Savona

Savona – the most detailed information about the city with photos. Savona main attractions with descriptions, travel guides and maps.

Savona (Italy)

Savona (Italian: Savona) is a city in the northwest of Italy in the Liguria region. It is an important Mediterranean port and a major industrial center. Savona is located in the center of the Ligurian coast, but tourists often bypass it when visiting the surrounding resorts. Despite the fact that the city was substantially destroyed during World War II and has a predominantly modern appearance, the historic center has several ancient churches, as well as some excellent examples of medieval and later baroque architecture. In addition, Savona hides some real gems in terms of art, history, and culture.

Geography and climate

Savona is located on the Mediterranean coast, northwest of Genoa. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are quite hot, and winters are rainy and cool.

Practical information

• Population – 61 thousand.
• The area is 65.32 km².
• The language is Italian.
• The currency is the Euro.
• The visa is Schengen.
• The time is Central European Time (UTC+1).

History

Savona was founded over 2000 years ago. As early as the 3rd century BC, there was a Ligurian settlement called Savo, which was an ally of Carthage in the fight against the Romans. In the 2nd century BC. the Roman Empire managed to subdue the city. During the existence of the Roman state, Savona competed with ancient Genoa for the title of the main port of Liguria.

In the 7th century AD. Savona was destroyed by the Lombards. From the 10th to the 12th centuries, the city was the capital of the Margrave of Aleramichi. In the 13th century, Savona was an ally of Genoa, and after a while became its main opponent. In 1528, the Genoese captured the city and destroyed the port. Then they built new fortifications. During the Napoleonic Wars, Savona was annexed to France. After the Congress of Vienna, the city became part of the Savoyard dynasty. Since 1861, Savona has been part of Italy. During World War II, the city was destroyed by Allied bombing.

Getting there

The nearest airport is located in Genoa. There are regular trains and buses between Savona and Genoa.

Attractions

The Duomo (Cathedral of Nostra Signora Assunta) is a 16th-century church built to replace an older cathedral that was demolished by the Genoese to build the Priamar fortress. The building has an early Baroque architecture and an amazing interior in the traditional Italian style of the 18th century.

The Sistine Chapel is a small late Gothic chapel with a baroque facade, built in the 15th century by order of Pope Sixtus VI as a tomb for his parents. It has a beautiful rococo interior.

Fortezza del Priamar is an amazing fortification complex that dominates the port. The fortress was built between 1542 and 1544 by the Genoese as part of measures aimed at the final subjugation of Savona. This powerful structure lost its defensive significance by the 18th century and was used as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars.

La Torretta or Leon Pancaldo Tower is one of the main symbols of Savona. The tower dates back to medieval times (14th century) and is named after the sailor and native of Savona, who sailed around the world with Magellan. In the niche of the tower there is a statue of the Virgin Mary (della Misericordia).

The Brandale Tower is part of a complex of fortifications located near Torretta. This structure dates back to the 12th century and was the tallest among the city towers of Savona.

Palazzo Gavotti is a historic 16th-century palace that houses one of the most important ceramics museums in the world, containing examples of Ligurian ceramic art from the 16th-18th centuries. Next door is the Art Gallery with Renaissance paintings and works of contemporary art.

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a 16th-century Baroque religious building located on the edge of Savona’s historic center.

Nostra Signora della Misericordia is a 16th-century Renaissance church located 6 km from Savona. The Baroque facade dates from the early 17th century.

St. Rita’s Church is a Baroque Catholic Church with a Romanesque bell tower.

San Pietro Church is a Baroque Catholic Church in the Old Town, built in the second half of the 17th century.

St. Andrew’s Church is a historic Rococo church dating back to the first half of the 18th century.