Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco-Ville

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Discover the ecclesiastical center of the principality at this grand white-stone basilica where royals are married and locals worship.

Built in the Roman-Byzantine style, the grand Saint Nicholas Cathedral is an artistic marvel inside and out. The exterior has the same type of simple curves and bright white stone that also characterizes the nearby Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace, while the inside features a marble altar, mosaics and marble walls. Admire the elegant architecture and learn about the role of this important cathedral.

The cathedral was built in 1875 on the site of an earlier 13th-century church. Since then, it has hosted several royal marriages including that of Prince Rainier to Hollywood starlet Grace Kelly. Note that the church is also their final resting place as well as the burial site for other royals.

Before heading inside, take a moment to admire the façade. Three arches form a symmetrical entrance to the church, which is overlooked by a statue of Saint Nicholas. Three chapels dedicated to different saints adjoin the main building.

Explore the gleaming interior, which features a Carrara marble altar from the early 16th century. Religious mosaics, paintings and statues are spread throughout the building. Look for a stained-glass window from the medieval era. Walk past three naves and see the tombs where royalty, including Princess Grace, are buried.

Come here on a Sunday to hear the Monaco Boys' Choir sing Mass. Worshippers flock to the cathedral for the meeting, which begins in midmorning. High Masses are held during religious festivals and on Monaco's national holiday.

Wander the surrounding area to see other royal sites, such as the Prince's Palace. The State Apartments are open for the public to explore and contain paintings and frescoes in each room. The Oceanographic Museum, commissioned by Prince Albert I, is another architectural marvel in the neighborhood worth seeking out.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral is open to the public throughout the year except for occasional closures during private events. Entrance is free. To get here, take a bus to Place de la Visitation stop, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral.

Make the most of your time at Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Below is a list of the most popular activities:

Check out our Monaco things to do page to discover more activities while you're in the area.

Guide to Exploring around Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Japanese Garden

Experience the tranquility of the Far East among the waterfalls, lanterns and tea houses of this peaceful Asian-inspired garden.

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Casino Monte-Carlo

Take a trip to the glamorous heart of Monaco, where you can try your luck with games or simply explore the palatial landmark.

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Grimaldi Forum

The stylish multipurpose venue offers a varied program of theater, art and music and is one of Monte Carlo's most distinctive modern landmarks.

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Oceanographic Museum

Get a close look at a vast array of marine life at this striking museum, which seems to have been carved out of the cliff face.

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Palace Square (Place du Palais)

Stroll around this picturesque and historic square, which borders the official royal residence of Monaco.

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Casino Square (Place du Casino)

Watch people come and go on this central plaza, which is surrounded by some of the most elegant gambling venues in Europe.

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Monaco Harbour

Walk along the oceanfront in Monte Carlo and see superyachts, glamorous casinos, historic cathedrals and celebrated museums.

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Salle Garnier Opera House

Enjoy a night of opera in this extravagant theater in Monte Carlo's opulent casino, which features gilded columns and fresco-lined ceilings.

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Prince's Palace (Palais Princier)

Explore the gilded rooms at the official residence of Monaco's monarchs, a stately, grand building in the principality's old town.

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Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique)

Step away from the hubbub of the city and into these peaceful gardens, where a huge collection of succulent plants thrive.

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Old Château Cemetery (Cimetière du Vieux-Château)

Walk uphill through Menton’s old town to a tranquil old cemetery with beautiful stonemasonry and magnificent views across the harbor toward the Italian border.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Saint Nicholas Cathedral

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Fairmont Monte Carlo CA $308

Per night/room

Dec. 17 - Dec. 18

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Fairmont Monte Carlo

12 Avenue de Spélugues, Monte Carlo, Monaco

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Monaco hotel is located on the waterfront, steps away from Le Metropole Shopping Center, Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track and Casino Monte Carlo. Monaco Harbour and Grimaldi Forum are also within 15 minutes. Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 14 minutes by foot and Monte-Carlo-Country-Club Halt is 29 minutes.

Hotel Novotel Monte Carlo CA $202

Per night/room

Dec. 19 - Dec. 20

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Hotel Novotel Monte Carlo

16 Boulevard Princesse Charlotte, Monte Carlo, Monaco

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Monaco hotel is located in the shopping district, within a 10-minute walk of Casino Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track. Monaco Harbour and Grimaldi Forum are also within 15 minutes. Monte Carlo Monaco Station is only a 3-minute walk.

Riviera Marriott La Porte de Monaco CA $160

Per night/room

Dec. 22 - Dec. 23

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Riviera Marriott La Porte de Monaco

Port Cap D'ail, Cap d'Ail, Alpes-Maritimes

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located near the slopes, this Cap d'Ail hotel is in a national park, and within 1 mi (2 km) of Louis II Stadium, Chapiteau Espace Fontvieille and Prince's Palace (Palais Princier). Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) and Casino Monte Carlo are also within 2 mi (3 km). Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Hotel Port Palace CA $247

Per night/room

Dec. 29 - Dec. 30

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Hotel Port Palace

7 Avenue J-f Kennedy, Monte Carlo, Monaco

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Monaco hotel is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track, Monaco Harbour and Casino Monte Carlo. Prince's Palace (Palais Princier) and Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) are also within 1 mile (2 km). Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 7 minutes by foot.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo CA $761

Per night/room

Dec. 18 - Dec. 19

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Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Monte Carlo, this luxury hotel is steps away from Casino Square, Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track and Casino Monte Carlo. Monaco Harbour and Grimaldi Forum are also within 15 minutes. Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 12 minutes by foot.

Columbus Monte-Carlo CA $195

Per night/room

Jan. 5 - Jan. 6

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Columbus Monte-Carlo

23 Avenue Des Papalins, Monaco

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Monaco hotel is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Prince's Palace (Palais Princier) and Monaco Harbour. Casino Monte Carlo and Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art are also within 16 mi (25 km). Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 21 minutes by foot.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo CA $492

Per night/room

Dec. 18 - Dec. 19

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Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Square Beaumarchais, Monaco

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Monte Carlo, this beachfront hotel is in the city centre, just steps away from Casino Square, Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track and Casino Monte Carlo. Monaco Harbour and Grimaldi Forum are also within 15 minutes. Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Le Meridien Beach Plaza CA $240

Per night/room

Dec. 23 - Dec. 24

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Le Meridien Beach Plaza

22 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo, Monaco

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Monte Carlo, this beachfront hotel is in the city centre and within a 15-minute walk of Grimaldi Forum and Monte Carlo Formula 1 Track. Casino Monte Carlo and Monaco Harbour are also within 2 miles (3 km). Monte-Carlo-Country-Club Halt is 15 minutes by foot and Monte Carlo Monaco Station is 24 minutes.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Saint Nicholas Cathedral