Five hundred years of shared history took centre stage at Monaco’s Exotic Garden on Tuesday 3rd November, as Prince Albert II joined local leaders to mark three years of a historic cross-border partnership.
Monaco’s Mayor Georges Marsan welcomed Dolceacqua Mayor Fulvio Gazzola, alongside top diplomatic figures, for a high-profile anniversary celebration highlighting a booming alliance of culture, gastronomy, and sport between the Principality and its Italian neighbour.
A year in review
Guests enjoyed a musical interlude by the Rainier III Academy before gathering in the Salle Marcel Kroenlein for a photographic retrospective of the past year’s milestones. Highlights included an organ concert at St. George’s Church, scenic walks linking Dolceacqua and Monaco, the Carugi in Fiore, the Festa del Rossese, the Sainte-Dévote celebrations, and the Cavagnëtu.
Shared heritage and future vision
“Cooperation across culture, heritage, art, gastronomy, and sport, alongside the strengthening of ties between our populations, forms the fundamental objective of this twinning,” said Mayor Georges Marsan in his address, adding: “This alliance is the culmination of a centuries-old heritage. History itself united us over 500 years ago, and this commitment must now be sustained for the future. It will fall to upcoming generations to maintain these bonds of friendship, just as we have striven to do.”
Strengthening cross-border ties
Formalised in 2023, the partnership with Dolceacqua is Monaco’s third municipal twinning, following previous agreements with Ostend in Belgium and Lucciana in Corsica. Three years on, joint initiatives across the region continue to demonstrate the strength of the relationship and both towns’ shared commitment to promoting their respective identities.
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Prince Albert II with Monaco’s Mayor, Georges Marsan (on his right) and Dolceacqua’s Mayor, Fulvio Gazzola. Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco