Casino Municipale

The Casino Municipale is the architectural centrepiece of Sanremo's seafront, a grand Moorish-style pile completed in 1905 and still operating as one of Italy's most celebrated gambling establishments. The building itself — dome, arches, ornate terracotta facades — is worth visiting even if you have no intention of gambling. From the promenade outside it looks like something transplanted from North Africa by way of a Victorian fantasy.

Inside, the casino operates roulette, blackjack, and slot machines across several floors. The dress code is smart casual in the evening. Non-gambling visitors can pay an entry fee to look around the historic salons, which retain their Belle Époque decoration. The casino also hosts concerts and events, particularly during the Sanremo Music Festival in February when the building becomes a secondary venue.

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A story
The casino was so central to Sanremo's identity that in the 1920s the city spent more on its renovation than on any other public works project. During World War II the building was requisitioned as a hospital, but the gaming tables were hidden in the basement and a few trusted regulars reportedly played through the occupation.

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