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Historical Sainte-Dévote Square

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Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)

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The historical Place de la Sainte-Dévote is located at the foot of the Vallon des Gaumates and is one of the most spiritually significant sites in the Principality. It is dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco and the Grimaldi family, who died as a martyr in the 4th century. According to legend, her body was carried in a boat to Monaco, guided by a dove, an event commemorated every year on January 26th by the burning of a boat. The square is situated near the Sainte-Dévote Church, originally built in the 11th century and later expanded in the neo-Gothic style. This location marks the transition between the port district of La Condamine and the steep slopes leading up to the Monte-Carlo Casino. Historically, this area has often been the setting for major religious ceremonies that have strengthened Monaco's identity. During the Monaco Grand Prix, the square gains global fame as it hosts the famous Sainte-Dévote corner, one of the most challenging sections of the racing circuit. Despite the roar of Formula 1, the square maintains a prayerful silence during the rest of the year and remains a central symbol of the Principality's deeply rooted faith.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historical Sainte-Dévote Square is a public space freely accessible at any time. It is deeply linked to Monaco's patron saint and used for traditional ceremonies; the area around the statue and chapel can be visited.
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Typical hours
As an open square, there are no opening hours; it is accessible around the clock. The adjacent chapel has its own opening hours, usually open for visitors in the afternoon.
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Photography
Photography in the square is allowed without restrictions. The statue of Saint Devota and the chapel are popular subjects, especially during the annual festival on January 27.
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Time needed
A short visit to the square takes about 10 to 15 minutes to see the statue and commemorative plaques. Those who visit the chapel should allow an additional 20 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine this site with the Prince's Palace and the Monaco port, both nearby. Also worth a stroll along the harbour promenade.
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Getting there
The square is located in the La Condamine district, near the port, and is reachable on foot from the Monaco-Monte Carlo station. Buses line 1 or 2 stop at 'Sainte-Dévote' stop.
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Insider tip
Visit the square on January 27, the feast of Saint Devota, to experience the traditional procession and boat burning. On other days, it is quieter and more reflective.

Geography

Coordinates
43.73550, 7.42250

Facts

  • Dedicated to Saint Devota, who was martyred in 304 AD.
  • Site of the annual boat burning ceremony on the eve of January 27th.
  • The Sainte-Dévote chapel was first documented in the year 1070.
  • Located at the lowest point of the Gaumates valley.
  • Globally famous as the first corner of the Monaco Formula 1 circuit.
  • Marks the boundary between the La Condamine and Monte-Carlo districts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Stade Nautique Rainier IIIStade Nautique Rainier III<1 km · NWExplore →
Nouveau Musée National de MonacoNouveau Musée National de Monaco2 km · NEExplore →
Tête de Chien (Dog's Head)Tête de Chien (Dog's Head)2 km · WExplore →
📍Roquebrune-Cap-Martin5 km · NEExplore →
Èze VillageÈze Village5 km · WExplore →
Lemon Groves of MentonLemon Groves of Menton8 km · NEExplore →
📍Drap8 km · WExplore →
📍La Trinité9 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (10)

The Car Collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco🏛 museum

Automobile museum in Monaco, collection of vehicles of the princely house.

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Monaco Grand Prix Start/Finish Line

Start and finish line of the famous Formula 1 race in Monaco.

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Chapelle Sainte-Dévote

Church building in Monaco, dedicated to the patron saint of the principality.

Synagogue de Monaco

Synagogue in Monaco, place of Jewish worship.

Théatre Princesse Grace

Theatre in Monaco, named after Princess Grace.

Exhibition Hall🏛 museum

Exhibition hall in Monaco, venue for temporary art and cultural events.

Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo

Wellness and thermal bath centre in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.

Église du Sacré Coeur

Church building in Moneghetti, Monaco.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Official residence of the Sovereign of Monaco, perched on the rock above the harbor.

Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation🏛 museum

Museum in a former chapel in Monaco, hosting temporary exhibitions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this square important for Monaco?
It is dedicated to the patron saint of the Principality, Saint Devota, and houses her votive church.
When does the most important celebration take place here?
Every year on January 26th, a symbolic boat is burned in front of the church.
Can you visit the Sainte-Dévote church?
Yes, entry is free, provided that religious services are not in progress.
Where exactly is the square located?
At the entrance of the Sainte-Dévote valley, very close to Port Hercule.
Is there a statue here?
Yes, a statue of Saint Devota with a dove adorns the square.
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square: where is it located?
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square is located in Monaco.
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Car Collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco, Monaco Grand Prix Start/Finish Line, Chapelle Sainte-Dévote.
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square: why is it worth visiting?
The historical Place de la Sainte-Dévote is located at the foot of the Vallon des Gaumates and is one of the most spiritually significant sites in the Principality.
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Moneghetti is an urban center characterized by steep streets and proximity to the French border.

History & landmarks

Plage du Solarium — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
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This artificially constructed beach section is located below Fort Antoine.
Northern Fortifications — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Northern Fortifications
The remains of the northern walls served to protect the Principality from attacks from the land side.
Rue de la Visitation — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Rue de la Visitation
This street is part of the religious quarter in Monaco-Ville.
Rue de la Poste — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Rue de la Poste
Rue de la Poste is one of the historically significant paths in Monaco-Ville.
Place de la Visitation — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Place de la Visitation
This square is a historical hub in Monaco-Ville.
Porte de France — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Porte de France
The Porte de France was a historical city gate of the fortifications.
Place Saint-Nicolas — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Place Saint-Nicolas
This small, historical square in Monaco-Ville is named after Saint Nicholas.
Rue Basse — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Rue Basse
Rue Basse is one of the oldest streets in Monaco-Ville.

Nature

Hercules Harbor Basin — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Hercules Harbor Basin
This harbor basin is a natural bay that has been significantly modified throughout history.

More places

Sainte-Dévote Valley — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Sainte-Dévote Valley
A narrow valley opening toward the harbor.
Monaco Telecom Headquarters — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Monaco Telecom Headquarters
The primary provider of telecommunication services in Monaco.
La Condamine Logistics Hub — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
La Condamine Logistics Hub
Key hub for goods distribution within the La Condamine district.
Condamine Urban Canyon — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Condamine Urban Canyon
A densely built, valley-like corridor in the urban area.
Condamine Plateau — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Condamine Plateau
A lower-lying area between the districts of Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo.
Monaco Business Office — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Monaco Business Office
Government institution supporting economic development and attracting new businesses to Monaco.
Garden Terrace — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Garden Terrace
An artificially created, flat terrace on a natural rock protrusion.
Brasserie of Monaco — Historical Sainte-Dévote Square (Monaco)
Brasserie of Monaco
A craft brewery located on Port Hercules, producing a range of beers using organic ingredients.