Monaco, the tiny principality on the French Riviera, is known as the "World Capital of Luxury." Monaco has half the surface area of Central Park in New York, and it is the richest country per capita. Here are the two things that made Monaco what it is today.
Just the name Monte Carlo conjures up visions of luxury and exclusivity. The reality is that Monte Carlo is indeed glamorous, but also laid back. The Monégasque savoir-vivre can be experienced on our Liguria and Monte Carlo Cycling Tour.
Monte Carlo is a tax-free principality surrounded by France and the Maritime Alps. It is perhaps the most glamorous little stretch of land on the planet. There is a seductive quality to the scenery, with its deep blue sea, graceful palm trees, and vibrant flowers. The most dramatic feature is the steep, rocky promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean, called "Le Rocher" ("The Rock"), which contains historic Monaco, also known as Monaco-Ville. Full of charming, narrow streets, Monaco-Ville dates back to the 13th century when the principality was founded.
In the incredibly curious history of Monaco, there are two things that stand out among the rest.
The Casino
The idea of opening a gambling casino in Monaco allegedly belongs to Princess Caroline, the shrewd, business-minded spouse of Prince Florestan I.
Revenue from the proposed venture was supposed to save the House of Grimaldi from bankruptcy.
The Casino business wasn’t an overnight success, though. But with the completion of the railway in 1868 things started to change. Suddenly, money was pouring in thanks to gambling. The European nobles used to spend time on the sunny French Riviera and they started visiting from sea resort towns like Nice. The luxury capital of the world was born. However, for many years, Montecarlo was called called "the sunny place for shady people."
Do I have to go to the casino?
You should. Even non-gamblers will get something out of seeing the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Keep in mind there's a strict dress code. For a place that's counted everyone from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill to many royals as patrons, what else would you expect?
The Wedding of the Century
The so-called Wedding of the Century was celebrated in 1956 between American actress Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier Grimaldi of Monaco. For over 600 years before their story, the Principality had lived in relative anonymity. But their marriage changed it all.
Kelly was the star of the U.S. delegation at the Cannes Film Festival in April 1955. While there, she was invited to participate in a photo session at the Palace of Monaco with Prince Rainier.
Upon returning to America, Kelly began work on The Swan, in which she coincidentally portrayed a princess, and she meanwhile began a private correspondence with Ranier.
In December 1955, Rainier went to America on a trip officially designated as a tour, although it was speculated that he was seeking a wife. A treaty with France in 1918 had stated that if he did not produce an heir, Monaco would revert to France. Shortly after meeting her family, Ranier proposed.
The religious wedding was set for April 19, 1956. News of the engagement was a sensation, even though it meant a probable end to Kelly's film career. Preparations were elaborate. The Palace of Monaco was painted and redecorated throughout. On April 4, 1956, Grace, with her family, bridesmaids, poodle, and over eighty pieces of luggage boarded the ocean liner SS Constitution for the French Riviera. Some 400 reporters applied to sail, although most were turned away. Thousands of fans sent the party off for the eight-day voyage. More than 20,000 people lined the streets of Monaco to greet the future princess.
The wedding was estimated to have been watched by over 30 million viewers on live television, and was described by biographer Robert Lacey as "the first modern event to generate media overkill." Grace Kelly gave Monaco the glamour money cannot buy.
If you'd like to check out Monte Carlo yourself, take a look at our tour. And get in touch to plan this trip for your private group.
