statue fran ois grimaldi monaco

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The Prince`s Palace of Monaco, built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Legend relates that in January 1297 FranÃÂ§ois Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, sought shelter at the castle. On obtaining entry he murdered the guard, whereupon his men appeared and captured the castle. Thus the fortress became the stronghold of the Grimaldi. This event is commemorated by a statue of FranÃÂ§ois Grimaldi in the precincts of the palace and in the arms of the House of Grimaldi where FranÃÂ§ois is depicted wielding a sword while in the garb of a monk.