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The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldi ruled the area first as feudal lords, and from 17th century as sovereign princes. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace and its owners became symbols of the slightly risqué glamor and decadence that were associated with Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. Glamor and theatricality became reality when the American film star Grace Kelly became châtelaine of the palace in 1956. In the 21th century, the palace remains the residence of the current Prince of Monaco.