Savona: Renaissance Art, Ceramics and the Sea
Accommodation in Savona
Savona appeals to travelers with a range of interests: Renaissance art, ceramics, archaeological finds, historic religious buildings and a sandy beach by the sea. If you’re looking for a hotel in Savona, these themes can help shape your stay—from collections and the history of the fortress to time at the beach.
Art, Ceramics and Museums in Savona
The Pinacoteca Civica documents the artistic development of Savona and Liguria from the 14th to the 20th century. Its outstanding works include the Pala Fornari by Vincenzo Foppa. The Pinacoteca also highlights the Crocifissione by Donato de’ Bardi as a unique work in the panorama of Renaissance art.
Housed in the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà , the Museo della Ceramica di Savona presents five centuries of ceramic history—from the Renaissance to the present day—with more than 1,000 works. The exhibition includes Quadrisfera, an immersive installation by astrophysicist Paco Lanciano. Images and multimedia impressions tell the story of Ligurian ceramics. The All About Apple Museum offers a different museum experience: it traces the history of Apple computers and allows visitors to freely handle the items on display. The devices are switched on and kept in working order.
The Priamar complex houses the Civico Museo Archeologico e della CittĂ di Savona and the Museo Sandro Pertini e Renata Cuneo. In the archaeological museum, a two-floor tour follows ceramics as its central theme and presents the most important excavation sites to date in the Savona area. You can also visit an excavation area of a Byzantine necropolis dating from the 4th to the 7th century AD, where traces of a village of the Liguri Sabazi are visible. The museum is accessible and offers a tactile tour with Braille labels for visitors with visual impairments. If particular facilities are important to your visit, we recommend checking with them in advance.
Priamar: Fortress and Underground Spaces
Construction of the fortress on the PriamĂ r hill began on August 2, 1542, under Genoa. The first section of the complex was defensible by April 25, 1543. Paths, bastions and balconies form a promenade with views of the sea, mountains, city and harbor. Priamar thus combines historic fortress architecture with a walk offering views of different aspects of the landscape.
Below ground, PriamĂ r comprises galleries, connecting passages and rooms. The Gruppo Speleologico Savonese DLF organizes guided tours. Dates and booking procedures may vary, so check in advance for available visiting times and whether booking is required.
Religious Buildings and City History
The Cattedrale di N.S. Assunta was built in the 16th century and consecrated in 1605. The Cappella Sistina was created as a funerary chapel for Leonardo della Rovere and Luchina Monleone. From 1762 to 1764, it was restored and transformed from a Renaissance funerary chapel into a lavish Baroque church. The Appartamenti di Pio VII preserve their original furnishings, which were arranged under the direction of General Chabrol for the Pope’s stay. Paintings and sculptures by renowned artists complement the furnishings.
Inside the Torre del Brandale, paintings, inscriptions and sculptures illustrate centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The bell chamber offers views of the harbor and the city of Savona, as well as the Ligurian coast in the direction of Genoa and Portofino.
Beach and Nature in the Surrounding Area
Spiaggia Prolungamento a Mare has a sandy beach about one kilometer long. The sandy seabed slopes gently toward the open sea. The beach includes two public beaches and eight bathing establishments: Bagni Savona, Bagni Aurora, Bagni Iris, Bagni Wanda, Bagni Nilo, Bagni Anna, Bagni Sirena and Bali Beach. Beach services and the number of bathing establishments may change seasonally.
In the wider area around Savona, a route leads from Santuario N.S. di Misericordia to Riserva dell’Adelasia. It can be hiked independently any day of the year and passes through wooded areas and interesting natural landscapes. This gives you a choice of different themes for your trip: art and history in Savona, time on the coast, or a route through woodland and natural landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Cisano Sul Neva, Albisola Superiore, Villalunga, Vezzi Portio, Ortovero, Pero, Bardino Nuovo, Spinetta
For the overview of the wider area: Savona.
