The Larvotto district in the 1960s, that of Fontvieille ten years later… The principality of Monaco has never stopped changing its appearance by extending its territory beyond the steep lands surrounding the Rock. Six months ahead of schedule, note our colleagues at Monaco Morningthe new district will be accessible to the public, one day after its official inauguration by Prince Albert and Princess Charlène. Located between the Spélugues and Larvotto marine reserves, this project bearing the symbolic name of “Mareterra” offers new residential, cultural and recreational spaces designed by internationally renowned creators, including Denis Valode, Renzo Piano and Michel Desvigne. Around this new waterfront, artificial reefs will allow colonization by marine fauna. More than a thousand trees will soon grow there, tens of thousands of square meters of planted areas…
Ecological challenge
“The challenge we are taking on is to make compatible what a priori is not compatible,” declared Prince Albert II: building on the sea while preserving the environment. I therefore launched this urbanization project by setting particularly demanding environmental specifications I wanted this new space to embody the excellence and conviviality which are the pride of the principality of Monaco. considered in a few years as a natural extension of our territory.” From December 5, Monegasques and visitors will be able to discover places with familiar names: the Prince-Jacques promenade, the Princess-Gabriella place as well as the Princess-Charlène seawater swimming pool…
The other prince builder
By developing such projects in the principality, Prince Albert is following in the footsteps of his father Prince Rainier III, who was called the “builder prince”. Indeed, since the beginning of his post-war reign, Rainier III has given Monaco its new face, gradually abandoning the appearance that the Rock had inherited from the 19th century. Under his leadership, the new districts of Larvotto and Fontvieille were created. And following this new operation of Anse du Portier which was decided in 2013, the surface area of Monaco will have increased by 3%, to reach… 208 hectares.
Read also >> Rainier III of Monaco, a sovereign with big dreams
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