Once Italians and French fought for the right to possess this land. As a result of this rivalry, the Monegasque people were born - the indigenous inhabitants of the Principality of Monaco. Today, the territory of one of the smallest states on the planet is a concentration of different traditions, each of which is an integral part of the rich and varied culture of Monaco.
Icing on a piece of cake
This is how the marriage of Prince Rainier III with the movie star Grace Kelly was called at the beginning of the twentieth century, which further emphasized the glamorous image of the dwarf state. The princely dynasty of Grimaldi took a foreigner into its fold, thereby putting an end to past conventions and prejudices. Since then, Monaco is not only the oldest casino in Europe and the Côte d'Azur marinas full of expensive yachts, but also Formula 1 races, fashion boutiques and anonymous bank deposits.
Monegasque traditions
Monaco culture places great importance on the rights of the country's indigenous population. Today there are no more than seven thousand Monegasques, but each of them, according to tradition, is exempt from paying taxes and enjoys many more privileges.
Monegasque men revere white in their clothes, as they consider it a symbol of nobility and honor. The main temple in Monaco is dedicated to Saint Devote, the martyr of Corsican and patroness of the principality.
Despite the dwarf size of the state, it traditionally has an army. The number of military personnel in it does not exceed one hundred people, and even the military band of Monaco is more numerous.
Opera like in Paris
The culture of Monaco is also the famous opera house Garnier, built by the same architect as the building of the same name in Paris. The Garnier Hall hosts not only the Philharmonic Orchestra, but also world-class foreign stars. Chaliapin and Caruso, Pavarotti and Domingo shone here. Russian ballet is also popular with the residents of Monaco, because once the troupe of Diaghilev was created in this hall.
Under the wing of Jacques Yves Cousteau
For many years, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, founded in 1889 by Prince Albert, was headed by the world-renowned explorer of the seas and oceans, Jacques Yves Cousteau. The collection of the museum includes not only various types of marine life, but also models of old and modern ships, tools and weapons. There are more than four thousand species of living exhibits in aquariums.
