Prince Albert II of Monaco returned to his family’s ancestral ties on Wednesday 14th May with a deeply symbolic visit to Irsina, a picturesque hilltop town in southern Italy once ruled by the Grimaldis. The visit, rich in heritage and pageantry, marked a highlight in the ongoing celebration of Monaco’s dynastic past across Europe.

To rousing applause, the Prince unveiled a sign officially welcoming Irsina into the network of Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco, reaffirming a centuries-old bond between the Principality and this historic town, once known as Montepeloso. On the charming Piazza San Francesco, Prince Albert inaugurated a commemorative plaque marking his visit and delivered a heartfelt address, reflecting on the enduring legacy of his ancestors.

The Prince then visited two architectural gems at the heart of Irsina’s spiritual and historical identity: the Church of San Francesco and the Cathedral of Santa Eufemia. A particularly moving moment came as he viewed a newly restored Grimaldi funerary monument — a rare relic of the family’s presence in the region and a powerful symbol of shared heritage.

Irsina’s connection to Monaco stretches back to the 16th century, when Girolamo Grimaldi, a relative of Prince Honoré I, held the town as a feudal lord. Centuries later, the Prince’s visit brought that history vividly to life, bridging the past and present in an atmosphere of warm community spirit and pride.

Prince Albert’s Italian journey continues on Thursday 15th May with a visit to the ancient city of Pompeii, where he will tour the famed archaeological site and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary — a place cherished by Princess Grace for her devotion to the rosary.

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Photos credit: Axel Bastello / Palais princier