Culture of San Remo. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

San Remo, the most scenic and luxurious resort town of Liguria, features a vast choice of historical sites and architectural landmarks. One of the most unusual and remarkable spots of tourist attraction is the Chiesa Russa (the Russian Orthodox Church) which was constructed in 1913 under command of renowned architects Pietro Agosti and Alexey Shchusev. By its decoration and appearance the church resembles a classic Russian cathedral typicl to the 17th century. It is decorated with an ingenious stone carving. Curious tourists should necessarily estimate the sophisticated interior design of the church.

Its genuine pride is an inestimable collection of Russian icons. The age of some holly images is more than a hundred years. Another popular object of tourist attraction is the villa of Alfred Nobel. This was exactly the place where the globally renowned businessman and experimentalist spent the last years of his life. Today the villa is transformed into a museum which exposition is devoted to the life and achievements of the acclaimed chemist and great experimentalist. The museum is open for public so anyone can visit the villa and explore the private things and works of Nobel.

The same interesting and remarkable historical landmark is the Hanbury Villa located in the nearest suburbs of San Remo. The villa is embraced with a marvelous garden. The collection of the garden counts about six thousands of the rarest plants. Among them tourists will discover genuinely unique species o plants brought from other countries. The most visited cultural destination of the city is considered to be the Museo Civico which is housed in an impressive historical building. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The building is of great interest as well. Some halls of the museums are still decorated with astonishing ancient fresco paintings. Among the showpieces of the museum collection visitors will find archeological findings of the Roman Empire epoch as well as objects of art. A crown of the museum exposition is a collection of works by Mauricio Karregi which were created by the artist early in the 19th century.

One of the most scenic and beautiful places of the city is the Corso dell'Imperatrice. During a stroll along the embankment tourists may enjoy a perfect view of landmarks and sites located in this area. The embankment offers an unforgettable view over the coast. The La Pigna district features a great many of remarkable historical buildings of different epochs. The suburbs of San Remo offer numerous spots of tourist attraction as well. Travelers may join various excursions and observe the most remarkable sites of the suburban areas of San Remo.

Among the attractions of the pearl of the Italian Riviera is the wonderful building of the San Remo Casino, which was built in 1905. The municipality was chosen from seven different projects, among which was the project of Eugene Ferré – he became the architect of the building. The casino attracted tourists from all over the world not only with its wonderful architecture built in the modern style but also with an entertainment program, thanks to which Sanremo has become one of the most visited resorts. In addition to the casino, theater stages and concert halls, as well as chic restaurants, and bohemian meeting places were located here. During World War II, the casino was closed but fortunately, was not damaged. Since 1976, it is here that the main musical event of the region, Festival della Canzone Italiana, is held. It concurrently serves as a symbol of the city.

In addition to the Chiesa Russa church, there are other monuments of sacred architecture in Sanremo that are interesting. First of all, it is worth mentioning the church Santuario Madonna Della Costa, a beautiful example of baroque style. The first building that was built on this site dates back to the middle of the 14th century. A century later, in 1474, the Fabiani family built a chapel here. The shrine acquired its baroque appearance in 1630 when its facade was rebuilt and elements depicting Saints Siro and Romolo were added. The main relic of the church is the 14th-century painting depicting Madonna. The magnificent altars with sculptures attract lovers of beauty.

Another remarkable shrine in Sanremo is the church Parocchia Santa Maria degli Angeli, which attracts people with its ornate baroque facade. Despite the fact that everything is modest inside the church, it is famous for its spaciousness. Among the fortification constructions that faithfully served the city, it is worth highlighting the Forte Santa Tecla. The fort was built by Genoese in the 18th century. In 1796, the fortress was occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte’s army, and the locals who were tired of being under the authority of Genoa began to destroy the walls of the fort themselves. At the time when Sanremo became a part of Sardinia, the fortress turned into barracks, for which reconstruction was carried out in 1815. Later, starting from 1864 and up to 1997, a prison was situated here. Today interesting cultural events take place here (exhibitions, conferences).

An important attraction of the city is the mansion Villa Ormond, best known for its magnificent garden with its incredibly lush vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. The villa is also interesting from an architectural point of view, being a magnificent example of a neo-renaissance style. Built in the 19th century, the estate received important guests many times. Just like the tourists visiting Sanremo, these guests were impressed by the beauty of the garden with its diversity of flora, fountains, and bridges. The promenade is of particular interest for travelers in the evening – the fact is that the garden takes on a romantic sound due to illumination.

For those who wish to walk through the liveliest street of Sanremo, it is worth recommending a walk through Corso Matteotti. The charming street is framed around the edges by pretty restaurants and cafes, and all this is incredibly impressive. Another interesting place for a walk is the Giardini Nobel garden, one of the most beautiful places in the pearl of the Italian Riviera. Those who wish to combine a walk with looking at sculptural works of art should be advised to go to the La Giostra del Cuore garden. The same goes for the Cimitero Monumentale della Foce, on the territory of which, besides beautiful statues and tombstones, you can find beautiful crypts and chapels.

There are several colorful villages in the vicinity of the city, which attract the lovers of atmospheric towns like a magnet. The old village of Bussana Vecchia (like its name says) should definitely be mentioned – “ghost-town” and a place that attracts people with a rebellious spirit. Being located high in the mountains, the village experienced a serious earthquake, which killed more than two thousand people. After that, the surviving locals decided to establish the village of Bussana Nuova and did not return to their hometown. The “ghost-town” attracts art lovers – as it once attracted hippies who were engaged in the restoration of the village. Today you can find many art galleries and workshops here where artists create. The dilapidated houses give a special charm to the “ghost-town”.

There are interesting museums in Sanremo. For example, the Floriseum (Museo del Fiore di Sanremo), where you can learn about the history of the city and about the traditional craft of the local people – the cultivation of flowers. The economy of the city was built on precisely this craft for a long time. Music lovers should be advised to visit the Museo Strumenti Musicali, which is located in the surrounding town of Sanremo Seborga. Teatro di Burattini Sunduk and Teatro Ariston should be highlighted among the theaters which program you should definitely follow – it is here that, as a rule, the best theatrical performances take place.