Monaco’s new Mareterra district opens, adding six hectares of eco-friendly development to the Principality.

Monaco’s Mareterra district, inaugurated in December 2024, represents a significant expansion of the Principality’s urban landscape. This ambitious €2 billion project, spanning six hectares reclaimed from the Mediterranean Sea, adds approximately 3% to Monaco’s territory, increasing its total area to 208 hectares.

The development includes 110 luxury apartments, 10 villas, and four townhouses, all designed by renowned architects such as Renzo Piano, Tadao Ando, and Sir Norman Foster. These residences are complemented by public amenities, including a 16-berth marina, a 500-meter seafront promenade, and a one-hectare park featuring 1,000 mature trees imported from Tuscany.

Sustainability is at the heart of Mareterra’s design. The district features 9,000 square meters of solar panels, covering 40% of its energy needs, and a 600 cubic meter rainwater recovery basin to irrigate the green spaces. Geothermal heating using seawater further enhances its eco-friendly credentials.

Culinary offerings in Mareterra include 12 shops and restaurants, such as 99 Sushi Bar and Marlow, a British-themed café-lounge. The district also hosts the Grimaldi Forum extension, increasing its exhibition capacity by almost 50%, with nearly 6,000 square meters of additional space.

The project faced significant engineering challenges, including the installation of 18 massive concrete caissons on the seabed, which serve as foundations and protective barriers. Environmental conservation was prioritized, with measures taken to protect the neighboring Larvotto marine reserve and the Spélugues reef.

Mareterra’s inauguration marks a new chapter in Monaco’s urban development, blending luxury living with environmental responsibility. The district’s innovative design and sustainable features set a new standard for urban expansion in the 21st century.