Forte di Santa Tecla: Historic Fortress with Breathtaking View in Sanremo

If there’s a place in Sanremo that immediately makes you feel the weight and poetry of history, it’s the Forte di Santa Tecla. Perched on a promontory overlooking the sea, it offers a 360° view of the Riviera dei Fiori that takes your breath away. Upon entering, the smell of dampness and the silence envelop you: here time seems to have stood still. It’s not just a monument; it’s an experience that combines scenery and art, because inside its 18th-century walls, contemporary exhibitions now live. A contrast that works wonderfully.

Built by the Republic of Genoa in the mid-18th century (1756), the fort was intended to defend the city from naval attacks. During the 19th century, it passed to the House of Savoy and became a military prison, housing even Italian patriots. Abandoned for decades, it was restored in the 1990s and reopened to the public as an exhibition space. Today, it is a gem of military archaeology, telling the story of centuries of dominations and changes.

Here are the key moments:

• 1756 – Construction ordered by the Republic of Genoa
• 1815 – Transfer to the House of Savoy after the Congress of Vienna
• 19th century – Used as a military prison
• 1990 – Restoration begins
• 1999 – Reopened to the public

My favorite part is the camminamento di ronda, where soldiers once stood guard. From here, the view stretches from the center of Sanremo to the French coast, with the Maritime Alps behind you. Every step is a dive into history: the original cannons, the embrasures, the thick walls. And then the silence, broken only by the sound of the waves. Bring binoculars to see the details of the villas on the hill.

One of the most curious aspects is how the fort hosts modern art exhibitions – sculptures, installations, photographs – that dialogue with the ancient walls. Last time I saw an exhibition by Ligurian artists playing with light, a stunning contrast. The exhibition space winds through vaulted rooms and courtyards, creating a surprising path. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, it’s one more reason to visit.

First: the view. No other spot in Sanremo offers such a complete panorama – every step is worth it. Second: it’s an open-air museum off the beaten path, so it’s often quiet even in high season. Third: entrance is very cheap (often free on certain days), and you also get to enjoy interesting exhibitions. In short, it’s a rare mix of history, art, and relaxation, a stone’s throw from the center but far from the chaos.

My advice? At sunset. The golden light reflecting on the sea and lighting up the stone walls is something magical. If you are in Sanremo in spring or autumn, avoid the weekend and go during the week: you’ll be almost alone. In summer it’s hot, but the sea breeze makes everything more bearable. Watch the opening hours: it often closes at 7 PM, so plan to be there an hour before sunset.

Coming down from the fort, you’ll be in Piazza dei Dolori in just a couple of minutes, one of the most characteristic corners of the old town, with its colorful houses and locals chatting in the shade. From there, a quick stop at the Flower Market (if you go in the morning) gives you an explosion of scents and colors. Or, if you fancy a gelato, head to Via Palazzo and stop at an artisanal gelateria – I love the pistachio one from Bronte.