10 August 2012

Concert at the Palace - the Gallery of Hercules


Whilst we wait for the concert to begin, we can enjoy a detail from the magnificent Gallery of Hercules.

It dates back to the reign of Stephen the Governor who wanted to give the Grimaldi residence the majestic, harmonious look of Genoese palaces. It is by the Milanese architect Domenico Gallo. The gallery vaults are frescoed with patterns reminiscent of Italian Renaissance leitmotifs while  in the fourteen lunettes, episodes narrate the childhood, toils and death of Hercules.

The Gallery of Hercules is particularly dear to the Monagesques. It is here that the Prince appears during important events while onlookers gather in the Courtyard of Honour (which is where we are sitting). You may recall the recent wedding of HSH Prince Albert and Miss Charlene Wittstock.

I wonder if I'm sitting in the same chair as did one of the crowned heads of Europe on that day ...



3 comments:

Nikon said...

Beautiful architecture and workmanship; so detailed. Your photos and the light are so crisp...

Anonymous said...

These last to building really do make the one with the beautiful reflection even uglier. i petition for a demolition-Leo

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful pictures! Philippe

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