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Statue of François Grimaldi

4.5
·204 reviews·Monaco, Monaco

A powerful tribute to François Grimaldi, Monaco's founder, set against breathtaking Mediterranean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Statue

Statue of François Grimaldi

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A powerful tribute to François Grimaldi, Monaco's founder, set against breathtaking Mediterranean views.

4.5
(204 reviews)

"A captivating tribute to Monaco's rich history and a perfect spot for photography."

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📸 Capture the Moment

The statue and surrounding views are perfect for photography. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Stairs

The statue is conveniently located on the way down the stairs near the Palace. Don't miss it!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

François Grimaldi Statue

François Grimaldi Statue

Near Prince's Palace, Monaco

A powerful tribute to Monaco's founder, capturing his legendary cunning and determination.

Panoramic Mediterranean Views

Panoramic Mediterranean Views

From the statue's vicinity

Breathtaking vistas of the principality and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Grimaldi Statue

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photos. This ensures a more peaceful experience at this historic Monaco landmark.

Understand the Grimaldi Legacy

The statue commemorates François Grimaldi's cunning capture of Monaco in 1297, establishing the Grimaldi dynasty. Knowing this story enhances your appreciation of this significant historical site.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Les Grimaldi s'emparent de Monaco ! #monaco #grimaldi #france #napoleoniii #mythe #legende #moine #albertii #moyenage #ruse #ia #midjourney
@une_date_une_histoire
7.2K likes • 99.8K views

📸 Capture the Moment

The statue and surrounding views are perfect for photography. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Stairs

The statue is conveniently located on the way down the stairs near the Palace. Don't miss it! Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Plenty of souvenir shops are available in the vicinity for memorable keepsakes. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Moment

The statue and surrounding views are perfect for photography. Visit during golden hour for stunning shots. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Stairs

The statue is conveniently located on the way down the stairs near the Palace. Don't miss it! Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Plenty of souvenir shops are available in the vicinity for memorable keepsakes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(204 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Statue of François Grimaldi as a captivating tribute to Monaco's founder, appreciating its impressive craftsmanship and the stunning Mediterranean views from its location near the Prince's Palace. It's considered a must-see for history buffs and offers a beautiful backdrop for photos, though some note it can get crowded.

"The François Grimaldi Statue is a captivating tribute to Monaco's rich history. Situated near the Prince's Palace, it commemorates François Grimaldi's legendary capture of the fortress in 1297, a pivotal moment that established the Grimaldi dynasty .

The statue's craftsmanship is impressive, capturing Grimaldi's cunning and determination. Its location offers stunning views of the principality and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts .

The site is clean with an abundance of nearby souvenir shops . It's advisable to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.

Whether you're a history buff or a casual tourist, the François Grimaldi Statue is a must-see landmark that offers both cultural insight and scenic beauty."

Russell Holden

"Grimaldi has been an important figure in the history of Monaco. He captured the rock of Monaco in 1297 as the Genoese leader of the Guelphs. The statue is right at the entrance of the are of the Palace."

Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari

"You can’t miss the statue of Grimaldi if you’re going down the stairs as it’s stand just on the way down. Beautiful historical place"

First Name

What People Like

Historical significance
Impressive craftsmanship
Scenic Mediterranean views

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The statue is located near the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville. You can reach it by walking through the charming old town. Many visitors find it on their way down the stairs from the palace entrance. Reddit

Parking in Monaco-Ville can be challenging. It's best to use public parking garages like Parking des Pêcheurs and walk to the statue, or consider arriving by public transport or taxi. TikTok

Yes, most guided tours of Monaco's old town and the Prince's Palace will include a stop at or near the Statue of François Grimaldi. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Statue of François Grimaldi is an outdoor public monument and can be viewed freely at any time. Reddit

The area around the statue is part of Monaco-Ville and is accessible 24/7. However, the Prince's Palace has specific visiting hours if you plan to tour it. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and fewer crowds. The golden hour provides a beautiful warm glow. Reddit

Besides the statue itself, the surrounding viewpoints offer stunning panoramic shots of the Mediterranean Sea and the principality. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Statue of François Grimaldi is a great, easily accessible stop for families exploring Monaco. While the statue itself might not hold a child's attention for long, its location near the Prince's Palace offers opportunities for engaging stories about knights and cunning plans. TikTok The stunning sea views are also a hit with younger visitors. Consider making it part of a larger exploration of Monaco-Ville, perhaps followed by a visit to the Oceanographic Museum.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Statue of François Grimaldi is a must-visit. The statue itself is well-crafted, offering dynamic angles. However, the real draw is the spectacular panoramic view of the Mediterranean and Monaco's coastline. Reddit Aim for early morning or late afternoon to capture the best light and avoid crowds, ensuring you get those postcard-perfect shots. The surrounding historic architecture also provides excellent framing opportunities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cunning Capture of Monaco

The Statue of François Grimaldi commemorates a pivotal moment in Monegasque history: the capture of the Rock of Monaco in 1297 by François Grimaldi, known as "the Cunning." Disguised as a monk, Grimaldi and his men infiltrated the fortress, initiating the long reign of the Grimaldi dynasty that continues to this day. This act of strategic deception is central to Monaco's founding narrative. TikTok

This historical event is not just a footnote; it's the very foundation of modern Monaco. The statue serves as a constant reminder of the ingenuity and bravery that secured the principality's future. Visitors often feel a sense of awe standing before this monument, contemplating the audacious plan that shaped a nation. Reddit

Understanding this backstory enriches the visitor experience. It transforms the statue from a mere sculpture into a symbol of resilience, cunning, and the enduring legacy of the Grimaldi family. It's a tangible link to the principality's adventurous past.

Location and Scenic Beauty

Strategically placed near the Prince's Palace, the Statue of François Grimaldi offers more than just historical significance; it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque principality. Its location on the elevated Rock of Monaco makes it a prime spot for appreciating the stunning coastal landscape. Reddit

Many visitors are struck by the scenic beauty from this vantage point. The juxtaposition of the historical statue against the backdrop of the azure sea and the charming Monegasque architecture creates a truly memorable scene. It's a popular spot for both history enthusiasts and photography lovers alike. Instagram

The statue is easily accessible, often encountered when exploring the historic Monaco-Ville. Its placement ensures that visitors can easily combine a historical reflection with the enjoyment of Monaco's natural and architectural splendor. The nearby souvenir shops also add to the convenience for tourists looking for mementos. Reddit

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