La Pigna

La Pigna is Sanremo's medieval old town: alleys, arches and stairways climbing up to the Regina Elena Gardens and the Madonna della Costa sanctuary.

Archway and alley in La Pigna, Sanremo

Where: on the hill behind piazza Eroi Sanremesi and piazza San Siro
Admission: freealways accessible
Visit length: 1–2 hoursup to the sanctuary
Difficulty: lots of steps and slopeswear comfortable shoes
Cars: mostly not accessiblepark at the bottom

Directions

La Pigna is the medieval old town of Sanremo. Its name means “pine cone”: its houses, packed tightly together on the hillside, form a cone shape that recalls one. It is a maze of carruggi (narrow alleys), arches, stairways and covered passages that climb from the market area and piazza San Siro up to the Regina Elena Gardens and, higher still, to the Madonna della Costa sanctuary.

By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on October 5, 2026·3 min read

History of La Pigna

The village grew up on the hill in the Middle Ages, in a defensible position, when the coast was threatened by raids from Saracen pirates. The houses were built in concentric circles, one against the other, linked by arches that helped support the buildings during earthquakes and made it harder for invaders to get through. The covered passages, gates and narrow stairways are the mark of a town designed to defend itself.

With the arrival of tourism in the 19th century the town expanded towards the sea, and La Pigna remained the working-class district of fishermen, farmers and craftsmen. Today it is partly restored and partly still authentic and a little run-down: it is precisely this contrast that makes it so appealing.

Highlights of La Pigna

Piazza San Siro and the Co-cathedral

At the foot of La Pigna, the Co-cathedral of San Siro is the oldest church in Sanremo, a 12th-century Romanesque building with a black crucifix from the 15th century. It is the natural starting point for a visit.

The alleys and covered passages

As you climb you pass through stone alleys, arches linking the houses, stairways and quiet little squares. Just follow the slope: all the streets lead upwards.

Regina Elena Gardens

At the top of the village, the Regina Elena Gardens are a viewpoint with palms and flowerbeds dedicated to Queen Elena of Montenegro, with views over the rooftops and the sea.

The Madonna della Costa sanctuary

Higher still, about a hundred metres above the sea, the Santuario Madonna della Costa dominates the town with its great dome. The churchyard is decorated with a 17th-century pebble mosaic, and from here the view takes in the whole of Sanremo.

Tips for your visit

Go up in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler: the slopes are steep.
Combine your visit with the Tuesday or Saturday market in piazza Eroi Sanremesi and with the Mercato Annonario.
On the way down, take a different route from the one you came up: you will discover other corners of the village.
Please keep the noise down: La Pigna is a residential neighbourhood.