Santa Tecla fort and Sanremo harbour from above

Fort of Santa Tecla

The Forte di Santa Tecla, an 18th-century Genoese fortress on Sanremo's harbour and former prison, reopened on 2 July 2026 with exhibitions and concerts.

Santa Tecla fort and Sanremo harbour from above

Address: via Giardini Vittorio Veneto 34Sanremo
Reopening: 2 July 20262026–27 season
Ticket: €5, reduced €2ages 18–25), free under 18
Season pass: €10
Managed by: Ministry of Culture

Directions Official website

The Forte di Santa Tecla dominates the Porto Vecchio of Sanremo with its triangular plan. It was built by the Republic of Genoa in the mid-18th century, after the revolt of the people of Sanremo in 1753, not to defend the town from the sea but to keep it under control. Having served as a barracks and a prison, it is now a cultural venue: closed for works, it reopened on 2 July 2026 with exhibitions, concerts and workshops.

By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on October 5, 2026·1 min read

History of the fort

In the 18th century Sanremo was subject to the Republic of Genoa and deeply resented its taxes. After the revolt of 1753 Genoa had this fortress built on the harbour, with its cannons also pointing towards the town. After 1815 the fort became a barracks, and from 1864 to 1997 it was a prison. Since 2016, following restoration, it has hosted exhibitions and events.

Visiting the fort

Inside the walls you can visit the restored spaces, which host temporary exhibitions, concerts and family activities. From the bastions the view takes in the Porto Vecchio, La Pigna and the sea. Opening hours for the 2026–27 season are published on the fort’s official website: check them before you go.

Nearby

The fort stands on the Porto Vecchio, a short walk from Tiro a Volo beach, via Matteotti and the cycle path. The harbour is at the centre of a major redevelopment project that will bring a new square by the sea and a promenade.