Savona Attractions - Savona Monuments

The first traces of settlement in the area date back to the Bronze Age. Savona has been repeatedly destroyed, conquered and built anew throughout history. Its heyday came in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Access to the sea made the city a major port and trade center.

Savona - sights and highlights in the city of the popes

Savona, due to its small size, is a great city to traverse on your own feet, passing historic buildings and atmospheric narrow streets every now and then along the way. What is worth seeing here?

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Savona

Cattedrale di Nostra Signora Assunta was built in the 16th century on the site of a previous church. The cathedral's most valuable furnishings include a Renaissance pulpit and a marble baptismal font. Also worth noting is the richly decorated marble cross. Tourists like to visit this temple because of the relics of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, which are kept here.

Sistine Chapel in Savona

The chapel in Savona does not accidentally bear the same name as the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. Both were created on the initiative of Pope Sixtus IV, who was from Savona. The chapel here was intended as a tomb for his parents. It is now open to tourists to visit on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy in Savona

This Baroque church was built in the early 17th century on the site of apparitions of Our Lady of Mercy. The eyes of those looking inside are drawn to the richly decorated altarpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Paintings by Domenichino are also worth seeing here.

Savona Art Museum

This museum is located in the very center of the city in the beautiful Renaissance Palazzo Gavotti. It is divided into three sections: Pinacoteca Civica, which collects valuable works of art from Northern Italy, the Museum of Ceramics with a collection of Ligurian ceramics (the oldest pieces date back to the 15th century), and a collection of contemporary art with paintings by De Chirico and Picasso, among others.

Fortezza del Priamar Savona

This seaside complex was built in the 16th century on Savona's highest hill. For many years it served as a military prison. Today the fortress is home to the Archaeological and Municipal Museum and the Museum of Art.

Torre Leon Pancaldo Savona

This 14th century seafront tower is a symbol of Savona. Formerly a watchtower and part of the city's defensive walls, today it is home to the National Association of Italian Sailors. The Torreta, as Savonians call it, is open to the public. Inside, there are many exhibits related to sailing and seamanship. In addition to it, other towers can be found in Savona, as in many other Italian cities. In the past, they often served as either residential or municipal authorities.