Savona: Private Guided Walking Tour - Maritime History & Scenic Views

Highlights

• Savona's Sistine Chapel
• Monument to the Fallen
• Priamar Fortress

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15min

   Set off at Piazza Mameli, the square housing the emblematic Monument to the Fallen, built in memory of the heroes and victims of the War World I. Besides its high artistic values, this site is well-known for the unique ritual of paying tribute in silence when the bell of the monument chimes at 6:00 pm every day, a tradition that has lasted for the past 80 years.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   15min

   Next, stroll along the atmospheric Pietro Paleocapa street for a splendid showcase of impressive buildings, especially the Palace of Peacocks, an amazing example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its name comes from nature-themed murals on the façade, mostly the vivid-colored peacocks. The pleasant vintage shades, romantic-styled balconies, and intriguing decoration details of the building prove captivating to any passers-by.

3. 3

   Torre Leon Pancaldo

   15min

   Just a short walk away is the Leon Pancaldo Tower, named after a Savona-born explorer who accompanied Ferdinando Magellano on his first voyage around the globe. The twenty-three-metre-tall medieval tower used to be part of the city’s walls. Today, the iconic landmark that dominates the seaside warmly welcomes ships and cruises from afar to the fascinating town.

4. 4

   Brandales Tower

   Pass by

   Then, pass by the town’s oldest tower: the iconic Brandales Tower. Easily seen from everywhere in the city, the town’s tallest tower (50 meters) reads the time for the entire city with a large clock face, chiming its bell every hour and a half.

5. 5

   Sistine Chapel Savona

   25min

   The next destination is the Cathedral of Savona. Baroque in style, this temple conveys a sense of grandeur and magnificence with an imposing and lavishly decorated façade which is well worth admiring. Take a few steps to the adjacent temple, the Sistine Chapel, which Savona takes huge pride in. The sumptuous chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV, Savona's son, for his deceased parents. It is home to a priceless collection of treasures and art masterpieces.

6. 6

   Fortezza del Priamar

   30min

   Then, visit the Priamar Fortress, which occupies a hill and overlooks the Savona seaport. The citadel dates back to the 4th century and has served many purposes: from a Roman burial ground, a cathedral site during the Middle Ages, a defensive fortification slash a military prison during wartime, etc. to the top attraction in Savona, offering uninterrupted picture-postcard views across the sea, the mountains, the town, and its port.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10min

   Head to the waterfront where the Garibaldi's Statue is located. He was an Italian general, patriot, revolutionary and republican. The site makes a perfect end to the tour where you can take beautiful souvenir photos with the Priamar Fortress in the background or enjoy the scenic views of the sea.

Before you go

Location