La Condamine's landmark portico removed from rue Grimaldi
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Workers from the Direction de l'Aménagement Urbain began dismantling the rue Grimaldi portico on Monday, with the operation set to run until Wednesday.
The portico that has spanned rue Grimaldi in La Condamine for decades is coming down. Teams from the Direction de l'Aménagement Urbain started removal work on Monday 12 October, with the operation expected to continue through Wednesday 14 October.
Municipal officials have cited aesthetic concerns as the main reason for the removal, with one official quoted as saying the structure no longer serves any purpose and has become visually unappealing. The arch has long been a familiar marker for anyone navigating the stretch of rue Grimaldi near the port, so its disappearance will change the look of a street many residents pass through daily.
Residents and shopkeepers in La Condamine should expect some disruption to pedestrian and vehicle flow along rue Grimaldi while the three-day operation is underway. No details have yet been released on whether anything will replace the portico once the dismantling work concludes.