The Grimaldi dynasty: a presence in Monaco for over seven centuries

Having reigned over the Rocher since 1297, the Grimaldi family has an extremely long, rich history.

The Grimaldis are descended from Grimaldo Canella, a twelfth-century statesman from Genoa whose first name became the family surname. Grimaldo Canella served as Consul of Genoa several times and had many descendants who distinguished themselves, particularly at sea.

Having become one of the most powerful families in Genoa, the House of Grimaldi sided with the Pope during the long conflict in medieval Italy which pitted his supporters, the Guelphs, against supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor, the Ghibellines.

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Antoine I was a protector and friend of the arts, particularly music. Some years later, Jacques I was a discerning collector of paintings during the Enlightenment. 

In 1793, the country’s history was temporarily interrupted by the French Revolution. Monaco lost its independence and, until the fall of the Empire, remained a small French city.

After the Restoration, Honoré V faced a difficult situation, both economically and politically. His successor, Florestan I, endured the secession of the communes of Menton and Roquebrune, which accounted for more than 80% of the Principality’s former territory.