attempts from England, Spain, France, Naples, Germany, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. Since the takeover, other than a brief time of French occupation during the French Revolution, the Grimaldis have been rulers of Monaco. 

The Grimaldis created alliances with France, and finally reached full independence in 1480.

The princes of Monaco ruled absolutely for centuries until the people demanded, through action in the Monegasque Revolution of 1910, that a constitution be proclaimed. This occurred the following year and today the nation stands as a constitutional monarchy where the Prince has a significant role in leading the government.

The official language is French, but there is a Monegasque language spoken by some residents.