Savona, Port city in Liguria, Italy
Savona is a port city on the Ligurian coast of northern Italy, sitting between the sea and the foothills of the Alps. The old quarter shows narrow streets with medieval facades, while the harbor area contains modern facilities for cargo handling.
The Republic of Genoa conquered the city in the early 16th century and built the Priamar fortress between 1542 and 1544 to secure control. Napoleon later used the fortress as a prison, where he held Pope Pius VII from 1809 to 1812.
The name likely comes from an ancient Ligurian word for harbor, reflecting its long role as a landing point for ships. Locals often gather in Piazza Mameli, where cafés and shops form the center of everyday life.
The old town sits west of the harbor and is easy to explore on foot, while the waterfront area offers wide promenades for walking. Visitors reach the fortress through an uphill path that opens to a wide view of the coast and rooftops.
The Sistine Chapel of Savona shares its name with the famous Roman chapel and was built between 1480 and 1483 for the parents of Pope Sixtus IV. The building sits away from the main tourist routes and surprises visitors with its elaborate tomb monument.
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