The Monaco Courthouse

How could I not introduce you to the Monaco Courthouse? It makes a striking pair with the cathedral just next door ! Its foundation stone was laid in 1924 during a formal ceremony, thanks to the personal initiative of Prince Louis II. The building was completed and inaugurated just six years later. Architecturally, the Monaco Courthouse stands out for its use of marine tuff—a porous stone that often contains tiny pebbles and shell fragments, giving the façade a slightly rough, almost sponge-like texture. Beyond its unique appearance, have you ever wondered how Monaco’s justice system actually works? Let’s fix that! Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years. Judicial authority officially belongs to the Prince, but its day-to-day application is entrusted to the country’s courts and tribunals. Modeled closely on the French legal system, Monaco’s judicial structure is remarkably thorough for such a small state. At the top, there’s the Supreme Court, which handles constitutional matters, similar to the ones you findin other countries. Then comes the Court of Revision, Monaco’s equivalent of a Court of Cassation—that’s the highest court for reviewing legal decisions, much like a court of final appeal. Next is the Court of Appeal, followed by the Criminal Court, which handles serious offenses. The Court of First Instance rules on lesser crimes and offenses, and it’s complemented by the Justice of the Peace, who deals with minor infractions. Impressive, right? For such a tiny country, Monaco takes justice seriously—and this elegant courthouse is the perfect symbol of that commitment.