Statue of Francesco Grimaldi

For over 700 years, the Grimaldi family has shaped the history, destiny, and identity of Monaco. Their incredible story begins with the bronze figure standing right in front of you. Meet Francesco Grimaldi. His close friends called him “Malizia,” which means “the Cunning.” You’ll soon see why he earned that nickname. Back in the early 13th century, the Italian city of Genoa was split between two rival factions. On one side were the Guelphs, loyal to the Pope. On the other, the Ghibellines, who supported the Holy Roman Emperor. Let’s just say peaceful coexistence wasn’t really their thing. In 1246, after losing a major clash, the Guelphs were forced to flee. Among them was our man Francesco, one of their top leaders. Always the strategist, Francesco began searching for a new stronghold not too far from his homeland—and that’s when he set his sights on the fortress of Monaco. There was just one tiny problem: it already belonged to the Ghibellines. But that didn’t stop him. On the night of January 8th, 1297, a man dressed as a Franciscan monk showed up at the gates of the fortress, claiming sanctuary. The guards, trusting and unsuspecting, let him in. Big mistake. The “monk” turned out to be none other than Francesco himself—armed and ready. In the chaos that followed, he and his cousin, along with their men, took control of the fortress. It didn’t last long—only about four years before the Ghibellines struck back—but it was enough. Francesco had laid the foundation of a dynasty. Since he had no children, the legacy passed to the descendants of his cousin Rainier I. And believe it or not, they’re still ruling to this day. Not bad for a guy in disguise!