All About Royal Families

Faith, legend and a deeply rooted Monegasque tradition Hidden between the harbour and the steep rock of Monaco, the Church of Sainte Dévote is one of the Principality’s most meaningful spiritual landmarks. Small in scale yet immense in symbolism, this sanctuary tells a story that has shaped Monaco’s identity for centuries. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the Church of Sainte Dévote myself. Stepping inside, away from the movement of the port and the surrounding city, the atmosphere immediately invites calm and reflection. It is a place where time seems to slow, allowing history, faith, and tradition to speak softly but clearly. Who was Sainte Dévote? Sainte Dévote, also known as Saint Devota, is the patron saint of Monaco and the Patron Saint of the Princely Family of Monaco . According to tradition, she was a young Christian from Corsica who was martyred around the year 303 during Roman persecutions. After her death, her body was placed on a boat, destined for burial elsewhe...

In November 2021, I visited "La Monnaie" a famous opera house in central Brussels. This place even had an important place in the history of Belgium. So, let's take a look at the amazing history of this wonderful opera house. La Monnaie outside own picture taken in November 2021 History The first permanent public theatre for opera performances of the court and City of Brussels was built between 1695 and 1700 by the Venetian architects Paolo and Pietro Bezzi, as part of a rebuilding plan following the bombardment of Brussels of 1695 by the French army of King Louis XIV . It was erected on the site of a building which had served to mint coins. The name of this site—La Monnaie (originally spelled La Monnoye) in French or De Munt in Dutch (both meaning "The Mint")—remained attached to the theatre for the centuries to come. The construction of the theatre had been ordered by  Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria , at that time Governor of the ...