800 Years Since the Building of the First Castle on the Rock of Monaco

The first fortified tower on the Rock of Monaco, with the issuing state "MONACO" above. Below, the semicircular inscription "FONDATION DE LA FORTERESSE" is flanked by the dates "1215" and "2015".

In the early 13th century, the Rock of Monaco was a strategically significant point on the Ligurian coast - one of the few natural strongholds overlooking the western Mediterranean. The Republic of Genoa recognised this advantage and had a first fortification built there around 1215 to secure access to the coastal route between Italy and Provence. This fortress formed the nucleus of what would develop over the centuries into the Principality of Monaco. The Grimaldi family, who seized the rock in 1297 under François Grimaldi by a ruse - according to legend, disguised as a monk - systematically expanded the existing structures, laying the foundation for a rule that endures to this day.

The castle on the rock, from which the Prince's Palace later emerged, was for centuries not only a military stronghold but also a residence and centre of power for the House of Grimaldi. Despite changing protectorates - by Spain, France and, for a time, the Kingdom of Sardinia - Monaco remained politically independent and was able to preserve its identity as a small city-state. Today the principality, covering an area of about two square kilometres, is one of the smallest sovereign states in the world, and the Prince's Palace still serves as the official residence of the reigning prince. In 2015, Monaco began commemorating the 800th anniversary of the founding of the fortress with this commemorative issue.