Prince Albert II welcomed French and Italian officials to Monaco on Friday 10th October to celebrate a decade of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, a cross-border network that now includes almost 150 municipalities with historical links to the Grimaldi family.
Mayors and representatives from a wide range of French and Italian regions, including Alsace, Calabria, Normandy, Auvergne, Piedmont and Puglia, attended the ceremony hosted by Prince Albert II. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco (SHGM), launched in 2015.
The network was officially founded on 10th July 2015 at the Palais de Carnolès in Menton by Jean-Claude Guibal, then deputy mayor of the city, and Prince Albert II. Its aim is to strengthen historical, cultural and civic links between the Principality and communities historically connected to the Grimaldi dynasty.
Prince recalls early connections and network milestones
In his address, Prince Albert described how the initiative developed from a series of local visits and commemorations.
“My father Prince Rainier III had already had the idea, in 1997, to involve the territories you represent in the commemoration of the 700 years of Grimaldi presence in Monaco,” he said.
The Prince referred to a visit to Saint-Lô in 2010, where he supported the acquisition of a historic bust, and recalled the warm reception he received from local officials.
“The welcome I was given naturally led me to respond regularly to invitations from local authorities,” he said.
The annual ‘Rencontres’ were introduced in 2018. An Italian association was formed in 2020, followed by the creation of a federation in Monaco in 2022, now chaired by the Prince. The SHGM now includes nearly 150 towns and regions.
“These visits are moments of history and memory, but also of dialogue with citizens and working meetings with regional leaders,” Prince Albert said. “I learn about local challenges, many of which are also relevant to Monaco: mobility, environmental sustainability, energy, maritime policy and cross-border relations.”
Recognition for those who contributed to the network’s creation
The Prince paid tribute to two individuals who played key roles in the establishment and growth of the SHGM. Jean-Claude Guibal, the former deputy mayor of Menton, and Albert Croesi, who coordinated the annual meetings until his death, were both acknowledged during the ceremony.
“We would not be here without the initiative taken in 2015 by the late Jean-Claude Guibal,” said the Prince. “Albert Croesi had great organisational skills and infectious enthusiasm. His commitment played a key role in the success of our annual meetings.”
Other long-standing contributors to the network were also recognised, including Philippe Gosselin, Member of Parliament for La Manche and vice-president of the French association, and Fulvio Gazzola, who helped establish the Italian chapter.
Focus on restoration and education
Prince Albert highlighted the progress made in restoring and promoting shared cultural heritage.
“Many heritage elements have been restored. Exhibitions have been organised, monographs and specialist studies have been published, and tourist itineraries have been created,” he said.
He thanked the archival services, museums and local institutions that collaborated with Monaco’s own heritage services to support these projects.
The evening included the screening of a short film by Yann-Antony Noghès. The film will be distributed to member municipalities and tourism offices.
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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace