During the 1860s and 1870s, the Principality saw massive development. Monte-Carlo emerged from agricultural lands, and the Casino, grand hotels, and railways were built, drawing tourists and gamblers to Monaco and Monte-Carlo. But was that enough? There's always room for more! Le Journal de Monaco initiated a survey among its readers and visitors.
On April 15, 1873, a visitor named Fortin shared their thoughts: Monte-Carlo had become a trendy leisure spot, while the old town of Monaco sank into sadness and obscurity. Moreover, to reach Monaco, one had to climb the Rock, which was exhausting! The astonishing conclusion: to revitalize Monaco by leveraging Monte-Carlo's success, they should build a bridge between the Casino and the Rock!
Yes, a bridge over the harbor! That's the mind-boggling project Le Journal de Monaco presented to its readers. Starting from an attractive premise, there were still improvements to be made. So what kind of bridge? The newspaper posed the question, suggesting a suspended bridge or a pillar bridge as possible solutions.
Everyone agreed that the cost would be astronomical. However, some believed it was worth the expense and even suggested launching a subscription for it. The best idea? A reader proposed a toll to cross the bridge from the casino to the Rock, in a Principality where Charles III abolished taxes! The human imagination truly knows no bounds. So, that's the wild idea Monaco narrowly escaped...
At the time, other bridges were being constructed, like Brooklyn Bridge in New York (1869-1883). Perhaps it was wise to wait for their completion before moving forward with such an ambitious project in Monaco. Nevertheless, this piece of Monaco's history paints a fascinating picture of what could have been. See you at the next high-stakes game at the casino!