François Grimaldi seized the fortress in 1297 by arriving at the gate disguised as a Franciscan and drawing a sword once inside. The family has held it, with interruptions, ever since — which makes this the longest-ruling dynasty in Europe.
What you see is a fortress that kept being made comfortable: Genoese military walls with Renaissance loggias cut into the courtyard behind them, and a frescoed staircase in the middle.
The Place du Palais outside costs nothing, and it is the better half. It gives you the whole harbour, the cliff and the sea in one turn.
The changing of the guard happens outside daily and is free to watch. Stand at the far side of the square rather than at the front — you see the formation instead of one guard's back.
Palais Princier in pictures
