Monaco: Place du Palais

A visit to the plaza right outside the royal palace in Monaco starts with a tribute to one of the building's former occupants. It is a salute to Prince Albert I for his 25 years of rule, a time when Monaco made some great strides as a nation. He was well known for his attempts to prevent World War I from starting.

The statue portrays a woman with a fishing net, saluting his love of the sea. The Prince's tribute is in a great spot, as it only takes a few steps for a perfect view of Port Hercule below.

The Place du Palais is used for a variety of public events. However, it is well known as the place where the changing of the guard takes place at 11:55 each morning. If you like this sort of ceremony, get there a little early for a good spot.

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