The Monaco Courthouse

The Monaco courthouse

The Monaco audio-guided tour presents the courthouse, which forms a fine pair with the nearby cathedral, on the Rock. Its singular architecture makes it one of the most recognisable buildings of the Principality.

A building of marine tufa

The foundation stone of the courthouse was laid during a ceremony in 1924, at the personal initiative of Prince Louis II, and its inauguration followed six years later. The building was raised in marine tufa, a porous rock that often encloses small pebbles and mollusc shells, hence its rough and mineral appearance so characteristic. It embodies the judicial institution of the Principality.

What there is to see

The marine tufa façade, with its arcades and its mineral textures, surprises by its originality and dialogues with the light stone of the neighbouring cathedral. Located in the heart of the Rock, the courthouse completes the monumental ensemble that brings together princely, religious and judicial power. It is a stop for lovers of architecture, to be contemplated from the square.

Practical information

The courthouse is on the Rock, in Monaco, next to the cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. An active institution, it cannot be freely visited; its marine tufa façade can be contemplated from the public space, along the walk.

When was the courthouse built?

Its foundation stone was laid in 1924 at the initiative of Prince Louis II, and it was inaugurated six years later.

What is marine tufa?

A porous rock that often encloses small pebbles and mollusc shells, giving the courthouse its characteristic rough appearance.