Monaco-Ville



Monaco-Ville (also known locally as Le Rocher or ) is the old town of Monaco and one of its administrative divisions. It is located on a rocky headland that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. The name "Monaco-Ville" (Monaco-Town), is misleading: Monaco-Ville is neither a town nor Monaco's capital city (Monaco being a city-state, its capital city is Monaco itself).

Monaco-Ville is one of the four traditional quarters (quartiers) of Monaco, the others being La Condamine, Monte Carlo, and Fontvieille. However, in modern administrative terms it is one of ten wards (see navigation box below for a complete list).

Monaco-Ville is located at 43.7375°N, 7.41528°W and has estimated population of 1,151.

History
Monaco-Ville was originally called Monoikos, after the temple of Hercules Monoikos, which presumably was located in the nearby colony established by Phocaean Greeks in the 6th century BC. During its history, Monoikos passed hands a number of times. It became known as Monaco in the Middle Ages when a fortress was built on the Rock in the 13th century and later a fortified town. Some of the city walls still remain.

In 1297 the Rock was seized by François Grimaldi, a member of the Grimaldi family, which ruled Monaco since then with some brief interruptions. The Grimaldis made the old fortress their residence. Over time the fortress evolved into the Palais Princier, which is now the official residence of Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

Landmarks
Despite being located in the middle of the City of Monaco, the world's most densely populated urban center, Monaco-Ville remains a medieval village at heart, made up almost entirely of quiet pedestrian streets and marked by virtual silence after sundown. Though innumerable people visit Monaco-Ville and the palace square, only local vehicles are allowed up to the Rock, and gasoline-powered motorcycles are prohibited after 10 pm.


 * Palais Princier, the Prince's palace. The colourful changing of the guard occurs every day outside the Palais at 11:55 am.


 * Saint Nicholas Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco), a Romanesque-Byzantine church that contains the remains of many members of the Monaco's ruling family. American-born Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, the mother of Prince Albert II, is also buried there.


 * Oceanographic Museum, established by Albert I, Prince of Monaco, in 1910.


 * Chapelle de la Misericorde, built in 1639, one of the oldest buildings in the principality. It is famous for being the starting point of a torchlit religious procession by local residents that takes place on the eve of Good Friday each year.


 * St Martin Gardens, a small park of rocky paths that cling to the rock.