Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House

The Casino de Monte-Carlo opened in 1865 and rescued bankrupt Monaco so successfully that Prince Charles III could abolish income tax for his citizens in exchange. The present Belle Epoque building, with its mansard roof, gilded atrium and adjoining Salle Garnier opera house, was designed in 1878 by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera. Mata Hari is said to have spied here, Sarah Bernhardt performed at its opening galas, and the rooms inspired Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. Monegasque citizens have always been forbidden to gamble, so the glamour is reserved for visitors. Today there is an entrance fee just to see the marble atriums and chandeliered halls, while in the evening Bentleys roll up onto the forecourt that flanks the Formula 1 circuit.