This square lies at the crossroads of six of the Principality’s main roads
(Boulevard Charles III, Avenue Prince Pierre, Rue Grimaldi, Avenue du Port,
Avenue de la Porte Neuve and the steps of the Rampe Major).
Once called “Piaça d’a Fonte Nova” (Square of the New Fountain or, in the
Monégasque language, “Funtana Noeva”), this old public square was fed
by a stream which ran down the hill of Les Révoires and La Colle. It filled a
watering-trough for animals and an old wash-house. Part of the cove of Monaco
was filled in to allow for its extension.
First known as “A Cunsigna” (after the name of the gate at the bottom of the
Rampe Major), the square was used around 1861 as a place for manoeuvres by
the Sardinian garrisons. Since the mid-19th century and even after it was restructured in
the 1990’s, it has played host to traditional Monaco : here, every day from
6 a.m. to 2 p.m., market stalls reflect the colours of the south.
Between Avenue de la Porte Neuve and Avenue du Port, you can follow in the
footsteps of Princess Grace thanks to the “Parcours Princesse Grace”, an
itinerary specially laid out to pay tribute to this charismatic Princess who made
Monaco a destination of worldwide renown. An original and unusual way of
discovering or rediscovering the Principality on a pleasant walk.
