Mareterra: The New District of the Principality of Monaco

The big day had finally arrived. On Wednesday, December 4, the Principality of Monaco inaugurated the new neighborhood built on the sea, named Mareterra.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, and their two children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, officially marking the opening of this new urban area in the heart of the Principality, near Larvotto. Mareterra is an innovative project, the second sea-based district in the Principality after Fontvieille, which was created by Prince Rainier II in the 1970s.

However, unlike Fontvieille, Mareterra was designed as a cutting-edge, eco-sustainable neighborhood, in line with the continued interest of Sovereign Prince Albert II in environmental issues.

The Mareterra construction site was developed without interrupting the economic and social life of the Principality. The first step, according to the Prince’s instructions, was to protect the seabed, followed by the gradual construction of buildings, roads, and gathering spaces. It is an impressive yet discreet project, perfectly integrated into its surrounding environment.

Covering six hectares, Mareterra, previously known as Portier Cove, was designed by internationally renowned architects Renzo Piano, Denis Valode, and Michel Desvigne. The new district offers an exclusive selection of residences, including 110 apartments and 10 villas, six of which are sea-facing.

As with any major inauguration, the opening of Mareterra was accompanied by celebrations, though these were reserved exclusively for the Monegasque population. Among the invited guests were the royal family and everyone involved in the creation of the neighborhood, from workers and craftsmen to the architects.

The day ended with concerts, performances, and a spectacular fireworks display that delighted the crowd. The fireworks, designed with ecological principles in mind, were built in Europe without plastic or polluting materials, and any residue falling into the sea was immediately collected by a specialized company.

Mareterra became accessible to the public starting Thursday, December 5.