Monaco's districts: discover each district of the Principality
The Principality of Monaco now covers approximately 2.08 square kilometres, an area that often intrigues those who seek to get to know Monaco better or are considering a project to settle in the Principality. This territorial extension was made possible in particular thanks to the development of Mareterra, an ambitious eco-district born on the sea and inaugurated at the end of 2024. Despite its small size, Monaco is a sovereign state, and many people wonder if Monaco is a country? or wonder about Monaco's population, which is cosmopolitan and comes from more than 140 nationalities. The organisation of the territory is now based on 11 official districts, each with its own unique atmosphere, its own heritage and a particular vocation.
Historically, the Principality was built around four emblematic sectors: the mythical Monte-Carlo and its prestigious Carré d'Or, the picturesque Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), the lively district of La Condamine and the modern Fontvieille, built on the sea 1970.Au the decades, other districts have come to enrich this urban mosaic, such as the seaside Larvotto, the residential La Rousse – Saint Roman with its emblematic towers, the charming Moneghetti offering breathtaking views, or the green Jardin Exotique, a real balcony on the Mediterranean. The Port Hercule sector completes this diversity with its central role in major Monegasque events.
Understanding the history, geography and specificities of these districts is essential to fully understand the Principality, whether it is a simple discovery or a project to settle in Monaco. Each of these places contributes to shaping a unique territory where prestige, innovation and the Mediterranean art of living are harmoniously combined.
What is the capital of Monaco?
The capital of Monaco is Monaco. The Principality is a city-state: it has only one commune, and that commune bears the same name as the country. There is therefore no separate city acting as a capital, the way Paris does for France or Rome for Italy. In Monaco, the state, the commune and the capital all coincide within the same territory of 2.08 km².
Monte-Carlo is not the capital of Monaco. The confusion is widespread, fuelled by the district’s worldwide fame: Monte-Carlo is one of the districts of the Principality, the most famous of them, and its economic, tourist and social centre, but a district among others. There is no city of Monte-Carlo.
So when people refer to Monaco as a capital, they are naming the state itself. The institutions sit in Monaco-Ville, the Rock, home to the Prince’s Palace, the National Council and the government, without forming a separate capital: the single commune of Monaco covers the entire territory.
The capital of Monaco at a glance
Institutional and territorial status of the Principality of Monaco. Updated 29 July 2026.
| Item |
Answer |
| Capital of Monaco |
Monaco, a single commune |
| Status |
City-state: state, commune and capital coincide |
| Seat of the institutions |
Monaco-Ville, the Rock (Prince’s Palace, National Council, government) |
| Economic and social centre |
Monte-Carlo, a district and not the capital |
| Area |
2.08 km² |
Table produced by Petrini Exclusive Real Estate Monaco.
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Explore the diversity of Monaco's neighborhoods
Monte-Carlo is arguably the most famous district in Monaco. A symbol of Monegasque glamour, it is home to the most beautiful luxury residences, the greatest jewellery houses, as well as a large part of the emblematic buildings of the Société des Bains de Mer, such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the One Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris. That worldwide fame feeds the confusion described above: the capital of the Principality officially remains Monaco, and Monte-Carlo is only one of its districts, albeit the most populous in the Principality, with its Belle Époque buildings and prestigious residences that make it an exceptional place to live or invest. In the immediate vicinity, the Carré d'Or embodies the heart of Monegasque luxury. This popular area is home to iconic hotels such as the Hôtel Hermitage, in addition to the Casino, and is home to the headquarters of many banks and real estate agencies specialising in the high-end sector. This is where our real estate agency is located, in the heart of an area where investment opportunities are numerous and varied.
Larvotto, a seaside district par excellence, stretches along the Mediterranean with its recently renovated beaches. It offers a unique setting to enjoy the sea all year round, just like on holiday. Shops, restaurants and luxury residences rub shoulders within walking distance of the new Mareterra eco-district, also known as Anse du Portier. This innovative extension on the sea, built in an eco-responsible approach, offers luxury apartments and buildings with avant-garde architecture, while offering immediate proximity to Monte-Carlo and the Carré d'Or. To the west of the Principality is Fontvieille, a modern district entirely reclaimed from the sea. It is home to apartments for sale and rent, sports facilities such as the Louis II Stadium, as well as remarkable green spaces such as the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a peaceful place not to be missed for a flowery walk by the water.
The Jardin Exotique district, overlooking Fontvieille, combines modern and old architecture in a unique setting. Its exotic gardens display collections of plants from all over the world, and its natural relief allows you to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Principality. The recently inaugurated "L'Exotique" residential complex offers prestigious properties for sale and rent. In the heart of Monaco, La Condamine is the shopping district par excellence. Located between Port Hercule and the Rock, it offers a lively atmosphere thanks to its shops, restaurants and its typical Place d'Armes market, full of colors and local flavors. This district seduces with its authentic neighborhood life and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Just above La Condamine stands Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), the oldest district of the Principality. A true historic centre, it is home to the Prince's Palace, the National Council, as well as the famous Oceanographic Museum, offering an exceptional view of the Mediterranean. Its picturesque streets and small shops give the Rock a timeless charm. Finally, the districts of La Rousse-Saint-Roman, Moneghetti and Ravin Sainte-Dévote also deserve attention. La Rousse, to the east, offers modern residences and spectacular views of Monaco and the sea. The Moneghetti and the Ravin Sainte-Dévote, located on a high ground, seduce with their residential atmosphere and their unique perspectives on the Principality.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Monaco's neighbourhoods
How many neighborhoods are there in Monaco?
Traditionally, Monaco was divided into four major historic districts: Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. Today, for administrative and urban planning reasons, the Principality officially distinguishes eleven districts. These districts include, in addition to the four historic districts, areas such as La Rousse-Saint-Roman, Larvotto, Moneghetti or the Exotic Garden. With the recent extension of Mareterra (Anse du Portier) attached to Larvotto, the total area of Monaco reaches approximately 2.08 km². Depending on the method of counting — traditional or administrative — we speak of 4 historic districts or 11 official districts in the contemporary sense.
Which districts of Monaco were built on the sea?
Two Monegasque districts are the direct result of conquests on the sea. The first is Fontvieille, built in the 1960s and 1970s on a 22-hectare embankment which made it possible to extend the territory to the west and accommodate housing, industry, a stadium and a heliport. The second is Mareterra, a 6-hectare extension completed in 2024 on the eastern side of the Principality. This eco-district, connected to the coast between Monte-Carlo and Larvotto, is designed to offer luxury residences, a large park and a marina, in a sustainable spirit. In addition to these two major projects, other small advances on the sea have been made, such as the esplanade of Port Hercule or the extension of the Grimaldi Forum, but Fontvieille and Mareterra remain the main districts built entirely on land reclaimed from the Mediterranean.
Monaco and Monte-Carlo, are they the same thing?
No: Monaco is the name of the Principality as a whole, an independent state, whereas Monte-Carlo is only one of its districts, the one developed around the Casino from 1866 onwards. We have gathered everything that separates the name of the country from that of the district in an article devoted to this frequent confusion.
Is Monte-Carlo the capital of Monaco?
No. Monte-Carlo is a district of Monaco, the most famous and the most populous in the Principality, but not its capital: the capital of Monaco is Monaco itself, a city-state made up of a single commune. There is no city of Monte-Carlo.
Does Monaco have a capital?
Yes. Monaco is its own capital. The Principality is a city-state made up of a single commune, which bears the name of the country and covers the whole of its 2.08 km² territory. The institutions sit in Monaco-Ville, on the Rock.
Article written by Paolo Petrini
A recognised expert on the Monegasque property market, Paolo Petrini heads Petrini Exclusive Real Estate and has been guiding families and investors through their projects in Monaco for more than ten years, in full compliance with the regulatory and professional framework in force. His local expertise and personalised approach ensure reliable analyses tailored to international requirements.
List of districts of the Principality of Monaco
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