His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco traveled to the Piedmont town of Ceva on Friday, January 30, 2026, where he was warmly received by local authorities and residents in a ceremony underscoring centuries-old connections between the Grimaldi family and northern Italy.
The visit formed part of the Prince’s ongoing efforts to honor and preserve the historical legacy of his family, the ruling house of Monaco. Ceva joined the network of Historic Grimaldi Sites of Monaco, an initiative that recognizes communities with documented ties to the Grimaldi dynasty and promotes shared cultural heritage across borders.
Upon arrival, Prince Albert was greeted by local officials, including Mayor Fabio Montinelli, amid a crowd of residents waving Italian and Monégasque flags. The Sovereign then proceeded to the Teatro Marenco, a local cultural venue, where he delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of safeguarding common history and fostering links between the communities shaped by Grimaldi influence.
The centerpiece of the event was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque formalizing Ceva’s inclusion in the Historic Grimaldi Sites network. The plaque also marked the Prince’s official visit. The ties between Ceva and the Grimaldis trace back to the 16th century, including notable alliances such as the 1503 marriage of Sestarine Grimaldi to Charles Garessio, Marquis of Ceva, and the later adoption of the Ceva-Grimaldi surname by branches of the family in 1528.
Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Sarah Steck / Palais princier