You are on Avenue de Grande-Bretagne, in Monte-Carlo, in front of St Paul’s Church, Monaco’s Anglican parish. The avenue’s name is no accident: it was once called Avenue des Fleurs, and the British long came to the Riviera in large numbers. For this community, the Principality provided a plot of land. On 27 February 1923 the foundation stone was laid in the presence of Hereditary Princess Charlotte and the Duke of Connaught, son of Queen Victoria. The ceremony was led by the Bishop of Gibraltar, under whom the Anglican churches of continental Europe fall. Building work saw an accident: a 21-year-old worker fell from 4-metre scaffolding while decorating the nave and was taken to hospital. The church was consecrated on 19 February 1925. Services are still held here in English, and the parish is known for its choral music. If the door is open, step inside quietly; if not, take time to look at the façade and the passage running beside it.
History
St Paul’s is an Anglican church at number 22, Avenue de Grande-Bretagne, formerly Avenue des Fleurs, in the Monte-Carlo district. It came about because of the large English colony in the Principality, for which the Monegasque State provided a plot of land.
The foundation stone was laid on 27 February 1923. The ceremony took place in the presence of Hereditary Princess Charlotte and the Duke of Connaught, Arthur, son of Queen Victoria. It was led by the Bishop of Gibraltar, John Greig, assisted by the Reverend Arthur Griffin. The Mayor of Monaco, Alexandre Médecin, recalled the long-standing ties between the British population and the Principality, and the town’s wish to meet the religious needs of foreign residents. The Bishop, for his part, thanked the Prince’s government and the Monegasque authorities for their contribution to building the church.
After 2 years of work, the church was consecrated on 19 February 1925, at 10.30 am, in a ceremony led by the Bishop of Gibraltar, attended by the Principality’s dignitaries.
Art and architecture
The church fits into the urban fabric of Monte-Carlo, with the Passage Franciosy running beside it. Its sober architecture contrasts with the Belle Époque façades of the district and recalls the parish churches that British communities built along the Riviera.
The parish highlights the musical quality of the place: the building is recognised as a fine venue for music, and the liturgy keeps a strong choral tradition.
Anecdotes
The laying of the foundation stone gathered a notable audience: besides the Princess and the Duke, there were Eugène Marquet, President of the National Council, Secretary of State François Roussel-Despierres, the English consul and vice-consul, and Captain Geoffrey Spicer-Simson, chairman of the building committee. A reception followed at the Hôtel Bristol, where the Minister of State raised a toast to the Duke’s health.
Building work saw an accident. Louis Baldoni, a 21-year-old worker living in the Ténao district of Beausoleil, fell from 4-metre scaffolding while decorating the nave. Quite seriously injured, he was taken to hospital.
What to look for
Look at the façade from the avenue, then walk along the Passage Franciosy to appreciate the building’s volume. If the church is open, go in quietly: the calm of the nave contrasts with the bustle of Monte-Carlo. The parish notices, often in English, show a community that is still active.
Practical
The church is an active place of worship. The parish holds 2 Communion services on Sundays, as well as services on some weekdays, in English and in the Anglican tradition. Times and concerts are listed on the official website stpaulsmonaco.com. From the Casino, allow about 10 minutes on foot. Please respect services during your visit.
Nearby
Continue to Boulevard des Moulins and its shops, or head back down to Place du Casino. The parish takes part in the European Heritage Days in Monaco, a good opportunity to discover it. Its official website presents its news, its music and its centenary campaign.
On site, look for: Find the passage running beside the church, then look for the parish name written in English on the façade or the entrance board.
Test yourself
In which year was the church consecrated?
- 1905
- 1925 (answer)
- 1946
Which bishop presided over the laying of the foundation stone?
- The Bishop of Gibraltar (answer)
- The Bishop of London
- The Bishop of Nice
What was Avenue de Grande-Bretagne formerly called?
- Avenue de la Costa
- Avenue des Anglais
- Avenue des Fleurs (answer)
Sources
- Wikipédia : Église Saint-Paul de Monte-Carlo
- St Paul’s Anglican Church Monaco (site officiel)
- Wikipedia: Geoffrey Spicer-Simson
Information checked on 30 September 2026.