This year marks a milestone in the twinning of cities, as Monaco and Lucciana celebrate 15 years of partnership. Following the 60th anniversary of the Monaco-Ostend twinning earlier this year and ahead of the first anniversary of Monaco’s twinning with Dolceacqua in November, today’s commemoration highlights the deep ties between the Principality and the Corsican town of Lucciana.
The twinning between the two cities was formalised on September 26, 2009, rooted in their shared connection to Sainte Dévote, the patron saint of both Monaco and the island of Corsica. In 2003, Prince Rainier III and Prince Albert made a pilgrimage to Lucciana and Mariana to honour the saint, who was born in Querci (Lucciana) and martyred, with her boat later sailing to Monaco.
During the 2009 ceremony, the twinning oath was read aloud in both Corsican and Monégasque by the mayors, Joseph Galletti and Georges Marsan, alongside municipal councillors. The emotional event was marked by the playing of the Corsican and Monégasque national anthems, a memory still cherished by those present.
Over the past 15 years, the twinning has been symbolised through various events. Each January, a delegation from Lucciana participates in the Sainte Dévote celebrations in Monaco, while Monégasque officials visit Lucciana, particularly during Pentecost in May. In 2009, the jetty at Port Hercule was named “Lucciana,” and in 2022, the Prince Rainier III Archaeological Museum was inaugurated in Corsica, further solidifying the bond.
In late 2023, Mayor Georges Marsan and several Monégasque officials visited the museum, accompanied by HSH Prince Albert and HSH Princess Stéphanie, to view an exhibition dedicated to Prince Rainier III’s pilgrimage in the footsteps of Sainte Dévote.
On this occasion, in both Monégasque and Corsican, we wish a happy anniversary to this enduring friendship: “Bon aniversari” and “Felice aniversariu!”
