The name of the city of San Remo was well known to the inhabitants of the Soviet Union thanks to the popular music competition. However, most of them could not even dream of going there, not to mention being present at the gala concert of the festival.
Today, times have changed, and the attractions of San Remo can be seen by any Russian who has enough money to visit Italy. In addition, this city is a popular place for organizing shopping tours, especially during the sales season.
Museum of San Remo
At 143 Corso Matteotti, the city houses a museum that occupies the building of the old Palazzo Borea d'Olmo, considered one of the most picturesque Baroque buildings in the historical region of Liguria. A visit to this attraction of San Remo is almost always included in the program of excursions for city guests, including those who come there on organized shopping tours.
The museum offers an extensive collection of archaeological finds, including Roman artifacts, as well as bronze statues by Franco Bargigi and paintings by Maurizio Carrega.
The museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (break from 12:00 to 14:00). The cost of an adult ticket is 3 EUR.
Pinacoteca Rambaldi
This famous art gallery was founded in 1865. It presents several hundred paintings created from the 15th to the end of the 19th century. Among them are “Madonna and Child” by Lorenzo di Credi, “The Temptation of St. Anthony” by Salvator Rosa, as well as paintings by Jacopo Vignali, Anton Rafael Mengs and Michele Rocca.
Since 2006, the Pinacoteca Rambaldi has moved to the premises at the Villa Luca in Coldirodi, 7 km from the city of San Remo. Entrance ticket costs 5 euros.
San Siro Cathedral
Visiting the sights of San Remo, you can not ignore the main Christian temple of the city. The church in its place has existed since the 9th century and was repeatedly rebuilt. However, after the devastating fire that occurred at the end of the 19th century, she was returned to her original strict Romanesque appearance. The main shrine of the Cathedral of San Siro is the black crucifix. According to legend, in the 16th century it protected San Semo from the attacks of the Saracens, and since then, the townspeople have turned to him for help during any adversity.
Temple address: Piazza San Siro (next to Feraldi Street).
Church of the Madonna della Costa
Those who come to San Remo, whose sights are of great interest to history buffs, often prefer to explore the city while taking a walk along the route through the La Pigna area. At the end of the journey, they will visit the temple of the Madonna della Costa. It is especially loved by the townspeople, as it was built on public money. There is a legend according to which the collection of donations for the construction of the temple was organized by a certain sailor who miraculously escaped from the hands of pirates. As a result, a small church dedicated to the Virgin was built. Its baroque facade is decorated with statues of the Madonna, as well as the saints of San Siro and San Romolo.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Photos of this San Remo landmark often surprise the uninitiated with palm trees and buildings in the style of 17th-century Moscow Orthodox churches in one shot. The temple was built 100 years ago, and there are Orthodox services in Russian. The main shrine of the Church of Christ the Savior is the iconostasis with the images of the Mother of God and Christ, which are copies of the works of Mikhail Vrubel.
Corso del imperatric
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is not the only reminder of Russia in San Remo. One of the most beautiful and famous boulevards of the city - Corso del Imperatrice - is named in honor of the wife of Tsar Alexander the Second, who brought in San Remo gorgeous Brazilian palm trees, which became one of his decorations. It is one of the favorite places for walks of citizens and guests of the city, and there are chic boutiques where you can buy clothes and shoes of the most famous brands.
Villa Ormond
At Corso Felice Cavallotti in San Remo, Villa Ormond is located, one of the most popular destinations for relaxing on the Ligurian coast. Its building in the style of the Italian Renaissance was erected in the 19th century.
The main attraction of the villa is a luxurious garden, where palm trees, cedars, flowers, ficuses and drought-resistant plants grow. There is a pond with bridges, fountains and an exhibition pavilion in the garden, and you can see the monuments to the Montenegrin king Nicola I (the father of one of the Italian queens) and the poet Ignacio Altamirano.
Especially beautiful in the villa "Ormond" in the dark, when decorative illumination is turned on in the park.
Villa Alfred Nobel
In this magnificent mansion, the founder of the world's most famous scientific award spent the last 5 years of his life. Today it is turned into a museum, where exhibits are kept telling about his achievements and charitable activities.
Casino San Remo
On the street of Corso degli Inglesi is an old Casinò di Sanremo, located in an Art Nouveau building. The history of this landmark of San Remo, reviews of which were left in their memoirs by many famous writers, bankers and politicians, began in 1905. For many decades, only tourists could visit it. Today, the ban on visiting Casinò di Sanremo by local residents has been lifted, but the casino continues to operate mainly for tourists.
The famous festival in San Remo
The sights, photos of which you have already seen, for all their historical and cultural value, cannot compete in fame with the music festival, which has been held in the Ariston concert hall for many years.
Within its framework, a competition of Italian composers takes place, presenting to the audience their original, previously unheard songs. The festival has been held since 1951. Thanks to this musical holiday, such performers as Eros Ramazotti, Gigolola Cinquetti, Andrea Bocelli, Roberto Carlos and others became known to the world. The competition is held in late February, when it is relatively warm in San Remo, and in order to become an audience at its concerts, hundreds of tourists come from all over Italy and Europe to the city.
San Remo Attractions: Travel Reviews
For over 150 years, this largest city in the province of Empire has been one of the best resorts in Italy. And all this time you could hear only admired reviews of tourists about its attractions, beaches and hotels. And this does not surprise anyone, since everyone in the city will find something to their liking, especially since various holidays and festivals are constantly held in San Remo. For example, in May, everyone can take part in a tasting of local wines in the main city square, and if you like sports, then in the same month you can witness a fierce struggle between the famous cyclists in the framework of Tour Italy.
Shopping
San Remo (Italy), whose sights you already know, is a great place to renew your wardrobe and purchase clothes for your children.
If you prefer branded items, then it is better to go to the pedestrian street Via Giacomo Matteotti, which is located in the city center. There are many boutiques selling items produced by Dolce & Gabbana, Furla, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, etc. In addition, there are many shops at the level of mass of the market, however, they have retail prices and there are practically no discounts on vacation, so tourists are not recommended to spend time to go to these stores.
By the way, one of the attractions of the city is the local clothing market. It is located on Heroes' Square and operates in the open air on Tuesdays, as well as on Saturday. There you can buy various local cashmere products, as well as souvenirs.
Now you know where to look for attractions in San Remo. Shopping in this city will also bring you many pleasant moments, so do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the ancient city in the Italian Riviera.