Monte Carlo, Monaco

How much fun can you have with bronze if you think outside tradition? How much fun with color? Here, in front of Monte Carolo's Casino, with surfaces that are "enfolded and caressed by light that transforms their masses into light shapes," Sophia Vari demonstrates the power of abstraction and color to appropriate open space. [2008]

Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Every country needs a creation myth.Here, in bronze, is Monaco's. François Grimaldi, disguised as a humble friar, took the Rock of Monaco in 1297 by force. See the sword? He needed the rock to launch an attack on Genoa and restore his family to power there. The principality is still governed by the House of Grimaldi. [2008]

Monte Carlo, Monaco

What activities give character to the place where you live? If you lived in Monaco, motor racing would be one of them. It contributes to the spirit of place and is perpetuated in popular culture. Hot hat, don't you think? [2008]

La Condamine, Monaco

What do you like better:  the gnarled olive or the empurpled azalea? Put them together and you have a gnarly challenge to the emblued empyrean. [2008]

Port Hercule, Monaco

According to ancient tradition, Hercules built the coastal road from Italy to Spain. One of the finest harbors along that road is known today as Port Hercule. Today, it is in the Principality of Monaco. [2008]

La Condamine, Monaco

The day's done, and the slipshoes have returned to their home sill. The navy blues carry on a conversation with the potted plant, while the dolphin-eyed blues keep watch over the sidewalk below. Which one will be your avatar? The deep-rooted loner? The conversationalist who always finds someone to talk to? Or the ever-watchful looking for adventure? [2008]

La Condamine, Monaco

Before you enter Parc Antoinette in Monaco take one last look at the clock. Soon you will be engulfed in a world of enchantment and time will stand still, at least if you are a kid. Floral clocks are relatively rare, but they should be part of green cities everywhere. [2008]

La Condamine, Monaco

 

Sainte Devote, a young Christian martyred by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, is the patron saint of Monaco. On a raft, her body was guided by a dove to the Monegasque coast, to the place where we find her chapel today. Devote's miracles are perhaps attested by Monaco's independence, a miracle in itself. [2008]

Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Is it a cathedral or a cemetery? Both. Monaco's cathedral is where the archbishop has his seat, but it is also where the royals have their graves. Apparently, death is not the great equalizer after all. [2008]

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Everybody on the tourist circuit must take pictures of the same thing, in this case the Monte Carlo Casino. In fact, entire landscapes are designed around the quest to give visitors the perfect angle on scenes that will make a place look perfect. [2008]

Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Monaco's Palace Guards were commissioned in 1817 to keep the grounds under surveillance. How quaint. We don't need people today; we have technology to do that. The message is the same, however: Stay in line or the authorities will get you. Do you see the Grimaldi coat-of-arms on the guard booth? [2008]

Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Take a look at the most densely populated country in the world: Monaco. This view is from 'The Rock,' Monaco's original site. The vertical cliff is the frontier with France. Monaco's history began with La Rocher when it was fortified by the Grimaldis. At one time, this cannon repelled invaders. Today, it attracts invaders: they are known as tourists. [2008]

Monte Carlo, Monaco

One of the places to be seen in Europe is Monte Carlo, with the casino on one side and the Hotel de Paris on the other. And what better way to be seen than behind the wheel of a luxury convertible? Do you think this couple could have driven to Monaco from Britain? [2008]