The Palais du Prince (Prince's Palace) and Monaco Ville (Old City) are located on the Rocher de Monaco, a 60m high and 800m long outcrop located south of a natural port, the Port de Monaco. The Palais du Prince is the official residence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. The palace was founded in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and was captured by the Grimaldi family in 1297. The Grimaldi ruled the area first as feudal lords, and from the 17th century as souvereign princes. Unlike other royal houses which built other palaces in other areas, the small area of the principality, only 1.95 sqkm, prevented the Grimaldi to do that. Instead the palace was modified, added on to, or re-built over the centuries, thus resulting in a blend of architectural styles. Monaco's history predates the Roman occupation of AD 122. Its large natural harbor ensured a steady stream of visitors from Byblos, Tyre, and Sidon. Later the Phoenicians came to trade silk, oil, and spices with the natives. It was the Phoenicians who introduced to this area of the Mediterranean their god Melkart, later known by the Romans as Hercules Monoikos. It was after this god that the Romans renamed the area Portus Hercules Moneici, which has evolved to the present name of Monaco. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the palace and its owners became symbols of the slightly risque glamour and decadence that were associated with Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. This picture was taken on 10 July 2007 from the Place du Palais and shows the southeast facing front of the palace with the entrance and the South Tower (left) and Middle Tower (right). State apartments are on the right side of the building, some of which are open during the summer months and may be visited for a fee. Thank you for viewing and commenting and any favs, Sig...