Castle / Ruins Sights in Monaco — 3 of Our Favourites

Much of it was destroyed in 1944 in the Second World War but was reconstructed at the demand of Prince Rainier III and is now a gorgeous open air theatre.

Its military architecture, watchtower and the almost total solitude which can be found there, all combine to give it a particular charm. Its stage has been pleasantly arranged with a pyramid of cannon balls at its centre. The military architecture of the fort is emphasised by the pittosporum hedges which serve as protection where there is no parapet.

Trophies were traditionally dedicated to the gods of victory, in this case it was part of a sanctuary dedicated to Hercules Monoikos, from which the name of "Monaco" comes from. It was built at the frontier between Gaul and Italy, proclaiming the unity and power of the Roman Empire. The 45 ancient Alpine tribes were defeated during the military campaign to conquer the Alps conducted by the Romans between 16 and 7 BC.

It was built with limestone from a quarry just 500 metres away, and traces of the cutting of stone are still visible. Encircled by columns, this building was originally crowned with a statue of Augustus. There is an inscription commemorating the emperor and stating the name of the 45 subdued tribes on its south façade. It became a ruin during the war between France and Savoie, in the 18th century, but it was restored in the 1930's.

There is a museum that explains the monument and the importance of this area for the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the amount of ruins in the region. From the highest point, you also get breathtaking views of the entire French Riviera, from Estérel to the coast of Italy.

Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldi ruled the area first as feudal lords, and from the 17th century as sovereign princes, but their power was often derived from fragile agreements with their larger and stronger neighbours.

Prince Rainier III is credited restoring the Palace to its former glory and the magnificent state in which it can be seen today. The Hercule Gallery contains frescoes of mythological figures, attributed to Francesco Mazzuchelli dating from the 16th century and to the Genovese artist Orazio Ferrari in the 17th century.

The palace has a large Mirror Gallery, an imitation of Versailles, which gives access to the state apartments, opulent and furnished in period furniture and tapestries. The magnificent Throne Room is where all official ceremonies, such as swearing-in-of-high ranking state officials and some state receptions take place. The Empire-style royal throne rests under a red silk velvet canopy topped by the royal crown.

A must see for any trip to Monaco.