Monaco - Monako

Monaco - a small city-state located in Southern Europe on the Mediterranean Sea within the French Riviera. It is the smallest fully recognized country in the world with an indigenous peoples and a member of the United Nations; however, it is considered to be a smaller independent state Vatican. Monaco has been attracting the elite of the world for decades and is known for its glitz and wealth, yet it has an interesting tourist offer for a wide range of visitors.

Characteristic

Geography

Monaco is situated on the slope of the Maritime Alps on the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, it is a hilly area, picturesquely surrounded by mountains and water. The historic old town is situated on a peninsula known as the Rock of Monaco, surrounded on three sides by cliffs. Almost the entire territory of the country is built-up and only modest remnants of natural vegetation have survived. Despite this, the country is surprisingly rich in greenery, such as squares, parks, gardens and even roofs of buildings. As much as 1/4 of the territory of the Duchy is located on land obtained from the sea, and more are to be added in the coming years. The adjacent areas of France are also densely built-up, creating an agglomeration of over one hundred thousand.

The city-state is divided into 9 settlements, two of which (Old Town and Ravin de Sainte-Dévote) have special status. Traditionally, the estates are grouped into four districts: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

Climate

The country is located in the subtropical climate zone. The winters are wet and dry, and the summers are dry and warm. Average temperatures range from 12 ° C in winter to 26 ° C in summer. Precipitation occurs mostly in autumn and winter, while in summer it is low.

History

The history of the principality begins with a Greek colony Monoikos founded by the ancient Greeks. In the Middle Ages, the area of ​​today's state was governed by Genoa. At the turn of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the Monakijska Rock was taken over by Francis I Grimaldi, establishing a dynasty ruling the territory to this day. Together with Menton and Roquebrune, Monaco formed an independent country with an area of ​​25 km², which in 1633 was elevated to the rank of a principality. At that time, the main source of income was the cultivation of citrus and the provision of sailing services to foreign countries, primarily France.

Major changes took place in the mid-nineteenth century. As a result of the spring of the peoples, in 1848 Monaco lost control of Menton and Roquebrune, which constitute 95% of the territory and 80% of the population. Both cities were finally taken over in 1861 by France in exchange for 4.1 million gold francs and a promise to build a railway line, completed in 1868. Prince Charles III had 1.5 km² of land and a town with 1.5 thousand inhabitants under his control. He invested a large part of the sum in the construction of a seaside resort with a casino, named in his honor Monte Carlo. The climate and liberal gambling law at that time began to attract the elite of the entire continent. After World War II, Monaco began to attract the cream of Hollywood due to the famous wedding of Prince Rainier III with actress Grace Kelly. The current ruler of the state is Albert II.

Demography

It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and 100% of the population lives in the city. The indigenous population of the Principality, the Monegasques, constitute only 21.5% of the population. The French constitute over 28% of the population, Italians 18.5%, Brits 7.5%, and the remaining 24.5% are citizens of some 140 countries. Nearly 78% of the inhabitants profess Catholicism, besides, non-religionists and small Protestant, Jewish and Muslim minorities.

Policy

Monaco is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Grimaldi family, the current ruler is Albert II. The state has a cooperation treaty with France, through which it has close ties with the European Union. The territorial self-government of the city of Monaco and the area of ​​the principality are identical, but have separate competences.

Economy

The economy of Monaco is based on services, trade (especially real estate) and construction. Tourism also makes an important contribution to the economy of the Duchy, generating 25% of the country's income. Monaco is a member of the euro area.

Drive

By car

Access to Monaco from France and Italy is provided by the A8 motorway, from which exit 57 Roquebrune-Cap Martin. Note: Entry into the Principality for motorhomes is very restricted.

By train

There is a train station in Monaco, now underground, operated by the French SNCF. It is on the route of trains from Nice, Cannes and Marseille to Ventimiglia in Italy. Long-distance trains, including international ones, also stop in Monaco. Journey times:

• Nice 15-20 minutes
• Ventimiglia about 30 minutes
• Cannes about an hour
• Marseille about 3 hours 15 minutes by direct passenger train, 3 hours 30 minutes with a change, about 2 hours 55 minutes with a fast train
• Genoa approx. 3 hours 20 minutes by passenger car with a change, 2 hours 35 minutes by direct rush
• Paris about 6 hours (TGV)

By bus

Bus line 100 connects Nice city center with Monaco. This connection is significantly slower than the train, but takes a scenic route along the coast and is cheaper.

By plane

The nearest international airport is Nice-Cote d'Azur, France. From there it is possible to travel by train, bus (45 min), or by helicopter to the heliport in the Fontvieille estate (7 min).

By ship

There are two tourist ports in Monaco: Port Hercules and Port Fontvieille. There is also a terminal where cruise ships offering Mediterranean cruises can moor.

An administrative division

The state consists entirely of one city - Monaco. Some authors treat (wrongly) historical districts as separate cities.

Monaco is divided into four traditional neighborhoods:

• Old Town located on the Monaco Rock, where there is also the prince's palace
• Monte Carlo famous for its casino and opera house
• La Condamine known from the Port of Hercules
• Fontvieille built entirely on land obtained from the sea in the mid-20th century

Interesting places

The principality has an interesting tourist offer available to most tourists. It consists of monuments, museums, urban green areas, cultural and sports events, restaurants and nightlife.

Tourist attractions

• Monaco Old Town, picturesquely situated on the Monaco Rock and surrounded by city walls, and in it:

Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate - built in the nineteenth century with the graves of representatives of the ruling family, incl. Grace Kelly

Oceanographic Museum - an impressive building built on an 85-meter bluff, opened in 1910

Ducal Palace - the Grimaldi residence, which has been rebuilt many times; some chambers can be visited in the summer season

Saint Martin's Garden - next to the aquarium, located on the cliff of the Monaco Rock

Chapel of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - baroque

Chapel of Mercy - baroque

City Museum - a museum presenting the history of the city

• Museum of Stamps and Coins - presents Monegasque philatelic and numismatic traditions
• Collection of the Prince of Monaco's Cars
• New National Museum - located in the villas of Sauber and Paloma, focuses on contemporary art
• Exotic Garden - a large collection of cacti and succulents on one of the highest hills of the Duchy; on its territory is located Observatory Cave and Museum of Anthropology
• Monte Carlo Casino - the world famous gambling temple. Admission not allowed to ruling family and Monaco citizens.
• Opera - built in the 19th century by Charles Garnier, known for designing the Paris Opera
• Larvotto Beach - the only public beach in the country
• Japanese garden - founded by Princess Grace
• St. Devotes - patroness of the state
• Grimaldi Forum - fair and exhibition center
• Rose Garden - in Fontvieille
• Ludwik II Stadium - in Fontvieille, where AS Monaco plays

Events

• Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1 in the spring
• Monte Carlo Rally opening the world championship series in January
• Masters Monte Carlo in tennis in April
• International circus festival

Transport

Due to its small size, it is easy to get around the principality on foot. Most streets are paved, and there are zones with limited traffic. There are numerous lifts to help you with your climb.

Monaco has a well-functioning network of city buses, thanks to which you can easily reach every corner of a small country. There are currently six city lines reinforced by a night line and a passenger ferry at the Port of Hercules. Line 2 connects most of the tourist attractions (Old Town, Port of Hercules, Monte Carlo, Railway Station, Exotic Garden). Tickets can be purchased from vending machines, online or in vehicles. A single ticket costs € 1.50 or € 2 with the driver, a daily ticket € 5.50 (as of January 2018). Children under 5 travel for free.

Monaco has a well-maintained road network. You should remember about the absolute right of way of pedestrians at crossings, the speed limit to 50 km / h, and restrictions for entering caravans. Some streets, most notably on the Rock of Monaco, are closed to vehicles not registered in the Principality or the nearby department of France. Parking lots usually offer the first hour for free. Due to the limited number of parking spaces, it is more practical to get around on foot or by public transport.

Tongue

The official language is French and the national dialect is Monegasque (a variety of Italian). The majority of the population can speak English, as well as other languages ​​such as Italian and Russian.

Shopping

The city, and in particular the Monte Carlo estate, is known for its wide range of luxury products. Nevertheless, there are also ordinary shops serving local people and two shopping malls (in Monte Carlo and Fontvieille).

Gastronomy

Monaco offers a wide variety of restaurants, from the upscale to the budget.

Accommodation

It is difficult to find accommodation in Monaco, especially at lower prices, so most tourists use the offer in the nearby cities of France and Italy, with Nice at the forefront.

Security

Monaco is very safe, which is due, among others, to the highest proportion of policemen per capita in the world. Nevertheless, it is worth following the basic safety rules, especially during big events such as the Grand Prix.

Health

There is one hospital in Monaco named after Princess Grace.

contact

Diplomatic representations

No Polish diplomatic mission. The state falls under the territorial competence of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Paris (France).

No facility - Poland is served by the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Berlin (Germany).