Savona is a large port city with a preserved historic center and a fortress built in the 16th century by the Genoese.
Savona already existed in ancient times and was the main port of Roman Liguria. It also maintained its status in terms of maritime trade in the Middle Ages. At that time, it belonged to the five largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. In the 11th century it was under the influence of Genoa, and the period of its greatest development occurred at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, when representatives of the della Rovere family were elected popes twice. Sixtus IV and Julius II came from Savona.
The most important monuments of Savona come from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Despite numerous invasions and wars, the old town has survived here with a cathedral from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, the mausoleum of his parents erected on the orders of Sixtus IV, and palaces belonging to the most important families, including the della Rovere family. There are also remains of the city walls, especially old defense towers, which can be seen in various parts of the city.
The greatest attraction of Savona is Tiwerdza Priamar, built in the 16th century by the Genoese. It is in a very good condition and is open to tourists. It houses the Sandro Pertini and Renata Cuneo Art Museum and the Priamar Archaeological Museum.
