A historic garden
Created in 1816 on the initiative of Prince Honoré V, the Jardins Saint-Martin & Sainte-Barbe are Monaco’s oldest public green spaces. They were laid out with the aim of providing work for residents affected by a period of famine. Situated on what was then derelict land, they initially featured typical Mediterranean flora: pine forests, holm oaks, myrtles, pistachio trees… Over time, exotic species were introduced, enriching the site’s botanical diversity. Today, visitors can stroll through lush vegetation combining local plants and acclimatised species, in a soothing atmosphere punctuated by a pond and sculptures.
A stroll through art and nature
The gardens’ winding paths follow the steep contours of the Rock, offering walkers exceptional views of the sea and the Fontvieille district. Rest areas are dotted along the route, inviting visitors to relax and contemplate. As you round a bend in the path, you’ll come across the statue of Prince Albert I, nicknamed the ‘Prince Navigator’, cast in bronze by the artist François Cogné in 1951 and set on a promontory facing the Mediterranean.
In the heart of Monaco-Ville
Situated below Avenue Saint-Martin, in the Monaco-Ville district, these freely accessible gardens offer a refreshing break between visits to the Rock’s iconic sites and monuments, such as the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée de Monaco , or after watching the changing of the guard or visiting the Prince's Palace , which is just a few minutes’ walk away.
Practical information
Admission is free.
Accessible to people with reduced mobility (access points are located opposite the cathedral or in front of the Oceanographic Museum forecourt. Please be aware, however, that some slopes are quite steep.)
Fancy extending your walk? Other parks and gardens invite you to discover more green spaces in the Principality. Click here to explore them.