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Cathédrale de Monaco: A Testament to Faith and History

Discover Monaco's majestic cathedral, a Roman-Byzantine architectural gem housing Grimaldi tombs and offering a glimpse into the principality's history.

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The Cathédrale de Monaco, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, is a Roman-Byzantine style cathedral built in 1875 using white stones from La Turbie. It stands on the site of a former 13th-century church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the tombs of former Princes of Monaco, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.

A brief summary to Cathédrale de Monaco

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a more peaceful atmosphere.
  • Dress respectfully; shoulders must be covered, and mini-skirts or shorts are not permitted.
  • Take a moment to light a candle and say a prayer at the feet of Our Lady Full of Grace.
  • Attend the 10:00 am mass on Sundays between September and June to enjoy the performance of the children's choir.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cathédrale de Monaco is located in Monaco-Ville (also known as The Rock), easily accessible on foot from other attractions in the area such as the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum. From the Place du Palais, walk along the main street, Rue des Remparts, then turn onto Rue du Colonel Bellando de Castro. The cathedral will be on your left. This is a short, scenic walk through the historic old town.

  • Public Transport

    Monaco's bus network provides access to Monaco-Ville. Several bus lines stop near the Cathédrale de Monaco. From the Monaco train station, take bus number 100 or 11 to the 'Monaco Ville' stop. From there, it is a short walk to the cathedral. Bus tickets cost approximately €2 per trip and can be purchased from the driver.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Monaco. A taxi ride to the Cathédrale de Monaco from anywhere within Monaco-Ville will be a short and convenient option. Expect to pay a flat rate of around €18 for an immediate pick-up within Monaco. Keep in mind that traffic can affect the final cost.

  • Driving

    Driving to the Cathédrale de Monaco is possible, but parking in Monaco-Ville can be challenging. The closest parking is Parking des Pêcheurs. From there, follow the signs to the Prince's Palace and then to the cathedral. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around €7 for 2 hours. Be aware that on-street parking is limited to a maximum of two hours and costs €2.40 per hour.

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Discover more about Cathédrale de Monaco

The Cathédrale de Monaco, or Monaco Cathedral, is a prominent landmark in Monaco-Ville, embodying the principality's rich history and unwavering faith. Constructed in the late 19th century, it replaced the earlier Église Saint-Nicolas, built in the 13th century. The cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, showcases a Roman-Byzantine architectural style, characterized by its elegant arches, intricate details, and a sense of serene grandeur. The cathedral's exterior is built with striking white stone from La Turbie, creating a stunning visual contrast against the Mediterranean backdrop. Inside, visitors can admire the high altar crafted from white Carrara marble, along with the episcopal throne and an altarpiece by Louis Bréa, a Renaissance painter from Nice. The stained-glass windows depict biblical scenes, casting colorful light across the interior. The cathedral also features a grand organ, used during religious ceremonies and concerts. Beyond its architectural and artistic elements, the Cathédrale de Monaco holds deep significance as the final resting place for many members of the Grimaldi family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. The cathedral continues to be an active place of worship, hosting pontifical services during major religious festivals and celebrations such as the Feast of Saint Devote and Monaco's National Day. Visitors are welcome daily, except during religious services, and are asked to dress respectfully.

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