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Month: March 2025

Discovery of 5th-century cathedral in Vence offers tantalising glimpse into the region’s history

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/03/2025
cathedral vence

A remarkable piece of history has resurfaced in the heart of Vence. During renovations on a historical building, workers unearthed the remains of what is believed to be the city’s first cathedral, which could date to the 5th century. This unexpected discovery, which measures over 300m², could shed new light on the early ecclesiastical history of the region.

The discovery of a long-hidden—and long-forgotten—cathedral in Vence earlier this month has caused quite a stir. As workers dug down through the floor of the dated Halles Surian building, which is being transformed into a modern market-like facility, they uncovered the remains of a vast structure believed to be more than 1,500 years old.

“The archaeological remains appeared immediately below the current traffic level,” confirms a spokesperson for the city of Vence. “The building, which measures over 300 m², has a rectangular plan, 30 metres long and 11.50 metres wide, with two apses at the eastern end.”

Experts from the Archaeology Department of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis were promptly alerted, and their preliminary assessment suggests that these remains belong to an Early Christian cathedral, possibly constructed during the episcopate of Severus, the first recorded bishop of Vence, who was mentioned in written sources dating to 439 CE.

“It is a major discovery for both regional and ecclesiastical history,” reads a statement released by city authorities. “The Municipality nevertheless remains extremely vigilant regarding the discovery of a major and exceptional historical heritage. Vence, a historic city, boasts an extremely rare, centuries-old site.”

vence cathedral
Officials gather on the site of the ancient cathedral. Photo source: Ville de Vence

Until now, historical records indicated that Vence’s first cathedral was located beneath the town’s current religious building, around 50 metres to the north of the Halles Surian site. The new find challenges previous assumptions and offers fresh insights into the early development of Christian worship in the area.

Despite the magnitude of the discovery, officials have stated that it will not jeopardise the Halles Surian project, which remains on track: “At this stage, this discovery does not call into question the feasibility of the future Surian Halls project, which is scheduled for completion in late 2025.”

As excavation and analysis continue, this ancient cathedral could provide a wealth of information about the spread of Christianity in the region and the architectural innovations of the time.

Read related:

Heritage sites in Monaco that are well worth a visit

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photos source: Ville de Vence

AS Monaco Basketball’s VIP courtside zone renamed Zondacrypto Lounge

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/03/2025

AS Monaco Basketball has rebranded its exclusive courtside VIP viewing area as the Zondacrypto Lounge, marking a bold new chapter in its partnership with the cryptocurrency exchange platform, one of Europe’s leading regulated digital asset exchanges.

Earlier this year, Zondacrypto became AS Monaco Basketball’s main partner for the EuroLeague season, securing prime logo placement on the team’s jerseys. Now, the collaboration has gone a step further with the unveiling of the newly renamed VIP viewing section in the Salle Gaston Médecin, which will henceforth be known as the Zondacrypto Lounge.

See more: Zondacrypto becomes AS Monaco Basketball’s main partner for EuroLeague campaign

Oleksiy Yefimov, General Manager of AS Monaco Basketball, has emphasised the significance of the partnership, saying, “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Zondacrypto, who have already proven to be incredibly valuable supporters of the team. Their passion for pushing the boundaries in the crypto space reflects our own ambitions on the basketball court. Together, we aim to take new steps in European basketball.”

Echoing this sentiment, Przemysław Kral, CEO of Zondacrypto, stated, “AS Monaco Basketball is a powerhouse in European basketball, just as Zondacrypto stands at the forefront of innovation and regulation in the crypto space. We both share a forward-thinking mindset, pushing boundaries in our respective fields. This partnership isn’t just about branding—it’s about bridging the worlds of crypto and sports using a universal language that resonates with fans. By educating people about crypto in an exciting, accessible way, we drive real business impact while also supporting local teams and their communities.”

The European-based crypto exchange, founded in 2014, already had a strong footprint in European sports, particularly in Southern Europe. The exchange actively supports major Italian football clubs, including Bologna FC, Juventus FC, Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio, as well as renowned cycling events on the continent, such as the Giro d’Italia, Tour de Pologne, Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo.

Beyond basketball, Zondacrypto has also been growing its influence elsewhere in Monaco. The company serves as the title sponsor of the high-profile supercar event Top Marques Monaco, supports AS Monaco FC and recently appointed Monegasque racing driver Arthur Leclerc as a brand ambassador. In October last year, Zondacrypto launched its native ZND token at the ZND Crypto Forum Gala event in Monaco, further cementing its role in the region’s financial and sporting landscape.

Read related:

Zondacrypto giving away free Porsche to celebrate 20th edition of Top Marques

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Pictured: Oleksiy Yefimov, General Manager of AS Monaco Basketball, and Przemysław Kral, CEO of Zondacrypto. Source: AS Monaco Basket

Monaco Telecom pushes VoLTE activation among network users

by: Niki Borisova
20/03/2025

Monaco Telecom is urging more mobile users to activate VoLTE, a service that improves call quality and reliability but remains underused despite widespread compatibility.

Monaco Life attended a press conference on 20th March, during which Monaco Telecom outlined its efforts to increase the adoption of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology among its mobile customers. The operator highlighted the benefits of the service, which has been available for some time but remains underutilised by many of the network’s users.

VoLTE, which enables voice calls over the 4G network instead of traditional 3G or 2G connections, offers faster call setup times, improved audio quality and fewer dropped calls, particularly when crossing borders. According to Monaco Telecom, 88% of its mobile customers have compatible smartphones, yet only 48% have activated the service.

Martin Péronnet, Director General of Monaco Telecom, stated, “Investments in our mobile network are our priority in continuously improving the customer experience. VoLTE enables conversations to be established more quickly and with better quality, whether in Monaco, France or when roaming.”

He added that most smartphones now support the technology and that activating it takes just a few seconds.

VoLTE can be installed in under 20 seconds via the Monaco Telecom website. Photo by Monaco Life

In addition to improved call quality, VoLTE also allows users to browse the internet while on a call without switching to a slower network. Furthermore, the technology helps reduce network congestion by routing voice calls through 4G rather than the limited 3G spectrum.

Monaco Telecom reported that calls using VoLTE are established twice as fast as those on 3G, with 99.65% of calls remaining uninterrupted when crossing borders. The operator also noted a sevenfold reduction in customer service complaints related to network issues since VoLTE was introduced.

Customers can activate VoLTE through their smartphone settings, with detailed instructions available here. The company’s retail stores, customer service team, and the Maison du Numérique are also available to assist with activation.

 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Pictured in main photo: Martin Péronnet, Director General of Monaco Telecom. All photos by Monaco Life

Monaco’s job market thrives as private sector employment soars

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/03/2025

Employment in Monaco’s private sector reached an all-time high in 2024, according to the latest data from IMSEE. The figures highlight Monaco’s strong economic health, particularly in the Scientific and Technical Activities sector, which employs more than a quarter of the private workforce.

Private-sector employment in Monaco continues to strengthen, with 60,454 employees recorded in 2024 by the Principality’s statistical agency, IMSEE. This marks a 3.6% increase on 2023, reflecting steady job growth in almost all sectors.

The Scientific and Technical Activities, Administrative and Support Service sectors were key drivers of this expansion, employing over a quarter of the workforce. However, it is worth noting that half of these positions were in temporary employment.

The Accommodation and Food Service sector also experienced an upswing in 2024, accounting for 14% of the workforce.

The only sector to record a dip in numbers last year was Transport and Storage.

Employees in the private sector are working hard too, clocking an impressive 107.7 million cumulative hours—a rise of 4.6 million hours, or 4.5%, compared to the previous year.

In all, IMSEE reports identify 6,355 employers in Monaco in 2024, including 2,665 who hired domestic staff.

A diverse workforce

Though a distinct gender disparity remains, with 63% of employees being men and 38% women, the Principality’s private sector is increasingly international. The workforce comprises an impressive 145 nationalities. French nationals make up the majority at 61%, followed by Italians (15%) and Portuguese (7%). Monegasques account for approximately 2% of the workforce, equating to just over 1,000 workers.

See more: New report reveals “slow increase” in the number of women running businesses in Monaco

10% of private sector employees live in Monaco, while 22% reside in the French municipalities bordering the Principality. A further 58% commute from the Alpes-Maritimes, and 9% live in Italy. The residency status of the remaining 1% is unaccounted for in the IMSEE report.

The average age of a private sector worker is 42.4 years, with little difference between men (42.5) and women (42.3).

Overall, the figures underscore Monaco’s dynamic economic landscape and its ability to generate employment opportunities across diverse sectors, reinforcing its status as a thriving business hub.

Read related:

Can Monaco maintain financial balance? 2024 budget report shows big spending, slowing revenue

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo by Monaco Life  

Critérium Cycliste to impact roads and public transport in Monaco this weekend

by: Niki Borisova
20/03/2025

As excitement builds among the local cycling community in the run-up to the 50th Critérium Cycliste de Monaco, the Monaco Government has confirmed that the nature and scale of the event will require certain road closures and parking restrictions, as well as disruptions to public transport, in the Port Hercule area. 

The 2025 Critérium Cycliste de Monaco will be taking place on Sunday 23rd March. Due to the nature of the road-based race, which traces a route along Route de la Piscine, Avenue J.F. Kennedy and Boulevard Albert Ier, there will be some temporary changes to traffic circulation, parking availability and public transport services in and around Port Hercule from 11pm on the day before the event.

The traffic restrictions will be largely in place between 11pm on Saturday 22nd and 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd March, when the event will have finished. During this time, vehicles will only be able to use the counter-lane on Boulevard Albert Ier, while access will be completely restricted on the section of road linking Quai Antoine Ier to the Route de la Piscine and Boulevard Albert Ier.

On the day of the race, from 6.30am to 6.30pm, no vehicles will be permitted on the Darse Sud, Route de la Piscine, Avenue J.F. Kennedy and the section of the Quai des États-Unis that falls between the regulated access zone and the intersection with Route de la Piscine. Additionally, a one-way system will be implemented from the start of Quai Antoine Ier, just after the Rocher Noghès tunnel, up to the Esplanade des Pêcheurs.

Parking restrictions will also apply from 11pm Saturday 22nd until 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd March. Parking will be prohibited on Quai Antoine Ier between the Rocher-Noghès tunnel and the parking lot, across the entirety of Boulevard Albert Ier, along Route de la Piscine and on the Appontement Jules Soccal. Further parking around the Darse Sud, Virage Louis Chiron and Quai des États-Unis, between the regulated access zone and the intersection with Route de la Piscine, will also be out of bounds.

Public transport services passing through the Port Hercule area will be affected by the event, too. On Sunday 23rd March, the Stade Nautique and Princesse Antoinette (Gare) pick-up and drop-off points will remain in service but without the usual bus stops. Ligne 1 of the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco will be diverted via Avenue d’Ostende between 6.30am and 6.30pm, meaning the stops at Kennedy, Auditorium Rainier III, Portier, Spélugues, Citronniers and Place du Casino will not be served during this period.

These measures will stay in place throughout the event, with normal circulation resuming after the close of the race at around 6.30pm on Sunday 23rd March.

Read related:

Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation to host Road Safety Day in Larvotto

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Flamboyant ex-F1 team owner and Monaco favourite Eddie Jordan passes away at 76

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/03/2025

Eddie Jordan, the flamboyant former Formula 1 team owner and beloved television pundit, has died at the age of 76. The Irish businessman, who had a home and spent significant time in Monaco, died from an aggressive form of prostate cancer in the early hours of Thursday in Cape Town, surrounded by family.

Eddie Jordan, the Dublin-born businessman who came from humble beginnings to rise to the heights in the Formula 1 world, had died from complications stemming from prostate cancer. He was 76. 

Jordan was known for his larger-than-life personality, his sharp insights into Formula 1, and his deep ties to the racing world. He was also a passionate cyclist. He could be spotted riding through the streets of Monaco, where he maintained a residence and where his daughter continues to live. His strong connection to the Principality also made him a familiar figure in the F1 community that thrives here.

On Thursday 20th March, his family released a statement confirming his passing, saying, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit, and entrepreneur. He passed away peacefully with family by his side.”

“He was working until the last, having communicated on St Patrick’s Day, about his ambitions for London Irish Rugby Football Club, of which he had recently become Patron.”

His family added: “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tonnes of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”

Jordan rose to prominence in the early 1990s as the founder of Jordan Grand Prix, a fiercely independent Formula 1 team that made its debut in 1991. Known for his audacity and keen eye for talent, he famously gave Michael Schumacher his F1 debut at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix, a moment that changed the course of motorsport history. His team went on to claim four race victories, with their most memorable triumph coming at the rain-soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, where Damon Hill secured Jordan’s first win.

Despite his team’s successes, financial struggles in the competitive world of F1 led Jordan to sell his outfit in 2005. The team evolved into several iterations over the years, eventually becoming today’s Aston Martin F1 Team. Jordan remained an influential figure in the paddock, with his last major involvement in the sport being his role in brokering a high-profile deal for design legend Adrian Newey to join Aston Martin this year.

Outside the racing world, Jordan was a charismatic television pundit, bringing his unfiltered, often mischievous analysis to audiences. His ability to blend deep technical knowledge with humour made him a fan favourite.

Remembered for his passion for music

His flair for showbiz came out in other ways, as well. He famously played the drums in his band, Eddie & The Robbers, who for many years were summertime regulars at the beachside hot spot Anjuna in Eze-sur-Mer.

In 2012, he was awarded an honorary OBE for his contributions to motorsport and his extensive charity work, which included raising millions for CLIC Sargent, a children’s cancer charity, and supporting the Amber Foundation for vulnerable youth.

Tributes have been pouring in for the well-known and beloved figure in Monaco. His good friend Mike Powers shared with Monaco Life, “He was a fun-loving bon vivant who will never be forgotten.”

Eddie Jordan is survived by his wife Marie and their children, fashion designer Zoe, Miki, Zak, and Kyle. His passing leaves a significant void in the world of motorsport, but his legacy as an established team boss, an engaging broadcaster, and a larger-than-life character will endure.

Monaco Life extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo of Eddie Jordan sourced from Instagram