To spot the Church of Christ the Savior, just look for the striking building ahead with its ornate façade and colorful onion-shaped domes that tower above the trees-it’s hard to miss!
Now, as you stand right here, imagine the early 1900s, when Sanremo wasn’t just a hotspot for sunbathers and palm trees, but also played host to a flourishing Russian community. In fact, there were so many Russians enjoying the Riviera life that a plan was hatched to build an Orthodox church as beautiful and unique as their traditions. Picture the old train station nearby, the sea breeze swirling with the sounds of carriages and eager voices. The very first stone for this church was placed in 1912, at the start of the elegant Promenade named after Tsarina Maria Aleksandrovna-whose love of Sanremo brought those famous palms still lining the avenue.
Now, here’s a plot twist worthy of a Russian novel: the original design was dreamed up by the famous Russian architect Aleksej Scusev, but he never actually made it to Italy! Talk about working remotely. So, it was the local engineer Pietro Agosti who took on the job-and, trust me, he added just the right Italian flair to those iconic Russian domes.
Have a peek into the courtyard and you’ll spot two busts: Italy’s King Vittorio Emanuele III and Queen Elena, who was originally of Orthodox faith and brought a royal touch to the church’s story. And deep below, beneath your feet, the crypt once held the remains of King Nikola and Queen Milena of Montenegro before they journeyed home in 1989-a bit of a royal round trip, if you ask me.
Think the church’s history is all calm and peaceful? Think again! During World War II, a bomb hit the building and crashed straight through the floor-thankfully, no mystery novel endings there. After a careful restoration in 1961, the church was declared a historic monument and became a beloved symbol of Sanremo’s unique mix of cultures. So take in those onion domes and imagine the stories they’ve witnessed-a dazzling slice of Russia by the Ligurian Sea!
