Savona
A Renaissance fortress city with its own Sistine Chapel and a revitalised waterfront.
About Savona
Savona is Liguria's best-kept secret. While tourists flock to the Cinque Terre and Portofino, this historic port city offers Renaissance art, a dramatic medieval fortress, and a revitalised waterfront at a fraction of the cost and crowds. The Fortezza del Priamar—a massive Genoese fortress on a promontory—houses museums and offers sweeping views of the Riviera. In the old town, the Cappella Sistina (yes, Savona has its own Sistine Chapel, built by Pope Sixtus IV who was born here) contains remarkable frescoes. The nearby beaches and the hillside villages of the Savonese Riviera are perfect for those who want Ligurian charm without the premium.
Best Time to Visit
May to September for beaches and waterfront life. Spring is ideal for exploring the old town and fortress. The Confuoco festival in December brings a medieval torchlit procession.
Local Tips
- Visit Savona's Sistine Chapel.
Few people know Savona has a Sistine Chapel, commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV before he built Rome's. A local can arrange access and explain the fascinating rivalry between the two chapels.
- Explore the Priamar Fortress.
This massive hilltop fortress offers panoramic coastal views and houses two museums. A local will combine the visit with a walk through the medieval old town and a focaccia stop at a local bakery.
- Discover the Riviera delle Palme.
The coastline around Savona has sandy beaches and charming villages like Noli and Varigotti. A local knows the quietest coves and the best village restaurants for Ligurian seafood.