Dolceacqua- An Ancestral Home of Monaco

Painting depicting the Coat of Arms of families Grimaldi and Doria

Nestled in the Val Nervia of Liguria, just a few kilometres from the Italian Riviera, lies Dolceacqua. This medieval village, famous for its Rossese wine and the "stone butterfly" bridge painted by Claude Monet, holds a historical secret: it is the ancestral home of the Grimaldi family of Monaco.

The link between this Italian hamlet and the Principality of Monaco is not just a footnote of history; it is a bond of blood, tragedy, and modern-day friendship.

To understand the connection, we must look at the two powerful dynasties that shaped the region: the Doria of Dolceacqua and the Grimaldi of Monaco.

In the 12th century, the Doria family built the Castello dei Doria, which still looms over the village today. For centuries, the Doria and the Grimaldi were rivals, often finding themselves on opposite sides of the Guelf and Ghibelline feuds that tore through Italy and France.

The turning point came in the early 16th century. In an attempt to solidify peace and political power, a marriage was arranged. In 1506, Francesca Grimaldi (sister of the Lord of Monaco, Jean II) married Lucchino Doria of Dolceacqua.

This union was intended to merge the interests of the two families, but it instead paved the way for a dark chapter in their shared history.

The most dramatic link between the two houses occurred on August 22, 1523. Bartolomeo Doria, the nephew of the Lord of Monaco (Lucien Grimaldi), murdered his uncle within the palace walls of Monaco.

Bartolomeo’s goal was to seize the Lordship of Monaco for the Doria family. However, the plan backfired. The people of Monaco rose up against the assassin, forcing Bartolomeo to flee back to the safety of his castle in Dolceacqua. This act of "fratricide" created a deep, centuries-long rift between the two territories.

Modern Reconciliation: The "Twin" Towns

For nearly 500 years, the relationship between Dolceacqua and Monaco remained formal but distant. It wasn't until the 21st century that the two communities decided to transform their bloody history into a symbol of European unity.

• 2011: Prince Albert II of Monaco made an official visit to Dolceacqua, the first by a Grimaldi since the Renaissance.

• The Grimaldi Sites: Dolceacqua was officially recognized as part of the "Grimaldi Historic Sites," a network of towns with ancestral links to the Prince’s family.

• The Twinning (2023): On November 3, 2023- exactly 500 years after the tragic events of 1523- Prince Albert II and the Mayor of Dolceacqua signed an official twinning agreement. This act "closed the circle" of history, replacing a legacy of betrayal with one of cultural cooperation.

Prince Albert II’s relationship with Dolceacqua is much more than a historical curiosity; it is a modern partnership defined by personal affection and significant financial and cultural investment.

The Prince has transformed the ancestral "rift" into a "bridge" through several key initiatives and investments:

1. The Twinning and Cultural Infrastructure

In November 2023, Prince Albert II officially signed a twinning agreement between Monaco and Dolceacqua. This wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it unlocked new levels of cooperation:

• The Doria-Grimaldi Multimedia Room: Monaco funded and supported the creation of a high-tech multimedia room within the Doria Castle. It allows visitors to explore the shared 500-year history through digital archives, including a digital copy of the original 1523 loyalty oath.

  
  

• Artistic Exchanges: The Prince personally facilitated the loan of precious artworks, such as the Saint Devote Altarpiece (by Louis Bréa), between the two towns, elevating Dolceacqua’s status on the European cultural circuit.

  
  

2. Infrastructure: The Monaco-Dolceacqua Cycle Path

One of the Prince's most tangible investments into the local economy was the sponsorship of a local bicycle track. Following his first official visit in 2013, the Monaco government supported the construction of a path connecting Dolceacqua to the coastal areas. This has significantly boosted "slow tourism" in the Val Nervia, bringing Riviera travelers directly into the village.

3. Environmental and Humanitarian Support

The Prince often extends support to Dolceacqua as part of his broader commitment to the Ligurian region:

• Storm Alex Recovery (2020): When the devastating Storm Alex hit the region, the Principality of Monaco mobilized a €3 million fund to restore historic monuments and infrastructure in the affected valleys. While much of this went to the Roya and Vésubie valleys, the solidarity shown strengthened the bond with all neighboring Ligurian towns, including Dolceacqua.

  
  

• Sustainable Development: Through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, there is ongoing cooperation on environmental projects, including water management and the preservation of the local landscape, which the Prince views as an extension of his own "backyard."

  
  

4. Personal Presence as "Honorary Citizen"

In 2018, Prince Albert II was made an Honorary Citizen of Dolceacqua. He is a frequent visitor, often seen attending local festivals or the "Rossese di Dolceacqua" wine events. His presence acts as a powerful marketing tool; whenever the Prince visits, international media follows, placing a global spotlight on this small Italian village.

Why Visit Dolceacqua Today?

If you visit this enchanting village, you can still feel the weight of this history:

• Castello Doria: You can tour the ruins of the castle where the Doria family ruled and see exhibits detailing the Grimaldi connection.

• The Monet Bridge: Cross the same bridge that Monet described as a "jewel of lightness."

• The Grimaldi Coat of Arms: Look closely at the historical markers in the "Terra" (the old town) to see the shared heraldry of the region.

  
  

Dolceacqua remains a place where the rugged beauty of the Ligurian Alps meets the elegance of the Mediterranean, anchored by a royal history that is finally at peace.