IRSINA – On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, Prince Albert II of Monaco paid a poignant visit to Irsina, a scenic hilltop town in southern Italy with centuries-old ties to the Grimaldi dynasty. The journey was a key moment in Monaco’s broader initiative to honour its dynastic heritage across Europe, blending historical reverence with community celebration.
During a public ceremony marked by enthusiastic applause, Prince Albert officially welcomed Irsina into the Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco, a network dedicated to preserving locations of historical significance to the Grimaldi family. In the heart of Piazza San Francesco, he unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion and delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the enduring connection between the Principality and this former fief, once known as Montepeloso.
The Prince’s visit included stops at two of Irsina’s most revered religious and architectural landmarks: the Church of San Francesco and the Cathedral of Santa Eufemia. One of the most symbolic moments came as Prince Albert observed a recently restored Grimaldi funerary monument. This rare and significant artifact serves as a physical reminder of the Grimaldi family’s historical presence in the region and reinforces the cultural bond between Monaco and Irsina.
Irsina’s historical link to Monaco dates back to the 16th century, when Girolamo Grimaldi, a relative of Prince Honoré I, governed the town as a feudal lord. Prince Albert’s presence brought this lineage to life, fostering a sense of unity between past and present and strengthening the spirit of heritage within the local community.
The Prince’s Italian itinerary continued the following day, Thursday, 15 May, with a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary — a site held dear by Princess Grace of Monaco due to her personal devotion to the rosary. This sequence of visits underlines Prince Albert’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Monaco’s history while nurturing cultural diplomacy abroad.
