Top Tourist Sites » Monaco

The Japanese Garden, Monaco

Tommy — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:34:19 +0000

The perception of nature is different in the Japanese culture from that of the European one. Instead of viewing nature only as something to be subjugated and transformed according to man-made ideal of beauty, Japanese developed a close connection to nature, considering it sacred, an ally in putting food on the table and an ideal of beauty in itself. That is why the Japanese gardens are the synthesis of nature in miniature instead of correction of nature as with European gardens.

Actually, the design of Japanese gardens come from the Chinese model. The history goes back in time, around year 100BC when the emperor of China, Wu Di of the Han Dynasty established a garden that contained three small islands, mimicking the Isles of the Immortals, who were the main Taoist deities. An envoy of Japan saw it and took the idea to Japan, improving the existing Japanese practices.

The Japanese Garden of Monaco was designed at the request of Prince Rainier who thus fulfilled a desire Princess Grace had expressed during her life-time. The garden was designed by the landscape-architect Yasuo Beppu, has 7,000 square meters, its construction took 3 years and it was inaugurated in 1994.

The Japanese Garden, Monaco

Grand Casino, Monte Carlo

Tommy — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:09:08 +0000

The Grand Casino Monaco, located in the district of Monte Carlo, is one of the world’s most famous and glamorous casinos. Designed by Charles Garnier in 1863, the magnificent casino is decorated with marble, onyx, frescoes, and sculptures. More than just a gamer’s heaven, the casino in Monte Carlo is a symbol of the wealth and clientele that Monaco attracts. Here, one can see billionaires dressed to the nines in tuxedos and ball gowns, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces, and high-rollers betting large sums of money on roulette and poker.

If you’re interested in being surrounded by the rich—and sometimes famous—the Grand Casino Monte Carlo should definitely be a stop on your itinerary while visiting the Principality of Monaco.

The Grand Casino Monte Carlo is open daily for those wishing to try their luck. You must be eighteen years of age in order to enter the casino and there are no exceptions, so be sure to bring a valid form of identification with you as you will be asked to present it to one of the guards. Although formal dress is not required as it was years ago, smart dress is strongly encouraged, and no shorts or flip-flops are allowed. Despite the more relaxed dress code, many patrons still dress in suits and long gowns, giving the Grand Casino Monaco a true upper-class feel.

Grand Casino at night

Grand Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Grand Casino in Monaco

Top attractions in Monaco

Tommy — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:54:04 +0000

France, is a hidden gem. This luxurious area, known for its posh lodgings and celebrity clientele, is a splendid place to visit.

Although Monaco covers only two square miles, making it the second-smallest country in the world, the population continues to grow. Boasting more than 100 different nationalities and its own dialect of Ligurian, known as Monegasque, this sovereign state enjoys its own national holidays, a tabloid-friendly royal family, and immense wealth due to its history as an important shipping port.

The picturesque streets lined with splendid architecture, perfectly manicured parks and lawns, and the world-famous Grand Prix make Monaco a popular destination among many European travelers.

Monaco top attractions:

Grand Casino
The Fontvielle Park
Princess Grace Rose Garden
The Japanese Garden
Observatory Caves