A Constellation of Friendship: Prince Albert II Strengthens Monaco’s Historic Ties with Italy

In the heart of Piedmont’s Langhe region, the Sovereign Prince revisits centuries-old dynastic connections, celebrating the living heritage and enduring friendship that unite Monaco and Italy.

Among the rolling vineyards and medieval villages of Piedmont, centuries of European history came to life as H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco visited three Italian towns whose past is closely intertwined with that of the House of Grimaldi.

On 9 October 2026, the Sovereign Prince travelled to Niella Belbo, Cerreto Langhe and Novello, in the province of Cuneo, for a journey that extended far beyond ceremonial engagements. Against the picturesque backdrop of the Langhe hills, the visit celebrated ancestral connections, regional traditions and the remarkable ability of shared history to inspire lasting friendships.

A Legacy Written Across Centuries

The ties between Monaco and Piedmont date back to the Middle Ages, when matrimonial alliances between the Grimaldi dynasty and the noble Del Carretto family, established during the 14th and 15th centuries, connected the Principality with territories across northern Italy.

These ancestral relationships form part of the heritage preserved by the Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco, an expanding network of towns and communities historically associated with the Princely Family.

First established in France in 2015, the initiative took shape in Italy in 2020 under the leadership of Fulvio Gazzola, Mayor of Dolceacqua in Liguria. Today, the Italian association brings together nearly sixty municipalities, celebrating not only their historical connections with Monaco but also the distinctive cultural, gastronomic and artisanal traditions that define them.

For Prince Albert II, the visit offered an opportunity to encounter this heritage where it continues to live — in the architecture, landscapes and communities of Piedmont.

Three Towns, One Remarkable Heritage

The journey began in Niella Belbo, where the Sovereign Prince was welcomed by Mayor Emanuele Sottimano near the town’s historic castle.

A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of Ca’ Balon, a cultural museum dedicated to pallapugno, a traditional Piedmontese ball game deeply embedded in local identity.

For a Prince whose commitment to sport has long been part of his public life, the occasion carried a particular importance. In his address, Albert II reflected on the value of sporting traditions that express a community’s identity while bringing people together across generations.

The next stop was Cerreto Langhe, where Mayor Flavio Borgna accompanied the Prince on a visit to an old house traditionally associated with the Del Carretto family.

The encounter offered a tangible connection to the past. Albert II expressed how moving it was to discover a place that local memory continues to associate with his ancestors.

Yet it was the human dimension of such visits that he considered equally meaningful: the opportunity to meet residents, exchange ideas with local representatives and discover the initiatives through which communities preserve their heritage.

The day’s final destination was Novello, where Prince Albert II was received by Mayor Marco Pallaro.

Here, surrounded by the celebrated vineyards of the Langhe, the Prince addressed local representatives and residents near the historic castle. He praised the region’s agricultural excellence and the dedication of those who cultivate its land, highlighting the importance of regional products as expressions of cultural identity.

The landscape itself seemed to embody the spirit of the visit: a place where history, craftsmanship and centuries of tradition remain inseparable from everyday life.

Diplomacy Rooted in Friendship

The journey followed a significant moment in relations between Monaco and Italy.

Just one week earlier, on 2 and 3 October, President Sergio Mattarella had undertaken a historic State Visit to the Principality — the first by an Italian Head of State.

Welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, the President’s visit reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the two countries, their shared historical roots and the important contribution of Italian communities, particularly those from Liguria and Piedmont, to the life of Monaco.

During his speeches in Piedmont, Prince Albert II returned to President Mattarella’s recognition of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network, whose work has helped transform centuries-old connections into an active partnership between the Principality and Italian municipalities.

The Prince also expressed his appreciation to Fulvio Gazzola for his dedication to developing the Italian association, acknowledging the essential role of local leadership in keeping this collective heritage alive.

Together, these initiatives illustrate a form of cultural diplomacy that reaches beyond official institutions, finding its strength in communities, traditions and personal relationships.

Preserving History, Looking to the Future

While the visit celebrated the past, it also offered a glimpse of the future.

Prince Albert II outlined plans for a geolocation-based smartphone application, scheduled for development in 2027 under the auspices of the Federation of Grimaldi Historic Sites, which he personally chairs.

Designed to help visitors discover places connected to the history of the Grimaldi dynasty, the application will bring together historical information and modern navigation technology, encouraging travellers to explore lesser-known cultural landmarks.

Developed in cooperation with local tourism authorities, the initiative reflects a broader ambition: to make European heritage accessible to new generations while supporting the cultural and economic vitality of participating communities.

The Sovereign Prince also invited Niella Belbo, Cerreto Langhe and Novello to take part in a future edition of the Rencontres des Sites Historiques Grimaldi, traditionally held in June on the Palace Square in Monaco.

The gathering provides an opportunity for participating towns to present their traditions, regional specialities and craftsmanship, bringing the cultural diversity of these historic territories into the heart of the Principality.

A Living Heritage Beyond Borders

Prince Albert II’s journey through Piedmont was more than a return to ancestral places. It was a reminder that Europe’s history is not defined solely by royal dynasties, diplomatic milestones or architectural monuments, but also by the relationships that survive across centuries.

In the hilltop villages of the Langhe, the legacy of the Grimaldi family remains part of a wider cultural landscape, preserved through local memory and renewed through encounters between people.

What began centuries ago through dynastic alliances has evolved into a contemporary dialogue shaped by culture, hospitality and mutual respect.

Perhaps the most eloquent expression of this enduring bond came from Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who, during his State Visit to Monaco, described the historic connections between the Principality and Italy as:

“A constellation of places of friendship between the Principality and Italy.”