Palais Princier de Monaco

From the Palais Princier de Monaco (visitepalaisdemonaco.com; adult/child €10/5) high up in Monaco-Ville, the Grimaldi family has ruled over the principality since the late 13th century. As it's still the official residence of the sovereign family, only the Grands Appartements, or staterooms, are open to public eyes – and only between April and October for self-guided visits with an audio guide (except for the Formula One Grand Prix weekend). These formal rooms, which still have a ceremonial function, display a princely penchant for heavy drapery, extensive gold-leaf paneling and fine art. The entire experience has been elevated with the uncovering of over 600 sq meters (and counting) of captivating Renaissance frescoes that depict three heroes from antiquity – Hercules, Odysseus and Europa – hidden for centuries under layers of paint. The work is ongoing, as the meters of scaffolding attest, using natural solvents and environmentally friendly solutions to gradually restore walls and ceilings to their original decoration. It's a project those at the palace believe will last the lifetime of the current sovereign, His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II. Time your visit around the changing of the guards, daily at 11.55am.