Prince's Palace of Monaco

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco, standing on a site fortified by Genoese forces in the thirteenth century and held since 1297 by the Grimaldi family, who have ruled Monaco almost continuously ever since. The palace combines its medieval fortress origins with later Renaissance additions and subsequent restorations carried out across several centuries. It overlooks the harbor of Monaco from the high ground known as the Rock of Monaco. A ceremonial changing of the guard takes place daily in the palace's main courtyard.