Monaco has literally expanded by six hectares, with a new development constructed entirely on water! The Principality’s new eco-neighbourhood, Mareterra (which means Sea Land), was officially inaugurated last week (4 December ’24), with the Principality’s royal family in attendance. The innovative project is now open to the public, more than six months earlier than planned.
Prince Albert II predicts that in time “it will be seen as a natural extension of our territory”.
Turning the dream of Mareterra into a reality has been an incredible experiment for both Monaco and the world, with innovative urban planning and sustainable construction on water. The project deals directly with the question hanging over many coastal cities worldwide on how to adapt to rising sea levels. (The Mediterranean Sea is itself predicted to rise by one metre over the next century.)
According to a press release, Mareterra is one of the most ambitious real estate and architectural projects in the world, responding to the climate crisis and environmental, economic and societal challenges of the future.
Mareterra unites global expertise and uses materials from around the world. According to the developers, more than 40 different nationalities came together to bring Mareterra to life.
10 Fun Facts About Monaco’s Mareterra
- Construction of the land, buildings and public spaces cost €2 billion.
- 300 construction companies were involved.
- 4,000 people undertook the construction.
- Almost half of Mareterra (nearly three hectares) is devoted to public spaces, including a hectare of parkland (a pine forest with over 1,000 mature trees from Tuscany), 4,000 m² of commercial space for 12 shops, 10,000 m² of additional space for the Grimaldi Forum and 160 all-important parking spaces.
- The other half (just over three hectares) comprises private spaces, including 110 apartments, 10 villas and four townhouses.
- The new neighbourhood is entirely pedestrianised.
Image: Valode & Pistre for Mareterra 
Valode & Pistre for Mareterra - A couple of features have been named after Monaco’s royal twins: Princess Gabriella Square (which is home to Alexander Calder’s restored masterpiece Quatres lances), and Prince Jacques Promenade which includes a meditation space designed by Vietnamese artist Tia-Thủy Nguyễn.
- The Blue Grotto is a special spot for everyone to enjoy, where you can observe the underwater life (with 500 m² of transplanted posidonia seagrass meadows).
- Mareterra’s sustainable design supports the Principality’s environmental goals, which includes achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
- 80% of heating and cooling is powered by renewable energy.
Mareterra is expected to attract local and international visitors with its seaside promenade, art, culture, shops, restaurants and spacious public areas.
