His Serene Highness Prince Albert II continued his personal journey through the ancestral lands of the Grimaldi family with a visit to southern Italy, following a recent trip to the Ardennes…
On Wednesday, May 14th, the Sovereign visited Irsina in Basilicata and the archaeological site of Pompeii, highlighting once more the enduring historical links between the Grimaldi dynasty and various regions across Europe.
The visit to Irsina marked the town’s entry into the Italian Association of Historic Sites linked to the Grimaldi family. This recognition reflects both the historical importance of the location and Monaco’s commitment to preserving shared cultural heritage. According to Monaco’s Ambassador to Italy, Anne Eastwood, the trip was also a moving tribute to Princess Grace, and part of a broader initiative to strengthen cultural ties between Monaco and Italy.
In Irsina, as in previous visits to Montemurro and Ripacandida, the Prince was met with enthusiasm from both local authorities and the public, including schoolchildren. These visits offer smaller municipalities an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and reinforce their ties to the Principality, while gaining visibility on a broader stage.
This royal engagement also coincided with the recent relaunch of the Italo-Monegasque Joint Commission, which had not met in nearly a decade. The commission provides a platform for bilateral dialogue, helping to advance diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
As the Sovereign continues these symbolic visits, he not only honours the past but also reinforces Monaco’s presence and partnerships in Europe, particularly in regions where shared history remains alive in the hearts of local communities.
Image: Monaco Info
