From the Middle Ages to the Belle Époque
Among the Principality's architectural treasures, two districts in particular stand out for the great beauty of their buildings: the Rock and Monte Carlo. Both illustrate important chapters in the Principality's history. On the one hand, the struggle for political independence. On the other hand, the will to develop the tourist attraction.
The Rock: the charm of the old town
On the Rock, you will see some very beautiful old buildings as you wander through the narrow streets of the old town. While some of the houses date back to the Renaissance, the Prince's Palace was built at the very beginning of the 13th century and retains the vestiges of the Middle Ages through its fortress-like construction, to resist invaders. But the Rock is also home to other architectural treasures, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate of Monaco, in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, or the Oceanographic Museum, which belongs to the neo-Baroque movement.
Monte-Carlo: the glory of the Belle Époque
But the Rock is not the only place in Monaco to have preserved the imprint of particularly remarkable buildings. Walking through the streets of Monte-Carlo, and in particular around the Casino Square, you can admire the breathtaking work done on its hotels and gaming houses. The beautiful Hôtel de Paris marvels with its Belle Époque facade, while the Casino and the Monte-Carlo Opera dazzle with their baroque style, built under the impetus of the Blanc couple and the reign of Prince Charles III. As for the Hôtel Hermitage, it impresses with its Art Deco look and its magnificent dome signed by Gustave Eiffel
Practical housing in the 1970s
With an increasing attractiveness, due to its prestige, its climate and its advantageous tax policy, Monaco had to face a major problem: how to continue to house its population, and its foreign residents wishing to settle, when the territory is only two square kilometers in size? At the end of the 1960s, Prince Rainier III undertook several large-scale construction projects, which earned him the nickname "Prince Builder"
Fontvieille, the Larvotto: the Monegasque territory is growing
Prince Rainier III first undertook to enlarge the territory. To do so, he had no choice but to build two extensions on the Mediterranean. This is how the Larvotto and Fontvieille were born in the 1960s, allowing Monaco to expand by 20%. But to this must be added the construction of residences. Also, during your visit, you will cross the path of many typical buildings of the 1970s. Sober, square and multi-storey buildings, which can accommodate a very large number of residents
The avant-gardism of new constructions
The large ultra-modern, almost futuristic buildings will certainly not escape your attention. And among them, a double skyscraper, 170 meters high and 49 floors that stands proudly in the Annonciade district: the Odeon Tower, completed in 2015. The tallest tower in the Principality of Monaco, it is the only one to deviate from the rule laid down by Prince Rainier III regarding building height. It houses, among other things, the most expensive apartment in the world, namely a 3,300-square-meter penthouse, on five levels, with an infinity pool and slide, private cinema room, hammam, sauna, massage room, indoor pool and gym, sold at 300 million euros.
Another, even more recent construction will probably catch your eye: MoNa Residence, a 23-story tower, where tenants moved in at the end of summer 2021. Again, this decidedly modern construction doesn't skimp on luxury and comfort: it has, among other things, a huge fitness and relaxation area and a private cinema room. But the big revolution is ecological, as the heating is provided by solar panels and geothermal energy. The parking lot is also equipped with electric charging stations and the residence has even been certified "Excellent" by the BREEAM label, which evaluates the environmental performance of buildings
Mareterra: when architecture serves the environment
Great importance is placed on ecology, which is increasingly finding its place in construction, as evidenced by the Mareterra extension, still under construction, which is designed with respect for the seabed. Thanks to a curvilinear shape that will facilitate the current, the creation of artificial reefs and the planting of 800 trees, this architectural project aims to be as environmentally responsible as possible.
Planned for 2025, this extension should allow the Principality to gain six hectares of territory, i.e. an increase of 3% of its surface area. It will include no less than 5 new luxury buildings, 14 villas, a commercial area and a new port.
The Villa Troglodyte: a feat of architecture
Nestled in the heights of the Principality is an unusual house: the Villa Troglodyte. Built into the rock, this building, which was obtained by hollowing out, not by construction, is spread over five levels and is as energy-efficient as possible, thanks to a system of photovoltaic panels, cork insulation, rainwater recovery and geothermal heating. This villa, close to nature, even has a swimming pool dug into the stone, reminiscent of the underground water table. Rocks and lush vegetation adorn this extraordinary villa, a testament to the imagination of Monaco's architects.
The price of real estate in Monaco ?
Faced with such diverse and varied architectural constructions, many are seduced by the idea of living in Monaco. But here, only residents who have Monegasque nationality can benefit from capped rents and state housing (i.e. social housing). For other residents, the law of the real estate market will apply. With supply far exceeding demand, prices are skyrocketing. The average price per square meter has even exceeded the historical record of 50,000 euros in 2021!
