The Principality of Monaco is well known for certain characteristics, such as the high-end lifestyle, the Casino, the ruling Royal family (one of the oldest of Europe), etc…

One the things that struck the most when arriving in Monaco, though, is the compactness and density of its urban landscape. Even though a general visit of the whole Principality would take only one day, its labyrinthine aspect makes the tourist wonder whether he/she will ever find the way out!

The second-smallest Country of Europe really is a densely built-up area.

© Paolo Evangelista

At the same time though, the closeness to the sea creates a sort of balance, an equilibrium of stones and water, the complementarity that the Far Eastern Cultures would identify as yin and yang.

© Paolo Evangelista

It is no coincidence that the Principality of Monaco hosts one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens of Europe. Created in 1994 at the request of H.S.H. Prince Ranieri III and designed by a Japanese landscape architect, the garden has not to been seen simply as a faithful copy of the ones we may see in Japan, but as a real, proper Japanese garden. All the elements in fact, from the bridge to the fences, from the main building to lanterns and the tiles, were originally made in Japan.

© Paolo Evangelista

By Its very nature, the garden is a stylized and miniaturized representation of the natural world. The presence of natural elements, such as hills, waterfalls and brook are, according to tradition, a material representation of philosophical ideas developed in Japan and China.

And isn’t the Principality of Monaco a miniaturized version of a metropolis after all?

© Paolo Evangelista

Apart from the similarity between the peaceful nature of the garden and the equilibrium of stone and water we may see in Monaco, the two share one more fundamental aspect.

This type of gardens, based on philosophical ideas rather than aesthetic, are in reality of Chinese origins. The techniques and style were present in China way before their appearance in Japan. It was only thanks to the openness, the cultural and economic exchanges, and the diplomatic relations between those two Countries that the Japanese people
started to experience this new form of philosophical expression and meditation.

© Paolo Evangelista

The element of openness is also at the chore of the Principality of Monaco: the strong presence in the international scene, the commitment to sustainable development, the excellent diplomatic and economic relations with most foreign Countries and the presence of more than 120 different nationalities who live and work together, make this small independent territory the perfect host for the Japanese garden, as symbol of peace, balance, openness and relation with the natural World.

© Paolo Evangelista

Blog: Invitation au Voyage

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Japanese garden in Monaco