Sainte-Dévote valley set for radical green transformation
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
A masterplan unveiled by the Prince's Government proposes ponds, fountains and new stone structures to reshape the Sainte-Dévote valley and its surrounding public spaces.
The Prince's Government released its "Renaturer la Ville" landscape and biodiversity study on 14 July, drawn up by international design practice Grant Associates. Among the proposals contained in the masterplan, the Sainte-Dévote valley and its adjoining place emerge as the most ambitious target for transformation, with a vision that goes well beyond conventional greening.
The plans introduce two distinct sculptural-ecological concepts to the valley floor. The first, named "Monacolithe", envisions large natural stone formations integrated into the landscape, while the second, "Monérond", proposes curved earthwork structures designed to encourage biodiversity. Ponds and water features would be added to manage rainfall runoff and restore some semblance of the natural hydrology that was buried when the principality was built up through the 20th century.
For residents and commuters who use the avenue d'Ostende and the route into La Condamine daily, the proposals represent a significant rethinking of one of Monaco's most-trafficked entry corridors. The Sainte-Dévote chapel, which sits at the foot of the valley and gives the district its name, would remain a focal point, with the redesign intended to frame rather than overshadow the historic site.
The "Renaturer la Ville" study is at masterplan stage and no construction timeline has been confirmed. The government has indicated it forms part of a broader long-term strategy to increase green cover and ecological connectivity across the Principality.