Celebrated by more than 50 countries and drawing nearly 30 million visitors annually, European Heritage Days once again brought culture to the forefront across the continent…

Monaco, which has participated in the initiative since 1996, marked this year’s edition with a focus on architectural heritage, a theme that resonated strongly with residents and visitors alike.

Organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Heritage Institute, the event offered a rare opportunity for the public to peek behind the scenes of the Principality. “People are curious to understand how Monaco works — its institutions, its history, its hidden spaces,” organisers explained to Monaco Info. While final figures are still being compiled, attendance traditionally ranges between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors each year.

Monaco’s heritage is particularly unique due to its extreme verticality. As historian and architecture journalist Jean-Philippe Hugon noted during a guided walk through the Exotic Garden district, “In Monaco, building high isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. Land is scarce, so we build upward. In other European cities, height is often a statement of visibility. Here, it’s survival.”

This 30th edition also introduced new activities, including educational workshops for children at Studio Costa, where young participants learned architectural vocabulary such as isometries, tools used by architects to understand spatial logic beyond traditional perspective.

Perhaps the most exclusive offering came from JB Pastor & Fils, which exceptionally opened several active construction sites to the public, including the much-anticipated Nouveau Musée (formerly Maison des Naissances). Visitors donned safety gear to explore the inner workings of a modern building site, from techniques and machinery to the craftsmanship of workers on the ground.

Alongside these experiences, many institutions, including the National Council and the Palace of Justice, opened their doors free of charge.

Once again, Heritage Days in Monaco proved that tradition and innovation can stand proudly side by side, even when stacked 30 stories high.

Photo by Yuri Vanetik