A Vision Realized : The Inauguration of Monaco’s New District
Imagine a city that literally emerges from the sea. It’s not science fiction, it’s Mareterra, the new district of Monaco that is rewriting the rules of urban architecture. This was officially inaugurated by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene on December 4th.
The culminating event, organized by JustUnlimited, consisted of a sophisticated combination of concerts, drone displays, and sustainable fireworks. Although the private event was reserved for the architects, craftsmen, and workers participating in this project, the performances were visible from all over the Principality, allowing the entire community to join in the spirit of celebration.
Rigorous environmental criteria have been put in place: biodegradable fireworks, strategic positioning of barges, and a waste management plan that guaranteed minimal intervention in the marine environment, thus preserving the ecological integrity of the territory.
Mareterra is not just another real estate project. It is an undertaking where human creativity meets sustainability, it is a statement of how we want to live in the future.
Built on 6 hectares reclaimed from the sea, it increases Monaco’s territory by 3% and offers a completely new urban space. The project has brought together more than 300 companies and 4,000 professionals from more than 40 nationalities, consolidating itself as an example of European economic cooperation.
The best thing: no project is like another. Every square meter tells a story of innovation.
What is revolutionary about Mareterra is not only how it is built, but its commitment to the planet. From biodegradable fireworks to structures that respect marine life, every detail has been thought out in pursuit of a “sustainable future”.
Top-level architects such as Renzo Piano did not just build buildings, they created experiences. A building that looks like a ship ready to set sail, sculptures that dialogue with the landscape, spaces that invite reflection.
Mareterra shows that growth does not mean destruction. It is possible to expand a city while respecting its environment, integrating nature, technology, and community.
A one-hectare park, promenades, a marina: all designed to connect people, not just accumulate square meters.
An Economic Engine for Monaco
The economic and commercial benefits of Mareterra underpin an essential pillar of Monaco’s growth. From the shops around the marina to the one-hectare pine forest, to the extension of the Grimaldi Forum, these new assets will generate additional revenue for Monaco.
In addition, Monaco benefits from property VAT (20% on all property sales), which the developer pays to the Monegasque State, along with registration fees on sales. The 300 companies and 4,000 workers who have been involved in the project over the past 10 years have also contributed to Monaco’s economic dynamism.
These revenues will allow the Principality to continue to invest in services for its residents, all while remaining focused on its ambitious sustainability goals.
This project is not just about Monaco. It is a global message: cities can be different. They can be smart, sustainable, and humane.
Mareterra does not build meters, it builds the future.
