Architectural heritage

Architectural heritage

Introduction

Built cultural heritage includes historic buildings, urban complexes and cultural sites which have exceptional world or national value from a historical, artistic or scientific perspective. Natural heritage includes natural environments, resources and habitats, areas, landscapes and views, animal and plant species, and aspects of biological diversity.

Historic buildings

The Principality is home to several iconic buildings which qualify as historic buildings in Monaco’s urban landscape. According to the definition provided by the Centre National de Ressources Textuelles et Lexicales (National Centre for Textual and Lexical Resources), an historic building is "a building which is imposing in size and remarkable in terms of its historical or aesthetic interest or its religious or symbolic value". In Monaco, several buildings fall into this category of “historic building” due to their religious, political or scientific symbolism.  

A symbol of power and the constitutional monarchy, the Prince’s Palace is the residence of the Royal Family and bears witness to the changes that the Principality has seen since the thirteenth century. Construction on the Palace began in 1215, although it has been continually extended and modified. Originally medieval in character, it took on the appearance of an Italian palace during the sixteenth century. The Renaissance-style façade with its gallery, balustrades and baroque gate contrasts with the neo-Gothic tower in dressed stone. The Royal Courtyard is enhanced by a pebble and stone slab floor, a horseshoe staircase adorned with Carrara marble and, above all, sixteenth-century frescoes depicting scenes from mythology. 

Patrimoine architectural (Palais)

@ Eric MATHON - Palais Princier 

The Oceanographic Museum (1899–1910) demonstrates the Principality’s commitment to science and protecting the oceans. Built by the architect Paul Delefortrie, at the behest of Prince Albert I, who was an explorer, sailor and advocate of the sciences, the museum is characterised by its two huge bas-reliefs celebrating the world of science: Truth revealing the forces of the world to Science, and Progress coming to the Aid of Humanity, both by Gustave Dussart. The building’s architecture celebrates the link between the Principality and scientific exploration through depictions of an eagle, an albatross, a walrus head and the bow of a boat, as well as the names of exploration ships (Talisman, Valdivia, Alice, Hirondelle, etc.).

Patrimoine architectural (MO)

The Cathedral was built between 1875 and 1903 by Charles Lenormand, the architect behind the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Nice (1864–1879). Constructed in an Auvergne Roman-Byzantine style that borders on the eclectic, it features elements of ancient architecture, such as a triangular pediment, cornices with modillions and small Byzantine columns. In 1868, the Principality broke away from the Nice Diocese, and a decision was taken to build a cathedral to replace the Church of St. Nicolas, which had been completed in 1321. The Cathedral houses the tombs of Monaco’s princes and princesses, who rest alongside bishops, and it is at the heart of Monegasque religious life, the location where the sacraments of the Royal Family are celebrated.

Patrimoine architectural (Cathédrale)

The Casino and the Société des Bains de Mer are inextricably linked to the Principality’s economic growth. The Casino was built between 1858 and 1863 on Spélugues hill at the initiative of Prince Charles III (1818–1889), who hoped to expand seaside and gambling activities in a bid to boost Monaco’s economy. The architect Jules Dutrou got involved in 1869, proposing a larger casino, then Charles Garnier modified it further, adding the Opera building, officially opened in 1879, and a new gaming room, the Salle des Amériques, officially opened in 1881. The architect Jules Touzet took on the Salles Jumelles, or twin rooms, which were once lobby areas used as hubs of conversation, as well as the façade of the main entrance, while in 1910, Julien Médecin designed a final gaming room adorned with paintings by Armand Segaud.

 

Patrimoine architectural (Casino)

Remarkable architecture

In addition to the historic buildings familiar to everyone, Monaco has an abundance of buildings whose architecture is anonymous but nonetheless remarkable, such as residential buildings and villas.

The Principality has put in place several measures to protect its architectural heritage. For example, Sovereign Ordinance no. 3.647 of 09 September 1966 concerning urban development, building and road works, stipulates that the Old Town and Vallon Saint-Dévote districts, both part of the reserved sector, are subject to special protection due to their historical character and symbolism within the Monegasque landscape. Renovation, extension or new construction projects must adhere to very precise specifications in order not to spoil these areas. 

Monaco has 110 buildings and 41 façades deemed to be of remarkable quality and subject to special protection. These buildings are listed on an inventory, on which their heritage features are detailed. The inventory is kept by the Department of Forward Studies, Urban Planning and Mobility. 

The Heritage Council, established in 2017, is consulted on heritage issues, particularly those relating to architectural heritage. It can put forward proposals to improve and better guide the processes of identifying, conserving, protecting and promoting national heritage. 

In addition, permits are reviewed by an advisory committee, which carefully considers applications, particularly from an aesthetic perspective and, where appropriate, taking into account the history and heritage of the Principality. 

This remarkable architectural heritage encompasses all periods and a variety of styles. Examples include the Villa Sauber, Villa Ribéri and Villa Ispahan from the beginning of the last century, the Rotondes building, constructed in the 1940s, the Palais Héraclès, completed in 1957, and Le Roccabella, an example of 1970s–1980s architecture.

Events

CINEMA
Exhibition – Cinéam: Monaco’s club for artisan filmmakers

Exhibition – Cinéam: Monaco’s club for artisan filmmakers

17
Mar
20 25
30
Jan
20 26
This exhibition showcases Cinéam’s filmmaking activities, from its first forays in the early 1950s to the advent of video in the late 1980s.
Proposed by : Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco
Location : Monaco Audiovisual Institute
CINEMA AND BROADCASTING
EXHIBITIONS
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
All Audiences
Reduced mobility access
EXHIBITION
Exhibition - Méditerranée 2050

Exhibition - Méditerranée 2050

29
Mar
20 25
01
Jan
20 30
To evoke the Mediterranean, means summoning up the extraordinary history of the many great civilisations shaped on its shores over the centuries. But it also means facing up to its future, which is more uncertain than ever. The various pressures associated with its use, population growth, pollution and global warming are all threats to its future, global warming are all threats to its unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.This brand new immersive and interactive exhibition "Méditerranée 2050" aims to encourage visitors to the Monaco ‘s Oceanographic Museum to take a new interest in the Mediterranean and become involved in its protection, through a space-time journey to 2050.
Proposed by : Musée Océanographique
Location : Oceanographic Museum
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUMS
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
NATURAL HERITAGE
All Audiences
Reduced mobility access
EXHIBITION
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan

13
Apr
20 25
13
Oct
20 25
The World Expo will be held in Osaka, in Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. The pavilion that Monaco will present at the Expo, whose theme is "Take Care of Wonder", symbolises Monaco’s efforts, both at home and abroad, to protect the environment. 
Proposed by : Pavillon Monaco
Location : Konohana-ku, Osaka, Préfecture d'Osaka, Japon
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
MOVABLE HERITAGE
NATURAL HERITAGE
All Audiences
Reduced mobility access
Ear Deaf
Blind

News posts

Design me a garden – Competition to design flower beds – Call for participants
25 March 2025

Design me a garden – Competition to design flower beds – Call for participants

Register before 20 March 2025.
Actualité
NATURAL HERITAGE
ACTIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
A look back at the European Heritage Days
20 September 2024

A look back at the European Heritage Days

The European Heritage Days took place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September in the Principality, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors with the theme of "Routes, networks and connections". 
Actualité
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
WRITTEN AND GRAPHIC HERITAGE
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
MOVABLE HERITAGE
NATURAL HERITAGE
Restoration of wall hangings in Villa Girasole
24 July 2024

Restoration of wall hangings in Villa Girasole

The Heritage Institute, which preserves and promotes Monaco’s heritage, has restored the wall hangings located in Villa Girasole, thanks to support from the restoration team at La Réserve.
Actualité
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
MOVABLE HERITAGE