The former Taggia-Arma station, closed in 2001, is now a vibrant cultural center that tells the story of the Ligurian railway. Stroll along the disused tracks, admire the artworks on display, and discover the events that bring this iconic site of the Riviera dei Fiori to life.
- Historic architecture: the 19th-century building retains the charm of old stations.
- Exhibitions and concerts: a rich calendar of events throughout the year.
- Strategic location: on the seafront, a stone’s throw from the center of Arma di Taggia.
- Free entry: open access to visit the exhibition spaces.
Former Taggia-Arma Railway Station Turned into Cultural Space: Concerts, Exhibitions, and a Dive into Ligurian Railway History on the Seafront of Arma di Taggia
- Via Blengino, Imperia (IM)
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Introduction
If you think an old railway station is just a ruin, you haven’t seen the former Taggia-Arma Station. Overlooking the seafront of Arma di Taggia, it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. A place where the scent of the sea blends with the history of the rails, and where concerts and exhibitions animate the ancient spaces. It’s one of those places that surprises you: you walk in and don’t know whether to expect the whistle of a train or the notes of a piano.
Historical Notes
Opened in 1879 along the Genoa-Ventimiglia line, the station served the towns of Taggia and Arma. After a decline in local traffic, it closed in the 1990s and lay abandoned for two decades. In 2016, the municipality began restoration, and in 2018 it reopened as a multipurpose space for events. The restoration preserved the original architecture, including the tracks. Here are the key moments:
- 1879: Station opening
- 1993: Passenger service discontinued
- 2016: Restoration begins
- 2018: Reopens as cultural space
A Stage on the Sea
Today, the passenger building is a concert and exhibition hall. The main hall, with its large windows, opens onto the seafront: during jazz or classical music concerts, the sound of the waves intertwines with the music. Every year, over 50 events are held, including theater festivals and photography exhibitions. I was there in July for a tribute to De André: the sunset light streamed through the windows, and the sea seemed part of the scenery. Impressive.
Art and Railway Memory
They didn’t sweep away the history. On the contrary: the original tracks have been incorporated into the outdoor garden, where visitors can walk among rails and sleepers. Inside, a small museum area displays railway memorabilia: vintage tickets, uniforms, photographs of old locomotives. There’s also a piece of rail from 1880. For a train enthusiast, it’s a dive into the past. For others, it’s an original way to understand how people traveled a century ago along the Ligurian Riviera.
Why visit it
Three reasons: 1) The location directly on the sea – few stations turned into cultural centers can boast such a view. 2) Quality events – concerts, exhibitions, and workshops for adults and children, often with free admission. 3) A piece of preserved history – it’s not a generic container: here you can still breathe the atmosphere of the old railway. Perfect if you’re looking for a cultural break during a day at the beach.
When to Go
Summer sunsets are magical. The station glows with warm lights, the sea turns orange, and there are often outdoor musical aperitifs. If you prefer peace and quiet, spring or autumn on weekdays: fewer crowds, and you can enjoy the garden at your leisure. In winter, events are fewer, but the venue remains open for exhibitions – the atmosphere is more intimate.
Nearby
Just a stone’s throw away is the historic center of Taggia, with its medieval alleys and the Pieve di San Giacomo. A visit to the Antica Pasticceria Panarello is a must to taste the baci di Taggia. If you’re in the mood for the sea, the beach at Arma di Taggia is right below the station – perfect for a dip after some culture. For those who love walking, the Sentiero delle Rane (Frog Trail) follows the Argentina River all the way to Badalucco.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Legend has it that the last train to leave Taggia-Arma in 2001 was packed with elderly passengers headed for Ventimiglia, bid farewell by the crowd with tears and handkerchiefs. Today, the retired station master returns every Sunday to share anecdotes with visitors.