| Member of the Internet Link Exchange | Free Home Pages at GeoCities |
| Member of the Internet Link Exchange | Free Home Pages at GeoCities |
Monaco Ville is the capital of Monaco and the part of the country that is situated on the rock. As buildings are evrywhere in this small principality it is a little unnatural to speak of different "cities" but since every country must hav ea capital, Monaco Ville is Monaco's. It is also the old town of Monaco and even if it may be small, government offices, souvenir boutiques and restaurants seem to be in every house as in most other capital old towns around Europe. It is quite cosy to walk around in Monaco Ville, the historical heritage can be felt and the difference from the nearby Monte Carlo artificial high houses is obvious. The parks on the sides of the rock are very well kept and numerous park benches are strategically placed at good view locations, where you can relax and look at the majestic waves of the mediterranean sea or the coastlines of Italy and France.
(exchange of guards)The Grimaldis have ruled Monaco since 1297 (700 years 1997!) and sometimes during this period the prince of his time has felt it necessary to add a new part according to the latest fashion. Therefore the somewhat strange external appearance of the building. The most popular tourist attraction is the exchange of guards at 11.55 am every day (be sure to be ther in time!). A japanese minivan suddenly drives to the main entrance, out comes some new guards and in one minut the old guards have rushed into the car that has left the square before you had a chance to pick up your camera from your bag. They don't even try to make a show of it, but since the duration is about two minutes from start to end it cannot be said to be a waste of time...If you wan't to step into the palace it can be done if you hand over a fee. Since only 15 rooms are available to the public, it's not worth the money.
Opening hours: June-Oct 9.30 am - 6.10 pm, Oct 10 am - 5 pm
Entrance fee: 30FF (20FF children and students)
Guided tours in english every 15-20 hours.
It is EXPENSIVE to enter, but this must be one of the best oceanographic collections in the world. Fishes and other water living creatures from every corner of the world is under the same roof right here. Interesting, especially a rainy day, since the money you loose by going to Monaco and doing nothing is far more then you invest in the entrance fee to this magnificent building, located on Avenue Sainte Martin.
Entrance fee:60FF (35FF students)
