Representatives from towns across France and Italy have been invited to the Principality for the upcoming Meeting of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network, a union of municipalities from all over Europe that have links to Monaco’s dynastic family. The gathering is also open to the wider public and will offer a packed programme of activities and events.
Between 15th and 16th June, representatives from two French and 10 Italian towns and villages will be heading to the Place du Palais in Monaco for a celebration of their shared heritage and ancestral ties to Monaco’s ruling family.
All are part of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network, a confederation of nearly 150 municipalities in mainland France, Corsica, Italy and Andorra that are in some way linked to the Principality.
See more: Heritage sites in Monaco that are well worth a visit
Visitors will this year include people from Breil-sur-Roya and Bathernay in France as well as Ventimiglia, Olivetta San Michele, Airole, Ripacandida, Campagna, Monteverde, Spinazzola, Poggiorsini, Terlizzi and Canosa di Puglia in Italy.
For these municipalities, the gathering is an opportunity to showcase their own cultural identities and learn more about the rich patchwork of Grimaldi ties that bind them.
See more: Prince Albert II traces the Italian branches of the Grimaldi family tree in Liguria
The event also allows interested locals and members of the public to discover towns and villages that might be new to them and make connections with residents from these destinations.
In a weekend sure to be filled with unforgettable encounters, these communities will come together to share stories, traditions and customs, weaving a tapestry of memories and experiences that will leave a lasting impression on all involved.
On the programme this year is a variety of folk dancing and live music performances as well as games, a petting farm and a very special sound and light show at 10pm on 15th June, which will see the façade of the Prince’s Palace illuminated with a story retelling “the history of the links between the invited towns and the Grimaldi dynasty”.
See more: Monaco to celebrate its historical heritage with the Rencontres Grimaldi
The event is entirely free and open to all. For a complete rundown of the schedule as well as for practical information and backstories on the municipalities taking part, click here.
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Photo credit: Frédéric Nébinger / Monaco Communications Department