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Important dates

10 June 1215

Monaco in the XIIrd century Monaco is taken by the Genoese. The Grimaldi lays the first stone of the stronghold which today is the Prince's Palace. Their leader, Fulco des Cassello, obtains sovereignty for all of the land surrounding the Rock of Monaco from the Emperor Henri VI. In order to attract more inhabitants, Fulco des Cassello grants great advantages Blason of the Grimaldi to newcomers such as free land and tax exemptions. From that date forward, the Rock becomes the object of the ongoing struggle between the two parties disputing power in the Republic of Genoa, the Ghibellines, partisans of the Emperor and the Guelfs, faithful followers of the Pope.

1269

The Guelfs and their allies, the Grimaldis, are expelled from Genoa. They take refuge in Provence with all of their armed forces..

8 January 1297

Disguised as a Franciscan monk, François Grimaldi penetrates the stronghold of Monaco. From that day on, the coat of arms of the Grimaldis will include the image of two armed Franciscan monks. The Principality celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1997, on this date which represents the first possession of Monaco by the Grimaldi family.

1301

The Grimaldis lose control of Monaco.

12 September 1331

Charles I reconquers the Rock. Many consider him to be the true founder of the Principality. He buys back property of the Spinolas, allies of the Ghibellines, and then the doMayns of Menton and Roquebrune and becomes the first Lord of Monaco.

1489

The King of France, Charles VIII and the Duke of Savoy recognize the sovereignty of Monaco.

1507

After a siege of more than 100 days, the Genoese were repelled by the garrison of Lucien I.

1512

Louis XII, King of France, recognizes the independence of Monaco.

1525

Augustin I, in disagreement with the French authorities, places Monaco under the protectorate of the Spaniard, Charles-Quint.

1612

Upon the advice of his uncle, the Prince of Valdetare, Honoré II takes the title of the Prince and Lord of Monaco. This title, recognized by the King of Spain, is passsed to his successors.

14 September 1641

After 10 years of negociation and thanks to the influence of Richelieu, Honoré II and Louis XIII sign the Treaty of Péronne which recognizes the sovereign right of Monaco and grants the Prince and his descendants an equality of rank with the highest French nobles. The French Kingdom thus ensures a protective friendship with the Principality of Monaco.

17 November 1641

The Spanish garrison evicts from Monaco and they are replace by the french garrison.

1662

Death of Prince Honoré II who during his reign continually makes improvements to the Prince's Palace: - construction of the South wing which closes the Grand Apartments (today open to visitors)- creation of a prodigious collection of art objects (over 700 paintings, pieces of furniture, tapisteries and silverware).

1662 - 1701

Reign of Louis I, nephew of Louis XIV. He is chosen as French Ambassador to the Holy See.

1701

Antoine I accedes to the throne. He undertakes important construction projects on the fortifications to protect Monaco from any risk of invasion by the Duke of Savoy who occupies Provence. The access ramp and the tour of "oreillon" are constructed during his reign.

1731

Louise Hippolyte have reign 10 month and is husband take the Regency (Jacques de Goyon, Sire of Matignon). Husband of Princess Louise-Hippolyte, he must give up his name and his arms to accede to the throne under the name of Jacques I.

7 November 1733

Jacques I "abdicates" in favor of his 13-year-old son, Honoré III.

15 February 1793

Monaco is annexed by France under the name of Fort Hercule. The Palace treasures are dispersed. During the entire French Revolution, the Princely Family will live through a terrible time. The wife of Joseph Grimaldi (2nd son of Honoré III) is guillotined in 1794.

30 May 1814

The first Treaty of Paris restores to Monaco and its Princes their rights of before January 1, 1793.

20 Novembre 1815

The second Treaty of Paris places Monaco under the protectorate of the King of Sardinia. The local population is subjected to trying times under this less advantageous treaty.

20 March 1848

Menton and Roquebrune proclaim themselves independent and place themselves under the protectorate of the Sardes.

1856

Charles III accedes to the throne.

2 February 1861

The Prince gice the townof France Menton and Roquebrune. The Principality thereby loses 80% of its territory, however its independent status is at last recognized. France begins work on connecting Nice to Monaco by a coastal road, as well as creating a stop in Monaco on the pre-existing railroad line betwe en Nice and Genoa.

1863

The company the Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers is leased to François Blanc for 50 years and he is granted a monopoly on gambling.

1865

First Monaco stamp issued.

1 June 1866

The Spélugues Plateau is named Monte-Carlo in honor of Prince Charles III.

1869

All forms of direct taxation are abolished.

1879

Monte-Carlo Opera inaugurated.

1881

Adoption of the colors Red and White for the Flag of Monaco.

15 March 1887

The Diocese of Monaco is created.

1889

Death of Charles III. Albert I, his son, accedes to the throne. A devoted scientific, he is particularly interested in oceanography and research on prehistory. He have created the peace institute.

1891

Creation of the Automobile Club of Monaco.

1902

Creation of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

1906

Foundation of the Oceanographic Institute.

29 March 1910

Inauguration of the Oceanographic Museum which is part of the Oceanographic Institute.

5 January 1911

The Principality of Monaco becomes a constitutional monarchy.

1911

Organization of the first Automobile Rally in Monte-Carlo.

1922

Louis II succeeds his father.

1923

Birth of the future Prince Rainier III.

1929

First Automobile Grand Prix of Monaco.

1933

Inauguration of the Exotic Garden.

1936

Monaco issues its own stamps through the Office des Timbres-Poste.

1939

The first Louis II is inaugurated.

1942

First broadcast of Radio Monte-Carlo.

9 May 1949

His Royal Highness Prince Rainier III suceeds his father, Prince Louis II.

18 April 1956

Prince Rainier III marries Miss Grace-Patricia Kelly.

23 January 1957

Birth of Princess Caroline.

14 March 1958

Birth of His Royal Highness, Prince Albert.

1961

First International Television Festival.

17 December 1962

New Constitution.

18 May 1963

Signing of a fiscal and customs agreement between Monaco and France.

1 February 1965

Birth of Princess Stephanie.

1971

End of construction of Fontvieille (2.94 acres taken from the sea).

1972

Opening of the National Museum.

1974

Creation of the International Circus Festival.

14 September 1982

Death of Princess Grace in a tragic car accident.

28 May 1993

The Principality is admitted into the United Nations.

June 1996

Monaco obtains its own telephone country code, "377".

1997

Celebration of the 700th Anniversary of the Grimaldi Reign.

1999

Jubilé 50 years of Prince Rainier III Reign.

2004

Monaco's Crown Prince Albert represented the Principality at the ceremony on 5 October 2004 to mark his country's accession to the Council of Europe. He made a speech in the Assembly Chamber.