The History of the Railway in Sanremo: From the Past to the Future of the Riviera
Sanremo, famous for its mild climate, its flowers and the famous Italian Song Festival, also has a long history linked to the railway. The train has played a fundamental role in the tourist and economic development of the city, connecting it to the rest of Italy and neighboring France. From the inauguration of the first railway line to the decommissioning of the old track in favor of a new underground route, the railway in Sanremo has undergone great transformations.
The Arrival of the Railway in Sanremo: A Revolution for the City
January 25, 1872 marks a historic date for Sanremo: the inauguration of the Genoa-Ventimiglia railway line, part of the line that would connect Italy with France. The arrival of the train radically changed the city, favoring aristocratic and international tourism. Sanremo became a favorite destination for the European elite, including Russian and English nobility, attracted by its mild winter climate.
The railway, with its iconic central station, also facilitated trade, allowing the rapid transport of local flowers and agricultural products to Italian and European markets.
The Golden Age of the Railway: The Allure of Luxury Trains
In the early decades of the twentieth century, Sanremo became a key stop for luxury trains such as the Train Bleu, which connected Paris to the Riviera. Exceptional travelers, including writers, artists and royalty, arrived in the city aboard elegant train carriages, ready to enjoy the sun and the worldliness of the Ligurian Riviera.
The golden age of the Sanremo railway also saw the introduction of new stations and stops along the coast, serving not only Sanremo but also nearby towns such as Ospedaletti and Arma di Taggia.
The New Route: The Railway Moves Underground
In the 1970s, the railway began to pose a problem for the urban development of Sanremo. The original route, which ran along the coast, separated the city from the sea and created traffic problems. For this reason, it was decided to build a new, more modern and underground railway line.
On September 27, 2001, the old coastal railway was officially decommissioned and replaced by a new route that passes further inland, with a new underground station located a few steps from the center. This change has allowed the recovery of large areas of the city, which have been transformed into cycle paths and green spaces, such as the famous Pista Ciclabile del Ponente Ligure, which follows part of the old railway route.
The Railway Today: A Strategic Link between Italy and France
Today, the railway continues to be a key element for Sanremo. Regional and Intercity trains connect the city to Genoa, Milan and Turin, while the French TGV allows you to reach Nice and Paris in a few hours.
In the future, with the modernization of the railway infrastructure and the possible arrival of the High Speed, Sanremo could become even more accessible for Italian and European travellers.
Conclusion
The history of the railway in Sanremo is a perfect example of how progress can transform a city. From the era of luxury trains to the modern underground route, the train has always played a fundamental role in the development of Sanremo, contributing to its reputation as an international tourist destination. Today, thanks to the redevelopment of the old railway areas and efficient connections, the railway continues to be the beating heart of mobility on the Riviera.
