Amin · CC BY-SA 4.0 Why visit
Saint-Charles Church shows the religious and residential side of Monte-Carlo beyond the casino precinct. Its nineteenth-century architecture belongs to the same period in which the district expanded rapidly, but the church has a very different civic purpose from the nearby hotels and entertainment buildings. The interior, chapels and bell tower provide a short architectural stop on the upper streets, and the location helps connect Casino Square with the denser Saint-Charles neighbourhood. It is especially worthwhile for travellers tracing Monaco’s urban growth or comparing the principality’s main religious buildings.
What you will see
- Nineteenth-century church interior.
- Campanile and façade.
- Parish setting within upper Monte-Carlo.
History
Saint-Charles Church was built in the late nineteenth century during the reign of Prince Charles III, when Monte-Carlo was expanding as a new urban district. Architect Charles Lenormand designed the church, which was dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo. It became the parish church for the growing Monte-Carlo community and remains an active place of worship.
Photographs
Amin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · full attribution on the image credits page.
Visitor tips
- 1
Respect services and private worship.
- 2
The church pairs well with Casino Square and the upper Monte-Carlo streets.
About Saint-Charles and Upper Monte-Carlo
Upper Monte-Carlo adds parish architecture and residential streets to the better-known resort district below.
Open the Monaco guide
