The City of Flowers is the name given to Sanremo. And it is in fact full of carnations, calendula, mimosa, buttercups and glittering greenhouses. The Flower Museum in the park of the nineteenth-century Villa Ormond is a triumph of exotic plants…
But what are the must-see places? We are going to tell you!
ARISTON THEATRE
The most famous cinema-theatre in Italy. From 1977, it is also the location of the Italian Song Festival which over the years has welcomed, either as competitors or guests, real legends of world music such as Mina, Modugno, Madonna, Elton John and David Bowie.
CASINO
The blindfolded goddess dwells here, around the luckiest tables in the city. And if you want extra luck, caress the foot of the “Cica”, the statue at the entrance of the Casino.
PROMENADE
A must-do when visiting Sanremo is to stroll along its elegant promenade adorned with tall palm trees donated by tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, who fell in love with this city during her stay.
VILLA NOBEL
For years, it was the home of the famous scientist who invented the prestigious award. It is a nineteenth-century villa built in Moorish style with a beautiful, lush garden full of indigenous plants and rare species.
PALAZZO NOTA
It houses the Public Museum which collects the rich archaeological, historical and artistic heritage of Sanremo and Western Liguria, and also the Rambaldi Art Gallery which contains important paintings and sculptures from the 17th century to contemporary age.
LA PIGNA DISTRICT
It is the historic heart of the city: alleys, arches, stairways and fountains that reach Porta Santo Stefano. The name derives from its concentric pattern which recalls the shape of a pine cone (pigna).
THE GARDENS OF QUEEN ELENA
Dedicated to another noblewoman who was also in love with Sanremo, these gardens extend up to the viewpoint above the Pigna district and offer one of the most beautiful panoramas of the gulf of Sanremo. Going up a little further, you can reach the baroque Sanctuary of the Madonna della Costa.
Finally, for a little shopping, you can visit the most exclusive international fashion brand stores with a sea view, perhaps before or after a gourmet dinner at the adHoc Food Lounge overlooking the sea.
(photos 1-7: ph. Dario Garofalo)
