Mareterra is a new area in Monaco that has been built on reclaimed land from the sea.
On paper this sounds like a terrible idea from an environmental perspective. How can building a whole new district possibly be good for anything other than billionaires and bank balances?
We visit Monaco regularly and have seen it change over the years. One thing that has always impressed us is the 'no expense spared' ethos in everything there.
So this year, we visited the new Mareterra area, cameras in hand to see how Monaco changed and dig a little into the environmental aspects of the development.
Conceived in 2013 and finished in 2024, the Mareterra district is located on the shoreline next to the Jardin Japonais and the Grimaldi Forum. It covers approximately 166m² and comprises of housing, plantations and even a small port.
The two photos below from 2017 show the hoarding alongside the Jardin Japonais and the start of the development on the shoreline.
The logistics around building a whole new area on the sea are phenomenal. 18 caissons, weighing 10,000 tonnes each were made in Marseille and transported to Monaco.
Caisson | a structure that goes under water or under ground and keeps water out.
These caissons were designed to encourage sea life to attach to the surfaces and provide a habitat for all kinds of life. This photo is courtesy of Mareterra Monaco and there is a wonderful video showing the diversity that has already called these areas home.
Designed by some of the world's leading architects, Mareterra really is something to behold. The residences range from apartments to villas and townhouses. Including spas, fitness centres, wine rooms and meeting rooms. Its amazing to see what can be built in 10 years when money is no object.
What really struck us when walking around this newly completed development was how mature the green areas were. The number of trees, plants and water features really made it feel like a place where real people live. From bee hotels to irrigation - it seems a lot of thought had been put into the green and communal areas.
50% | rainwater used
20,000 | total area planted
800 | trees
9000m² | solar panels
"I wanted this new area to embody the excellence and conviviality which distinguish the Principality of Monaco so well. Mareterra will integrate perfectly with our shoreline, and in a few years will be seen as a natural extension of our territory."
HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO
We visited Mareterra in 35 degree temperatures and the buildings and walkways provided shade and respite from the hot sun. The area has a shiny newness about it coupled with mature plantings. It screams money and privacy on one hand but also has public areas and is exciting to walk around.
Photographically, Mareterra is amazing. Beautiful architecture, so many angles, azure blue waters and skies. I could have spent all day wandering around.
We were approached by a security guard asking if we were professional photographers as permits are required for professional photography in Monaco but the guard was perfectly polite and we weren't approached again after that.
I think that the area will fully come to life when the cafes and shops in the area are fully occupied. I can see myself enjoying an espresso whilst watching the boats in harbour before spending a day filling my SD cards!
© 2026 Julia Revitt Photography
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