How Big is Monte Carlo?

The size of Monte Carlo is 1.95 sq. km. (0.8 sq. mi). It is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. It is about the size of Central Park in New York City. It is an administrative sector of the Monaco Principality. Its population is about 15,000 in the Quarter.

Overview

The place is famous for its casinos. The Le Grand Casino is part of the Quarter. Larvotto beach, Saint-Roman/Tenao and Saint-Michel are also part of the area. The place is the site of Monaco Grand Prix. It hosts other sporting events like the World Backgammon Championship, the European Poker Tour Grand Final and several boxing matches.

The area is also a frequent host of fashion shows. The Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament does not take place in the area however; it is actually held in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin which is
nearby.

Despite the small size of Monte Carlo, it is host to other major sporting events. The Monte Carlo Rally is held there. From 1973 to 2008, the area was actually the place where the season starts.

Tourist Attraction

Monte Carlo is widely recognized for being one of Europe’s finest tourist resorts. However, a lot of the major attractions are not really in the area but in other parts of Monaco. One of the premiere destinations is Monaco-Ville.

Some of the major attractions are the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, the Napoleon Museum and the Monaco Cathedral. Another tourist attraction is the Hotel de Paris.

In Culture

The beauty of the place has made it a mainstay in several films and television programs. It has been featured in several James Bond films including Casino Royale (2006), GoldenEye (1995) and Never Say Never Again (1983).

The 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film To Catch a Thief was also set in the place. The film starred Grace Kelly, who would eventually become Princess Grace of Monaco.

History

The area was established in 1866. The name is translated as “Mount Charles” after Charles III, who was then ruler of Monaco. The earliest recorded mention of Monaco is in 43 BC. It was in the 12th century when the place fell to Genoa. The area would become a success in the 1860s following the establishment of casinos there.

Despite the small size of Monte Carlo, it continues to be one of the major tourist attractions in Europe. It is now visited by royalties, celebrities and other famous personalities regularly.