This week is coming to an end and it means it’s time to take a look at the most interesting news of the passed week.
Prince Albert II inaugurates Historical Churches damaged by Storm Alex
Prince Albert II inaugurated three freshly restored historical buildings, which were damaged during Storm Alex, on 6 November 2024. The facade of Saint-Pons Church, the Presbytery of the Marie Commune and the bell tower of the of Saint-Michel Church in the commune of Venanson were inaugurated in the presence of the Hugues Moutouh, Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Mayors of both communes.
The parish church of Saint-Pons, dating from before the 16th century, represents major historical interest and heritage for Marie. With its unique sloping floor in grey slabs and its trompe l’oeil murals, it houses two paintings by Giovanni Rocca (dated 1644) and a magnificent polychrome statue of the Virgin in olive tree wood. This statue, dating from 1775, stands 1.6 metres tall, weighs over four hundred kilos and is carried in procession each year. In 2018, the Saint-Pons church underwent a major exterior and interior restoration (lime facade coatings, slate bell tower roof, zinc gutters) financed in part by more than 1,400 donors from France and abroad.
More than Fresh Paint: Condamine Market’s Bold Revamp Takes Shape But With the Same Heart
Monaco’s beloved Condamine Market is on the cusp of transformation. On October 8, traders from the market’s Hall convened at Monaco’s Town Hall for an in-depth briefing on the ambitious redevelopment project that will modernize one of Monaco’s most iconic community spaces. Overseen by Mayor Georges Marsan, the meeting outlined key steps and timelines for the overhaul, which will see the market reimagined to meet current standards, with doors set to reopen in early 2027.
Mayor Marsan emphasized that this project, described as a “flagship initiative” for his administration, goes beyond compliance. “This is a rare opportunity to reinvent the Hall while preserving its place as the popular heartbeat of Monaco,” he stated. With lessons learned from previous renovations in 1992 and 2012, Marsan stressed a commitment to transparency and cooperation with the traders and the public, marking this project as a community-driven effort.
Ready for Launch! Venturi unveils New Lunar Rover Prototype
Venturi announced the production of a new lunar rover and unveiled a prototype during the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy on 15 October 2024. The new rover is designed for smaller payloads on the moon, in response to a growing demand from institutions, businesses and scientific organizations in the U.S.A. and Europe.
Known currently by the name FLIP, the rover uses the same technology used by Venturi Astrolab’s FLEX rover, which was introduced in 2022 Just as with FLEX, Venturi Astrolab is responsible for the overall design and manufacturing of the rover. More specifically, the company has developed the vehicle’s actuators, chassis, launch mount and release, avionics, solar panel, communications system, flight and ground software.
Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series – Act I: 12th season on the blocks
Since 2013, the best J/70 teams have been descending on Monaco to line up on the start of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series of monthly regattas organised by Yacht Club de Monaco. A winter tradition, these gatherings are an ideal opportunity for teams to continue racing at the highest level to prepare for next season.
This weekend many teams will meet for Act 1 with the final event ending at the same time as the Primo Cup-Trophée UBS (6-9 March 2025), the flagship event for the one design elite initiated by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in 1985.
