Monaco-Ville Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Monaco City
Ward of Monaco
View of Monaco City
Nickname(s): The Rock
Location in Monaco
Area
• Land	0.196491 km² (0.075866 sq mi)
Population (2008)
• Total	975
• Density	4,962/km² (12,850/sq mi)

Monaco City (French: Monaco-Ville) is a special part of Monaco. It's located on a piece of land that sticks out into the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this, it's often called The Rock (French: Le Rocher). Even though it has "City" in its name, it's not a city itself. Instead, it's a historic area within the small country of Monaco.

Where is Monaco City?
A Look at Monaco City's Past
Cool Places to See in Monaco City
Images for kids
See also

Where is Monaco City?

Monaco City is one of the four main areas, or quartiers, in Monaco. The other areas are La Condamine, Monte Carlo, and Fontvieille.

Monaco-Ville is located at 43°44′15″N 7°24′55″E / 43.73750°N 7.41528°E / 43.73750; 7.41528. About 975 people live there.

A Look at Monaco City's Past

Monaco City was first known by the Greek name Monoikos. This name came from a temple dedicated to Hercules Monoikos. This temple was built by people from a Greek city called Phocaea around 600 BCE.

Over many years, Monoikos was controlled by different groups. It became known as Monaco during the Middle Ages. You can still see parts of the old walls and buildings from that time.

In 1297, a man named François Grimaldi took control of The Rock. He was part of the House of Grimaldi. His family made the old fortress their home. This fortress eventually became the Palais Princier. Today, this palace is the official home of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, who is the ruler of Monaco.

Cool Places to See in Monaco City

Even though Monaco City is in the middle of a busy area, it still feels like an old medieval village. It has many quiet streets where only people can walk. After the sun goes down, it becomes very peaceful. Many people visit Monaco City and the palace square. However, only cars belonging to local residents are allowed on The Rock. Also, noisy motorcycles are not allowed after 10 pm.

Here are some famous places you can visit:

Palais Princier: This is the Prince's official home. Every day at 11:55 am, you can watch a colorful ceremony where the guards change outside the palace.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral (French: Cathédrale de Monaco): This is a beautiful church built in a Romanesque-Byzantine style. Many members of Monaco's royal family are buried here.
The Oceanographic Museum: Prince Albert I, Prince of Monaco started this amazing museum in 1910. It's all about the ocean and marine life.
Chapelle de la Misericorde: Built in 1639, this is one of the oldest buildings in Monaco. It's famous for a special torchlit procession that happens every year on the night before Good Friday.
St Martin Gardens: These are lovely small gardens with rocky paths that follow the edge of The Rock.
Museum of the Chapel of Visitation: This is a 17th-century Roman Catholic chapel that now also serves as an art museum.
Fort Antoine Theatre: This is an outdoor theater located at the bottom of The Rock.