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Monaco in 20 dates

From the Genoese fortress to today’s Monaco, here are 20 dates to understand the history of the Rock. Keep them in mind during your walk: many places you will pass are linked to them.

  1. 1191 Genoa receives the RockEmperor Henry VI grants the Republic of Genoa sovereignty over the Rock of Monaco. The Genoese now hold this headland, perfect for watching the coast and the ships sailing along the Riviera. With this, Monaco enters the written history of the Middle Ages.
  2. 1215 A fortress on the RockOn 10 June 1215, Genoese Ghibellines, supporters of the emperor, begin building a fortress on top of the Rock, led by Fulco del Cassello. This fortress is the distant ancestor of the Prince’s Palace you can see today.
  3. 1297 Malizia’s trickOn the night of 8 to 9 January 1297, tradition says, François Grimaldi, known as "Malizia", comes to the fortress disguised as a Franciscan friar. The gate is opened, his men rush in and the stronghold is taken. This story is the founding legend of the Grimaldis, and the armed monks still appear on Monaco’s coat of arms.
  4. 1612 The first princeHonoré II, until then Lord of Monaco, takes the title of prince, a title recognised by Spain and by France. Every ruler of the Rock has borne it since: this is the birth of the principality as you know it today.
  5. 1641 Back to FranceThrough the Treaty of Péronne of 14 September 1641, negotiated with Cardinal Richelieu, Honoré II leaves the Spanish protection in force since 1524 and brings Monaco back into alliance with France. This choice shapes the principality’s future for a long time.
  6. 1793 Monaco becomes FrenchIn the middle of the Revolution, on 15 February 1793, the National Convention decides to annex Monaco to France. The Grimaldis lose their throne and the Rock, now part of France, takes the name Fort d’Hercule. This interlude lasts until 1814.
  7. 1814 The princes returnThe Treaty of Paris of 30 May 1814 restores Monaco to its 1789 status, and Honoré IV regains his throne. The following year, the second Treaty of Paris places the principality under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
  8. 1861 Menton and Roquebrune lostMenton and Roquebrune, which had declared themselves free towns in 1848, vote to join France. Through the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861, Charles III accepts this loss in return for 4 million gold francs. In exchange, Monaco’s independence is formally recognised.
  9. 1863 Birth of the SBMCharles III grants François Blanc the right to run the casino, the hotels and the theatre. Blanc founds the Société des Bains de Mer, meant to bring income to the Court. Gambling and tourism then become the driving force of Monaco’s economy.
  10. 1866 Monte-Carlo gets its nameThe Spélugues district, where the new casino stands, is renamed Monte-Carlo, "Mount Charles", in honour of Prince Charles III, who drives the great building works. In 1869 he also abolishes personal and property taxes, which triggers a building boom.
  11. 1910 The Oceanographic MuseumOn 29 March 1910, the Oceanographic Museum is officially opened, facing the sea on the cliff of the Rock. It was founded by Prince Albert I, a passionate student of the oceans who led many scientific expeditions himself.
  12. 1911 The first constitutionAfter the Monegasque Revolution of 1910, Prince Albert I grants the constitution of 5 January 1911. The ruler, who until then held full powers, now shares them: Monaco becomes a constitutional monarchy.
  13. 1918 The treaty with FranceOn 17 July 1918, France and Monaco sign a treaty of protective friendship. It closely frames relations between the two countries, so much so that Rainier III will have to ask the French government’s consent before his marriage in 1956.
  14. 1929 The first Grand PrixOn 14 April 1929, the first Monaco Grand Prix is held on a circuit laid out through the city streets by Antony Noghès. The British driver William Grover-Williams wins the race in a Bugatti. Today you walk on part of this circuit.
  15. 1949 Rainier III takes the thronePrince Louis II dies on 9 May 1949. His grandson Rainier III succeeds him at the age of 25: his mother, Princess Charlotte, had renounced her rights in his favour on 30 May 1944. He will reign for almost 56 years.
  16. 1956 The wedding with Grace KellyThe American actress Grace Kelly arrives in Monaco on 12 April 1956 aboard the liner Constitution. She marries Rainier III in a civil ceremony at the palace on 18 April, followed by a religious wedding in the cathedral on 19 April.
  17. 1993 Monaco joins the UNMonaco becomes a member of the United Nations with full voting rights. For this small sovereign state, it is an important step in its international recognition, continuing its efforts to assert its independence.
  18. 2002 Independence guaranteedA new treaty with France provides that Monaco will remain an independent state even if the dynasty had no descendant. The same year, the constitution is amended: if the ruler has no legitimate child, the crown can pass to his brothers and sisters.
  19. 2005 Albert II, sovereign princeRainier III dies on 6 April 2005. His son Albert II, aged 47 and until then Hereditary Prince, becomes sovereign prince. The ceremonies marking his accession take place on 12 July, and his official enthronement on 19 November 2005.
  20. 2011 Albert II marries CharleneOn 1 July 2011, Prince Albert II marries the South African Charlene Wittstock. On 10 December 2014 their twins are born, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques, now Hereditary Prince and in line to succeed his father.

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