You are on Avenue Saint-Charles, in front of the parish church of Monte Carlo. At the end of the 19th century, the district that grew up around the Casino filled up quickly, and Prince Charles III decided to give it a proper church, on the site of an old chapel dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The foundation stone was laid in 1879 and the church was inaugurated on 26 March 1883. Its architect, Charles Lenormand, also worked on Monaco Cathedral. The choice of saint was no accident: Saint Charles Borromeo, a 16th-century Italian cardinal, shares the first name of the prince who built it. Look at the facade, inspired by the French Renaissance, and its bell tower rising 30 metres. Under the porch, two statues greet you: Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Lawrence, patron of the former chapel. Inside, 19 stained glass windows filter the light. Then look up at the gallery: the organ case reuses woodwork carved in the 17th century for the church of Saint-Nicolas on the Rock, demolished to build the cathedral. Please enter quietly if a service is under way.
History
In the 1870s Monte Carlo was only about twenty years old but was growing fast around the Casino. Residents and winter visitors had only a modest chapel dedicated to Saint Lawrence. Prince Charles III, who gave the district its name, had a parish church worthy of the new town built in its place.
The foundation stone was laid in November 1879 by Bishop Charles Theuret, the first bishop of Monaco. Work began in 1880 and moved quickly: the church was inaugurated on 26 March 1883, Easter Monday. It became a parish on 15 March 1887 and was consecrated on 9 November 1912 by Bishop Arnal du Curel. For its centenary in 1983, its facades were restored at the initiative of Prince Rainier III.
Art and architecture
The plan is a Latin cross and the style draws on the French Renaissance. The facade is dominated by a 30 metre bell tower. Work was directed by the architect Charles Lenormand, also involved at Monaco Cathedral. Under the porch, two statues by the sculptor Cordier depict Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Lawrence.
Inside, light passes through 19 stained glass windows. The church’s treasure is its organ case. Its walnut woodwork had been commissioned by Prince Honoré II for the church of Saint-Nicolas on the Rock, where it was installed in 1639. When Saint-Nicolas was demolished to make way for the cathedral, some of these carvings were used to build the case of the great organ of Saint-Charles, inaugurated in 1884 with an instrument by Joseph Merklin. A new organ, inaugurated on 26 January 1979, kept the old case.
Anecdotes
The church’s name honours both the prince who built it and Saint Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan in the 16th century, whose family had long ties with the Grimaldis. Saint Lawrence, patron of the old chapel, was not forgotten: he keeps his place under the porch.
In 1975 a memorial service for Josephine Baker, a close friend of the princely family, was held here. Parish life has also changed hands several times: the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales ran it from 1950 to 2024, and since 1 September 2024 it has been in the care of Dominican friars.
What to look for
First step back along the avenue to take in the facade and bell tower. Under the porch, identify the two saints. Inside, let your eyes adjust to the half light to enjoy the stained glass, then turn towards the gallery to see the carved organ case, the oldest element in the church.
Practical
The church stands on Avenue Saint-Charles, about 5 minutes on foot from Place du Casino, heading up towards Boulevard des Moulins. It is usually open during the day and entry is free. Mass and service times are on the parish website. Appropriate dress and silence are requested, especially during services.
Nearby
A few minutes away are the Petite Afrique gardens, Place du Casino and the Opera. To follow the theme further, Monaco Cathedral on the Rock keeps paintings that once decorated the doors of the Saint-Nicolas organ case.
On site, look for: Under the porch, find the 2 statues: which one bears the attributes of a cardinal?
Test yourself
In which year was Saint-Charles Church inaugurated?
- 1863
- 1883 (answer)
- 1911
Which prince had the church built?
- Albert I
- Charles III (answer)
- Rainier III
How tall is the bell tower?
- 15 metres
- 30 metres (answer)
- 50 metres
Sources
Information checked on 30 September 2026.