Famous Monegasques
Anywhere in the Principality you will probably hear English, French, Russian, Italian, and possibly
more languages spoken. Monaco is truly a multi-national playground and its residents multi-lingual.
However, the Monaco Constitution of 1962 stipulates French as its only official language. But if you
stroll through the narrow streets of Le Rocher, you may hear yet another language that is strange
to your ears. Munegascu, the native language of Monaco, considered a Ligurian dialect, is now only
spoken by elderly Monegasques. For generations, Munegascu was only passed on verbally and did not
have an official grammar system. But thanks to Louis Notari, it began to be taught in the Principality
schools about 20 years ago.
To introduce you to the life and work of the famous Monegasque, we met his grandson Frederic Notari
and his great-granddaughter Charlotte Lubert-Notari who still live in the Principality.
Посетив Монако, вы, возможно, решите, что сюда съехалась вся Европа. Англичане, французы, русские,
итальянцы… Каких языков здесь только не услышишь! Однако, согласно Конституции Монако от 1962
года, только французский язык является официальным в Княжестве. Тем не менее, прогуливаясь по
узким улочкам Ле-Роше, вы можете услышать диалект, на котором сейчас свободно разговаривают лишь
пожилые монегаски. Munegascu — родной язык подданных Княжества Монако, который считается
диалектом лигурийского. Долгое время он был частью устной традиции и не имел четкой грамматической
системы. Только около 20 лет назад его начали преподавать в школах Княжества. Это стало возможным
благодаря Луи Нотари, который известен, пожалуй, каждому жителю Монако.
Для того чтобы ближе познакомиться с жизнью и творчеством знаменитого монегаска, мы решили
встретиться с его внуком Фредериком Нотари и правнучкой Шарлоттой Люберт-Нотари, которые до сих пор
живут и работают в Княжестве.
I
n 1980, Monaco celebrated the
100th anniversary of Louis Notari’s
birth with a major cultural event,
presided over by Prince Rainier III
and Princess Grace. The National
Library and one of the Principality
streets still bear his name. Why does the
princely family and the Monegasque people
pay so much tribute to this man? To answer this
question, let’s go back to the late 19th century.
One of the oldest
families in Monaco
O
n his mother’s side, Louis Notari,
born in 1879, belonged to the
Crovetto family, one of the oldest in
Monaco. To this day, six generations of Notari
Olive tree planting in front of the Town Hall
have lived in the Principality. According to his
of Monaco. 1932
grandson Frederic, the Notari family comes
from Switzerland. Louis’ ancestors were
Freemasons and settled down in Monaco following their duties. Among other things, Louis
Notari’s father took part in the construction of Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
Once the Notaris set foot in Monaco, they never left. The family originally lived on Avenue
des Citronniers, which today would be next door to the Metropol Hotel, but it has long since
been demolished.
Louis Notari — an architect, politician
and poet
L
ouis was one of three boys: Andre, a lawyer; Leon, a doctor; and Louis, who followed
in the footsteps of his father. Once he finished his studies at Collège des Jésites de la
Visitation (now the Lyceum of Albert I), he attended the Polytechnic School of Turin.
After graduating as an engineer-architect, the young man furthered his career back in Monaco.
In 1911, Prince Albert I appointed Louis Notari as Head of Public Works (Direction
«The legend of Saint Devote», the first work in
the native Monegasque language written by
Notari. Article about Louis Notari in the local
newspaper Nice Matin, 1974
Hello Monaco Spring–Summer 2018 / 97