Regina Elena Gardens with palms and sea view in Sanremo

Giardini Regina Elena

The terraced park at the top of Sanremo's Pigna, with views over rooftops and sea: history and how to get there.

Regina Elena Gardens with palms and sea view in Sanremo

Where: upper part of the Pignathe old town of Sanremo
What it is: a historic park of terraces linked by stairwayswith cedars, pines and Canary palms
Hours and access: not confirmed by an official source: ask the tourist office+39 0184 580500
Ticket: none mentioned by the sources I checked
Time needed: 30-45 minutesplus the climb
Works: the renovation of the gardens is part of the Pigna's Pinqua projectI found no confirmation of the current state of the site

The Giardini Regina Elena (Queen Elena Gardens) are a terraced park at the very top of the Pigna, Sanremo’s old town. They are not on the seafront, as is sometimes written: you climb to them through the alleys, and you are rewarded with a square overlooking the old rooftops and the sea. They make a good shady stop while exploring the Pigna.

By Italian Riviera editorial team·Updated on 17 October 2026·3 min read

History of the park

A medieval castle once stood here. After the 1753 uprising the Genoese had it demolished (one source says 1754). The present park dates from much later, from the earthquake of 23 February 1887: damaged houses in the upper part of the quarter were pulled down and a garden was planned on the cleared ground in 1890.

The name honours Queen Elena, wife of King Victor Emmanuel III, who was a regular visitor and friend of Sanremo.

What to see

La fontana monumentale dei Giardini Regina Elena a Sanremo

The garden is made of terraces joined by stairways. The tallest trees are cedars, pines, Canary palms and ficus. At the top there is a wide square with a view of the sea and the dense jumble of Pigna rooftops.

Near the top is also a fountain with a cascade running down to the lower part, but according to the FAI it is out of use and in poor condition. Do not expect a perfectly kept garden everywhere.

Getting there

You walk up through the Pigna, along steep stairways and alleys, so wear comfortable shoes. The easiest starting point is the Porta di Santo Stefano at the entrance to the quarter. Above the park, on the hill, stands the Madonna della Costa sanctuary, a natural next stop.

Practical tips

Go in the morning or late afternoon: in summer the sun on the terraces is strong.
Combine it with Palazzo Borea d’Olmo and the rest of the Pigna.
For a better-kept park with regular visiting, see the gardens of Villa Ormond.
Ask the Comune di Sanremo about opening and any works before you climb.

Where it is

Giardini Regina Elena is in Sanremo (Riviera di Ponente, Riviera dei Fiori).

Boundaries: ISTAT, Natural Earth · Interactive map →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Giardini Regina Elena?

At the top of the Pigna, Sanremo’s old town, reached on foot. They are not on the seafront or near the Casino.

Why are they called Regina Elena?

They are named after Queen Elena, wife of Victor Emmanuel III, a long-time guest and friend of Sanremo.

When were they created?

After the 1887 earthquake, on ground cleared of damaged houses; the garden was planned in 1890. A medieval castle had stood there, demolished by the Genoese after the 1753 uprising.

Is there an entrance fee? What are the hours?

The sources I checked give neither a fee nor hours. Ask the Sanremo tourist office (+39 0184 580500, turismo@comunedisanremo.it).

Are works in progress?

The restoration of the historic gardens is part of the Pigna’s Pinqua project, with works awarded in 2023. I found no recent news on the site, so check before climbing up.

Where to stay