Description of the attraction
Casino Monte Carlo is an entertainment complex that includes the casino, the Teatro Grande Monte Carlo and the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo office.
The idea of creating a casino for gambling in Monaco belongs to Princess Caroline. The wife of Prince Florestan I saw in such an enterprise a salvation from the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi and complete bankruptcy. The economic condition of the principality deteriorated especially strongly after the cities of Menton and Roquebrune proclaimed sovereignty from Monaco in 1848 and refused to transfer taxes to the treasury.
In 1854, French publicist Albert Aubert and merchant Napoleon Langlois were invited to develop a plan for the development of a casino, create a hydropathic establishment, a spa and attract investors. After the presentation of the 30-year program, Aubert and Langlois in December 1856 opened the first casino with baths and gaming tables at Villa Bellevue. During this period, the lack of good roads and logistics hampered the success of Monaco as a resort. The company was sold and changed its location several times.
The site for the construction of the world famous casino building was selected in 1858, and work began on May 13. The building was erected by the Parisian architect Gobineau de la Bretonnery and completed in 1863. At the personal invitation of Princess Caroline in 1863, businessman François Blanc came to manage the casino. To manage the enterprise, a company was founded - Societe de Bain de Mer and du Cercle de Eterngers, with a capital of 15 million francs. The investors, among others, were Charles Bonaventure - François Auret, Bishop of Monaco and Cardinal Pecci, the future Pope Leo XIII.
In the years 1878-79, the casino building was reconstructed and expanded according to the plans of Jules Dutroux and the architect Charles Garnier. A concert hall was added on the side of the sea, playrooms and public places were renovated. The casino was enlarged again in 1880-81, in 1898-99 there was a new reconstruction of the premises, and the stage was adapted for opera and ballet performances. Despite all the changes and additions, much of Garnier's original façade and the interior design of the hall itself remain intact.
For tourists, the entrance to the casino is paid, a ticket to inspect the premises costs 10 euros, you need to have an identity card confirming your age, because persons under the age of 21 are not allowed inside the premises. There is a dress code - the clothes of visitors must be in a business style or smart casual, photography and video filming are prohibited.
