Picturesque Monte Carlo in Monaco

Monte Carlo is an administrative area of Monaco, although it is often mistaken as its capital. Monte Carlo was founded in 1866 and was named after the reigning monarch, Charles III of Monaco.

The first permanent settlers of Monaco were the Ligures, who came from Genoa in Italy. In the 6th century B.C., the Phocaeans, Greek colonists, founded the colony of Monoikos in the area now known as Monaco. It then fell under Roman control following the Gallic Wars.


Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire on 476, barbarian tribes, including the Saracens, ravaged the area. The Saracens were expelled in 975 and by the 11th century, Ligurians had once again populated the area.


Monaco's modern history is often cited as starting on 10 June 1215 when the construction of a fortress on top of the Rock of Monaco was started by a detachment of Genoese Ghibellines, a faction who supported the Roman Empire. The fortress was intended to be a strategic military stronghold and they created a settlesment around the base of the Rock to support the garrison. In order to attract migrants from Genoa, they offered tax exemtions to land grants to new settlers.

As the Ghibellines intended their fortress to be a strategic military stronghold and center of control for the area, they set about creating a settlement around the base of the Rock to support the garrison; in an attempt to lure residents from Genoa and the surrounding cities, they offered land grants and tax exemption to new settlers.

The Rock of Monaco was seized in 1297 by François Grimaldi under the sovereignty of Genoa, starting the Grimaldi dynasty in Monaco. It has remained under the control of the Grimaldi family since this time until the present day, except when it was under French rule from 1793 to 1814.

Monte Carlo #1 Monaco 

by OldeWorldGifts

Vintage photomechanical print of Monte Carlo in Monaco which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph features the beautiful old buildings of the era in Monte Carlo, situated on the Riviera. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-09988). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this picturesque vintage image of Monte Carlo.