Sanremo, also known as the city of flowers, is one of the biggest cities on the Ligurian Italian Riviera. It is mainly known for the famous Italian Song Festival that takes place there every year, even though there are also many natural and architectural beauties.

The Riviera of Flowers is a beautiful place, which is characterized by big rocky and sandy beaches, as well as sunny and warm weather.

In this article, you will find a list of things to do and to see in Sanremo, from the natural beauties to the art and culture that define the area.

Cathedral of San Siro

The Cathedral of San Siro is one of the oldest buildings in Sanremo, as it dates back to the XII century. It can be considered as a typical example of Ligurian Romanesque architecture. Moreover, some artifacts have been found, such as the ruins of an older church.

Civic Museum

The Civic Museum is located in Palazzo Nota, an 18th-century palace. It used to be the headquarters of the Genoese police station as well as the city hall. In the beginning, it was an Archeological Museum, which hosted some pre-historic artifacts from the Sanremo area. It also hosts an art gallery, where you can find important artworks of local artists.

Russian Orthodox church

The Church of Cristo Salvatore, also known as the Russian Orthodox Church, was built because the Russian population in Sanremo reached the number of one thousand. In fact, Russian nobility often stayed in Sanremo and it commissioned the church so that they could have their own religious place. Nowadays, it is one of the main points of interest in the city.

The architecture is typically inspired by the Russian one, as you can see from the towers which are topped by rounded domes.

Villa Nobel

As the name suggests, Villa Nobel belonged to the famous scientist that founded the most prestigious award in the scientific and literary field. In fact, he lived in Sanremo for some years because he needed good weather for his health. He even installed his lab in the villa, so he could study even from Liguria.

The structure is in Moorish style, which is very eclectic. It has a fine and cured garden where you can find exotic plants that contribute to the eccentricity of the building.

Sanremo Casino

The Sanremo Casino was designed by the Parisian architect Ferret, and it is in Liberty style, which was very popular at that time. It is one of the last three gambling houses in Italy. You can visit it even without gambling, just to admire the wonderful architecture.

Ariston Theater

The Ariston Theater is famous because it hosts the Italian Song Contest, the most important music competition in Italy, as well as one of the biggest in Europe. During the year, the theater hosts exhibitions, operas, and a cinema. In the first half of February, the stage is dedicated to the Festival, which is one of the most-watched TV events in Italy.

The Italian Song Festival of Sanremo has been held every year since 1950 and it was the inspiration for another big music event in Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest. Each singer presents an unreleased song and in the last evening, the winner is announced.

Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa

The Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa is in the historical center of Sanremo, a hundred meters above sea level. It is a wonderful structure in Baroque style, with a Latin cross planning.

La Pigna

The ancient neighborhood of Sanremo is also called "La Pigna" in reference to its shape. In fact, among the alleys and the palaces, the area looks like an enchanted town.

Cycle path

In Sanremo, you will find a beautiful cycle pathway, which stretches along the Riviera of Flowers, from San Lorenzo to Ospedaletti. The pathway is 24km long, and it's perfect for cycle tours with a wonderful view. In fact, you will find a breathtaking landscape, among hills, beaches, and gardens.

Bussana Vecchia

Bussana Vecchia is an old town that is located near Sanremo. It is a fascinating town because it was completely abandoned in the past. At the end of 1800, an earthquake almost destroyed the whole town, so the government ordered it to be evacuated. Some decades later, groups of artists were fascinated by the beauty of the place and they settled there.

The Garden of Villa Ormond

Nature lovers can't miss the Garden of Villa Ormond. It is a huge garden which is divided into different areas according to the origin of the plants. In fact, there are natural species from all over the world, exotic and old, which amaze the visitor with their particular shapes and colors.

Take a look at our homes in Sanremo and our experiences.

December 13th, 2021