Fort Antoine

Fort Antoine sits at the eastern end of the Rock, built in the early eighteenth century to cover the approach from the sea and rebuilt in 1953 after damage in the Second World War, and since 1970 it has served as an open-air theatre with seating set inside the walls. Summer performances run there. Outside the season the fort is open as a viewpoint over the port and the coast east. The fort's guns were mounted in a pyramid of cannonballs that survives at the entrance as a decorative feature.

History

Prince Antoine I built the fort in 1714, with underground barracks and a cistern. Prince Rainier III had the ruined fort rebuilt in 1953, and since 1970 it has been an open-air theatre that keeps its military look, with a bartizan and a pyramid of cannonballs at the centre (Wikipedia, Fort Antoine Theatre).

What's there

• The converted fort - eighteenth-century walls holding a theatre.
• The open-air seating - the auditorium built inside the enclosure.
• The port view - the harbour and the coast east from the walls.
• The summer programme - the performances run in the fort.

When to go

June to August is the performance season. The fort is open as a viewpoint outside it. Performances are evening only.

Good to know

Outside the summer season there is little beyond the view. Performances are mostly in French. The fort itself is small and heavily rebuilt.

Nearby

The Palace is west, and the port is below.

Key facts