Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation

The Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation is a baroque chapel in Monaco housing a collection of 17th-century religious artworks. The interior is anchored by a Carrara marble altarpiece, while the walls display paintings by Old Masters from across Europe.

Charlotte de Gramont, wife of Prince Louis I, commissioned the chapel between 1665 and 1675 as a convent for the Visitandine order. The building reflects the construction and artistic traditions of the Mediterranean region from that era.

The chapel is dedicated to the Visitation of Mary, and this religious meaning still shapes how people experience the space today. Visitors sense the connection between artwork and prayer that has remained alive here for centuries.

A visit takes about 20 minutes and requires no special preparation. The chapel sits centrally in Monaco but is modest in size, so visitors can move through all areas without rushing.

The Genoese baroque architecture features ionic columns decorated with elaborate carved fruit and flower garlands, an unexpected ornamental detail reflecting local craftsmanship. This stone carving distinguishes it from more austere baroque styles found elsewhere.