This is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco - Prince Albert. Although I've been to Monaco a few times by now, this is our first visit to the old part of Monaco and the Castle. It was founded in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and during its history has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century it has been the home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. It was exciting to visit seeing that I have grown up with photographs of Prince Ranier marrying Princess Grace in the Australian Women's
Weekly then the arrival and maturing of Princess Caroline and her siblings.
The palace is protected by cannons donated by Louis XIV with sentries who change daily. The constitution insists it is guarded by French carabiniers. The views from the Palace take your breath away.
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