The small principality of Monaco, which can be bypassed in an hour or two, is nevertheless the center of gravity for the whole of Europe. The mere word Monte Carlo gives rise to the image of the famous casino in the minds: men in tuxedos, women in diamonds, expensive furs, exclusive cars. And most importantly - excitement, passion, a dizzying rise on the wave of luck, fall and rise again. But this is only for guests. Monaco citizens are not allowed to visit gambling establishments. Their task is to be hospitable, and in this art they have achieved perfection. And Christmas in Monaco is a celebration of elegant luxury, very expensive and very impressive.
Most of the country's inhabitants are Catholics and they treat Christmas with trepidation as their most favorite holiday. In the 20th of November, they begin to decorate the city. Each area has its own concept of Christmas decoration: La Condamine - in retro style and art decor, Monte Carlo is buried in Christmas gold, Jardine Exotic - in red and white tones, and Fontvieille - in the most striking decorations.
Here, on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, under the gentle southern sun on Christmas days at a temperature of +15 C, fir trees covered with snow flaunt among the palms. And in the evening, when the festive illumination flares up, all of Monaco dissolves into a brilliant glow, turning into a mirage shimmering in the night.
The lights of numerous casinos are burning brightest of all, promising guests indispensable good luck in these magical days. The entrance is open to everyone, both very rich and not very rich. One of the oldest and most famous Casinos of Monte Carlo has been open since 1863. There are several gaming halls in it, each of which has its own game. In the morning hours, the casino halls can be visited for informational purposes. The Monte Carlo Opera is also located in the same building.
All holidays on the streets bustle and fun reigns. It is customary in Monaco to dine outside the home. The service is excellent, the kitchen is also beyond praise, and the income of the residents allows them to do this. But on Christmas Eve, the city dies down. Shops close early and many private restaurants are closed. The townspeople, like true Catholics, spend Christmas evening with their families at a festive homemade dinner. Then they go to church for midnight Mass, and the next day for morning.
But in hotels, restaurants work as usual, although only guests of the city spend Christmas evening there.
sights
The relics of the most revered saint of Monaco are kept in the Church of Saint Devote. Knowing the history of this state, one can understand the belief of the Monegasques in its heavenly patronage.
What else to see:
- Oceanographic Museum with an underground aquarium
- Maritime museum
- Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
- Princely palace
In Monaco, everything has a touch of luxury. This is a very expensive country, but worth it. And everything in her is permeated with a sense of good luck, which must certainly be grasped and kept in oneself.
