As Monaco gears up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert II’s reign on Saturday, July 19th, extensive logistical and security measures are being implemented around the Place du Palais to ensure smooth traffic flow and crowd management during the official festivities.
Event details and access restrictions
The celebration, exclusively for Monegasque citizens, will take place from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. To accommodate this event, certain roads will be partially closed, vehicle access will be regulated, and pedestrian entry will be strictly controlled.
Road closures and pedestrian zones
On the day of the event, the Place du Palais will be closed to general traffic from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, transforming into a secure pedestrian zone. However, access to Monaco-Ville via the Rampe Major will remain open, and businesses on Rue Basse, Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi, and Rue Emile de Loth will still be accessible.
Controlled entry from 4:00 PM
From 4:00 PM onwards, only authorized vehicles will be permitted into the Place du Palais. Pedestrian access will also be subject to strict controls, requiring an official badge for entry.
Guest checkpoints and required identification
Between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, invited guests can pass through checkpoints located at the start of the Rampe Major and the entrances of Rue Basse, Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi, and Rue Emile de Loth. Entry will be granted upon presentation of an invitation card, a Monegasque identity card, or a resident’s card for spouses of Monegasques.
Continued access and services
Despite the closures, Avenue de la Porte-Neuve will remain accessible to authorized vehicles. Public transport, operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), will continue throughout the day and will be free of charge across the entire network on July 19th to facilitate movement.
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco will also remain open to the public, as will the Chemin des Pêcheurs car park.
Special provisions and palace closures
A limited number of vehicle access permits are available for individuals with reduced mobility, allowing them to drop off passengers near the Rock before 6:00 PM.
In preparation for the event, visits to the Prince’s Palace will be suspended from July 17th to July 20th between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Additionally, the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony will not take place from July 15th to July 20th inclusive.
