Monte Carlo

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Monte Carlo (Occitan: Montcarles, Monégasque: Monte-Carlu) is the wealthiest of Monaco's various administrative areas, sometimes erroneously believed to be the country's capital, even though there formally is none. Monte Carlo is known for its casinos, gambling, glamour, and for sightings of famous people. The permanent population is about 3000. Monte Carlo quarter includes, not only Monte Carlo proper where the casino is located, but also the neighborhoods of Saint Michel, Saint Roman/Tenao, and the beach community of Larvotto. It borders the French town of Beausoleil (formerly known as Haut-Monte-Carlo).

Founded in 1866, Monte Carlo has a name of Italian origin meaning "Mount Charles", named in compliment to the prince then reigning, Charles III of Monaco. The specific mountain is the escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps on which the town stands.

Monte Carlo is home to most of the Circuit de Monaco, on which the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix takes place; it also hosts world championship boxing bouts, the Monte Carlo Masters, fashion shows and other events. Monte Carlo has been visited by royalty as well as the general public and movie stars for decades. The quarter of Monte Carlo was served by tramways from 1900 to 1953, linking parts of Monaco. The Monte Carlo Rally is one of the longest running and most respected car rallies, and marks the start of each rally season as the first event on the World Rally Championship calendar.

Monte Carlo is one of Europe's leading tourist resorts, although many of the key tourist destinations are located in other parts of Monaco, including such attractions as Monaco Cathedral, the Napoleon Museum, the Oceanographic Museum and aquarium, and the Prince's Palace, all of which are located in Monaco-Ville.

The Casino

Most famous of the tourist attractions in Monte Carlo itself is the casino complex and the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, an opera and ballet house, and the headquarters of the Ballets de Monte Carlo. The citizens of Monaco are forbidden to enter the Monte Carlo Casino

See also

• Monte Carlo Casino

References

External links

• Travel guide for Monte Carlo and Monaco
• Official site about Monte Carlo thermae
• Monte Carlo - Fullscreen 360 degree Quicktime VR Panorama
• Monaco Portal
• Monte Carlo Review

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Last updated on Sunday March 09, 2008 at 21:11:36 PDT (GMT -0700)
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