Discount Hotels Monaco
Historical interest: Monaco
    
The Grimaldi ascent began one night in 1297, when Francois Grimaldi seized the
fortress of Monaco from a rival Italian faction. Disguised as a monk, he successfully
led a small army into the fortress, reclaiming it in the name of the Pope. The
legacy of his daring victory is recorded on Monaco's coat of arms, which bears
two monks brandishing swords.
Over the next few centuries, Monaco prospered as an important port in major maritime
trading routes and as a strategic naval base for European military powers that
were constantly vying for control of the Rock.
In 1604, Lord Honore II came to the throne and launched Monaco into its 'Great
Century'. Reflecting upon his accomplishments, he deigned himself worthy of a
new title, Prince Honore II. Grimaldi rulers have proudly held the title of Prince
ever since.
The French Revolution took a heavy toll on European royalty, including the Grimaldis.
Monaco was annexed by France and members of the Monegasque royal family were imprisoned.
However, the annexation was cut short with the abdication of Napoleon in 1814,
and all rights of the Grimaldis were restored.
In 1861, Prince Charles III relinquished one-half of the territory to France in
exchange for cash and independence. Realizing that most of the country's natural
resources were lost, he established the Societe des Bains de Mer. The company
consisted of a handful of hotels, a theatre and a casino, which would soon flourish
and become the foundation of the magnificent district of Monte-Carlo.
Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne in 1949 and later caught the world's
attention with his storybook marriage to actress Grace Kelly. Sadly she did in
a car accident.in 1982. Today, Monaco still stands as a proud monarchy with HSH
Rainier III as its head of state. In 1997, the Grimaldi family celebrated the
700th anniversary of its reign in Monaco.
http://www.monaco.mc
Selection of hotels in this region:
Le Meridien Beach Plaza | | Ambassador Monaco Hotel | | Fairmont Monte Carlo | | Columbus Monaco | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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