Each year on January 9, World Corsica Day shines a spotlight on the island’s rich identity, celebrating its history, culture, traditions and remarkable heritage. Beyond the festivities, the occasion also serves as a reminder of the deep historical ties connecting Corsica and the Principality of Monaco.
One of the strongest links between the two territories can be traced to Luciana, a Corsican town closely associated with Saint Dévote, Monaco’s patron saint. Revered as a martyr, Saint Dévote holds a central place in Monegasque spiritual life. In 2003, Prince Rainier III, accompanied by Crown Prince Albert, travelled to Luciana to mark the 1,700th anniversary of her martyrdom, underlining the significance of this shared legacy.
The relationship between Monaco and Luciana was further strengthened in 2009 when the town officially became twinned with the Principality. Luciana is also a member of the Grimaldi Historic Sites network, reflecting a long-standing cultural and spiritual partnership between the two regions.
More recently, on September 6, 2022, Prince Albert II returned to the area to inaugurate the Archaeological Museum of Mariana – Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The museum, dedicated to the ancient site of Mariana, showcases Corsica’s rich archaeological past and stands as a symbol of continued cooperation between Monaco and Corsica.
Together, these initiatives highlight a relationship built on shared history, faith and cultural exchange—one that continues to thrive across generations.
