Leaving Genoa, we continued along the coast, and our next stop was the quaint San Remo. Although we knew that we only had time for a short break of about an hour before finally crossing the French border, we definitely wanted to take a walk in this city with its special atmosphere.
The name San Remo now comes to mind for almost everyone from the famous Sanremo Song Festival, which has been held every year at the Ariston Theater since 1951. This event is not only the pinnacle of Italian music life, but it also gave the basic idea for the creation of the Eurovision Song Contest. During the festival, the city becomes the center of glamour and art, but San Remo is much more than that; it is also called the City of Flowers because of the flower-growing traditions of the area.
The history of the city dates back to ancient times, when there was a Roman settlement here called Villa Matutia, but it gained its true character in the Middle Ages. The old town, La Pigna, is a labyrinth built on a hillside, where the narrow streets and steep stairs still preserve the memory of the old defense against pirate raids. At the end of the 19th century, San Remo became a favorite winter resort of the European aristocracy, when the luxurious villas and the famous Casino were built, which are still a symbol of the elegance of the city. Even Alfred Nobel chose this city as his last home, his villa can still be visited today.
After a pleasant walk along the coast, we returned to the car and said goodbye to Italy. We crossed the border and began the French leg of our journey, aiming for our accommodation in Menton, to finally rest from the fatigue of the road in one of the most beautiful cities on the Riviera.
