A backstreet loop of the old town read through Monegasque eyes: street names in Munegascu and French, the squares where the national festivals actually happen, and the small Friday market residents of the Rock use.
Best time: Friday morning (producer market 08:00-13:00 by the cathedral); or 23 June at dusk for the Saint-Jean bonfire
The route, stop by stop
- 1Rampe Major and the Rock's gates
The historic stepped ramp up from Place d'Armes; 10 min climb.
- 2Prince's Palace of Monaco
On 23 June at about 19:30 the Saint-Jean bonfire (batafoegu) is lit here with dances by La Palladienne; on 19 November the princely family appears on the balconies; 10 min.
- 3Rue Basse
Narrow lane of the old town; look up at the street plates, written in Monegasque and French; 10 min.
- 4Place de la Mairie and Monaco City Hall
The Mayor blesses the Pan de Natale here on 24 December, the Monegasque language prizes are given in its courtyard, and the U Sciaratu summer carnival ends with a ball on the square in early July; 10 min.
- 5Chapel of Mercy (Chapelle de la Misericorde)
Penitents' chapel on the same square; 10 min.
- 6Sainte-Cécile statuette, Rue Émile de Loth / Rue de l'Église
Small statue of the patron of musicians by Zagoni at the street corner; Monaco's bands parade for her on the Sunday after 19 November; 5 min.
- 7Allée Saint-Jean-Paul II (Friday market)
A fruit and vegetable grower sells here every Friday 08:00-13:00: the Rock's own little market; 10 min.
- 8Monaco Cathedral (Saint Nicholas)
Louis Bréa's Saint Nicholas altarpiece (1500) and the altar of Saint Roman, honoured every 9 August; 20 min.