Savona Italy. Open the left menu of Savona. During the excursion, travel through cities is provided

Italy is the pearl of world tourism. Rich in history, traditions, cuisine, beautiful landscapes and panoramas, it annually attracts millions of travelers from all corners of the planet. Of course, the most attractive cities to visit are such famous cities as Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples, Florence, Palermo. However, in addition to those listed, there are many less popular cities in the republic. These include Savona, a small seaside resort and port, where only 60 thousand people currently live.

Savona, Italy - a little history

Savona is the largest city in the Liguria region, famous for its amazing natural resources. The settlement is located on the Mediterranean coast. The history of the city goes back more than one century. The first mention of it was in the Bronze Age in the works of the Roman historian Titus Livy, who described the settlement of the Ligurian Sabati. Around 207 BC they, in alliance with the army of Mago, brother of Hannibal, participated in the destruction of Genoa. The city was later conquered by the Romans and then destroyed by the Lombards. During the Middle Ages, Savona declared itself an independent commune in a coalition with Genoa and intensively developed as an important port and trading entity. Starting from the 11th century, intense rivalry and enmity began between the city and Genoa. As a result, in the middle of the 16th century, Savona, at the cost of numerous destructions and casualties, was finally conquered by Genoa. Gradually the city is being rebuilt and developed. Savona flourished in the 18th century, when it again engaged in maritime trade. The city became part of the Italian Kingdom in 1861 along with the Ligurian Republic.

Savona, Italy - attractions

The rich history of the city is reflected in its modern appearance. There are many architectural attractions here. In Leon Pancaldo Square, facing the port, stands the symbol of the city - the Leon Pancaldo Tower. It was built back in the 14th century as an observation deck of the fortress wall. Among the attractions of Savona, the Cathedral also stands out. The impressive structure was built on the site of a temple destroyed by the Genoese invaders. In addition to the magnificent exterior decoration, visitors will be shown sculptures from the Renaissance, masterpieces of Italian artists, and some household items. You should also visit the Sistine Chapel, which arose at the end of the 16th century, the Palazzo Della Rovere, the City Pinakothek, and the Priamar fortress. Almost all of these historical monuments are located close to each other, and therefore visiting them will not take much time.

Holidays in Savona, Italy

However, the city offers more than just sightseeing. The sandy beaches of Savona Albisola Superiore and Albissola Marina, stretching for several kilometers, attract many holidaymakers. They are considered quite clean, despite the close location of the port. Tourists are attracted to the city as an option for a family holiday, as there is a calm atmosphere and well-developed infrastructure. By the way, the beaches of Savona were awarded the blue flag, which guarantees the quality of services and the cleanliness of the beaches.

How to get to Savona, Italy?

There are several ways to get to the resort. The nearest airport is Savona, in Italy. It is only 48 km from the city. From Genoa you can reach the final point of the journey by train within half an hour, by car in 50 minutes. Regarding how to get to Savona from, the options are the same - by car (2 hours of travel) or by train with a transfer in Genoa (about 3 hours of travel). From the capital of Italy, the journey will take a long time - about 6 hours by car or train.

Savona is a small port city in Italy. Mediterranean cruise routes often pass through it. The city is actively visited by tourists, and they remain fascinated by the beauty of this corner of Italy. There really is a lot to see in Savona, since the city has an eventful history.
The observation tower of Torre Pancaldo is the main attraction of Savona. The tower was built back in the 14th century. The building fully corresponds to the medieval style. It was named Torre Pancaldo in honor of the assistant of the famous Magellan, who helped him sail through Cape Horn and become the first European navigator to make such a journey. The observation tower stands on the site of the former city wall.

One of the most beautiful churches in Savona is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The building was built in the neo-baroque style. The church was erected by order of Pope Sixtus the Fourth, who intended to use it as a tomb for his family. You can admire the Church of Santa Maria Assunta at any time, but you can only go inside by booking a time in advance.

How to get to the port?

First of all, it should be noted that the city of Savona does not have an international airport. Cities located relatively close to Savona are Genoa(40 km) and Milan(170 km). It is from these cities that we will consider travel options to the port.

First option- This order a taxi from the airport (hotel) in Genoa or Milan to the port. True, this will be the most expensive option.

The second option is to use a transfer, if the cruise company itself offers one.. Transfers are available from Milan Airport (Malpensa), from Milan Central Station (Stazione Centrale), from Genoa Airport (Cristoforo Colombo) and from Genoa Central Station (Genova Piazza Principale).

The third option is trains. First, let's look at the road from Genoa. If you have arrived in Genoa, then, first of all, you need to get from the airport to the central station of Genoa.From Genoese International Christopher Columbus Airport(Aeroporto Cristoforo Colombo) the city center is within easy reach (about 8 km). There is a bus from the airport to the city center, the journey takes about 30 minutes. One more point should be taken into account - the Principe Train Stations stop is not the final stop; the route ends at another, distant Genoa station - Brignole. To continue to Savona, you need to get off at the Principe Train Stations stop - be careful!

After you arrive at the station, you need to purchase a ticket for the train to Savona. There are trains that take 1 hour to reach Savona, or faster trains that reach Savona in half an hour. Electric trains depart approximately every 20-30 minutes.

From Savona train station to the port The taxi ride will take 7-10 minutes. The cruise terminal is located right in the city. You can walk from the city center in 10-15 minutes, and from the railway station in 20-25 minutes.

If you arrived in Milan(Malpensa, Linate or Bergamo airport), then again you need to get first to Milan Central Station (Milan Central Station, or Milano Centrale). There is a bus (shuttle) from all three airports. From Malpensa Airport to the Central Railway Station you can take the Malpensa Express train (departing from Terminal 1). And from Bergamo, as an option, you can first take a bus to the nearby (3 km away) town of the same name Bergamo and there take a train going through Milan to Savona (with a change in Milan).

From Milan there is a direct train to Savona, which runs about 5 times a day, the train takes a little over 2 hours. You can also buy a train ticket to Genoa, and then a train ticket to Savona. The total travel time is about 3 hours.
Train schedules can be found here: http://www.trenitalia.com/. Train tickets in Italy can be purchased in advance on the Italian Railways website or purchased on the spot. Be sure to validate your ticket! This can be done at the entrance to the platform (at the beginning of each platform) in special machines (composters in the color of the Italian flag or yellow), you need to insert a ticket there, move it a little, without letting it out of your hands, and take it out.

The largest city in Liguria, Savona, often undeservedly finds itself in the shadow of its neighbors along the coast - the “promoted” Genoa, San Remo and Alassio. Meanwhile, despite its industrial character (Savona is the largest port of the Ligurian Sea), the city definitely deserves a visit from a non-nautical tourist: in its historical center several pearls of medieval architecture have been preserved, including the magnificent Baroque cathedral and the Genoese fortress of Priamar, and in The local historical museum displays an incredibly beautiful collection of majolica, for which Savona has been famous since the 17th century. For those who like to bask in the sun, Savona has prepared four magnificent beaches, two of which regularly receive prestigious “blue flags”.

How to get to Savona

Savona is located 40 km west of Genoa. From Genoa's Brignole station, trains leave every hour for Savona. Travel time is about 45 minutes, travel will cost approximately 15-22 EUR. Savona is also easy to get to from San Remo: 8 trains run on the route per day, the journey takes 1 hour 35 minutes, and the ticket costs about 5-9 EUR. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Savona and other cities of Liguria are also connected by bus routes. There are two carriers operating in the region: SAR and ACTS. Their service is convenient to use if you are traveling inland, from the coast. Buses from both companies depart from Savona's Piazza del Popolo and train station.

Search for flights to Genoa (the nearest airport to Savona)

Transport in the city

The most convenient way to explore the historical center of Savona is on foot - it is very compact, the attractions are located close to each other, in addition, its narrow, cobblestone streets are not so easy to maneuver by car. To move around the city, it is convenient to use city buses: there is an extensive network of routes, transport follows a schedule, travel around the city costs about 2 EUR. Taxis are also available to tourists - they can be found in parking lots or simply waved to an approaching car. A trip around the city will cost 13-17 EUR.

The main attractions of Savona are the Priamar fortress, medieval towers and the Cathedral with its own Sistine Chapel.

Beaches of Savona

Savona's marine wealth is a four-kilometer stretch of beach, divided into four separate beaches, more than 30 “bathing stations” (small private beaches) and the Bagni Marini sea spa complex. Tourists here are offered all the sun-sea pleasures necessary for a great holiday: umbrellas and sunbeds, showers, snack bars and barbecues. The beaches are pebble and there are small rocky areas. The entry into the water is very gentle, with a gradual decrease in depth.

The beaches of Fornace and Natarella have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for more than ten years in a row.

Hotels

There are about twenty hotels available to tourists in Savona - there are both beach and city hotels. Hotels are mainly 3-4 star, there are also guest houses and boarding houses. If you like unusual accommodation, pay attention to country hotels - they are located in picturesque villages and often boast a real medieval setting.

Cuisine and restaurants of Savona

For a light snack in Savona (as elsewhere in Liguria), you should definitely order the wheat flatbread “farinata”. Ligurians prefer farinata, cut into slices and wrapped in pita bread (butter, or rather bread). For tourists and especially hungry locals, there is a “sandwich” version of farinata - with sausage, rosemary and onions wrapped in it. It is customary to wash down the meal with local white, slightly tart wine. Among the best places to enjoy Savonian farinata and wine is the old restaurant with the logical name Vino e Farinata, located in the historical center of the city, on Pia Street.

5 things to do in Savona

1. Admire the Ligurian coast from the heights of the Priamar fortress.
2. Try the farinata flatbread accompanied by tart white wine.
3. Admire Rococo fantasies in the Chapel of Nostra Señora della Misericordia.
4. Check out the majolica collection at the City Museum of History and Archeology.
5. Enjoy the Mediterranean sun on the beaches of Fornace or Natarella under the shade of the Blue Flag.

Shopping and shops

Souvenirs can be bought in shops at attractions and at the Savona Tourism Office, located in the Priamar Fortress.

On Mondays, a farmer's market is held in Popolo Square (open from morning to afternoon). And every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, a colorful flea market takes place on Paleoscopo Street.

Beautiful Savona

Entertainment and attractions of Savona

Despite large-scale destruction during the Second World War, the medieval center of Savona preserves many architectural gems from the 15th to 18th centuries. The majestic fortress of Priamar, built by the Genoese in the 16th century, towers over the city and the Ligurian coast and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Here you should definitely enjoy the magnificent view from the fortress wall, as well as visit the wonderful City Museum of History and Archeology, which displays exhibits from the rich history of Savona and an extensive collection of majolica - the art of glazed ceramics, for which the city was famous in the 17th and 18th centuries. The historical port of Savona “Darsena” is also a must-see - it was it that once determined the prosperity of the city.

Medieval towers are another visiting card of Savona. It is worth seeing the oldest Leon Pancaldo tower (also called “torretta” - “turret”) - it was built back in the 14th century to monitor the city and proclaim decrees, the Campanassa tower, in which the declaration of independence of Savona was signed in 1191, and ancient Corsi and Riario towers.

The Cathedral of Savona Nostra Senora Assunta was built at the end of the 16th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Inside, you should definitely see the rich stucco work and skillfully made statues of saints in the chapels. The most luxurious is the Rococo Sistine Chapel, commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV at the end of the 15th century.

Another iconic place is the chapel of Nostra Senora della Misericordia. It is located 6 km from Savona and was built at the beginning of the 17th century in the Baroque style during its heyday. According to legend, at this place the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd and uttered the principle: “Mercy, not justice.” The interiors feature amazing ceiling frescoes by famous masters, carved wooden choirs and elegant statues of saints.

Between July and September, you can go on a 6-7 hour whale watching boat trip from Savona.

• Where to stay: in the most prestigious and expensive resorts of Liguria - in Alassio and San Remo, in the democratic Diano Marina, on the pebble beach of Arenzano, on an “island” of peace and tranquility in Camogli or in picturesque Portofino. Waiting for its guests

In the north-west of the country. Not only one of the largest cities in Italy, but also the most important port on the Mediterranean Sea.
Savona on the map of Italy can be found on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, 80 km west of Genoa.

Savona on the map of Italy

The history of Savona dates back to 1200 BC. At that time the city was called “Savo”. Savona competed with Genoa for dominance over Liguria for many centuries.

Due to frequent internecine wars, the city experienced either prosperity or destruction.

Impregnable towers and bastions were erected. Years have passed, Savona and Genoa peacefully coexist with each other in one beautiful country, and military installations erected in the past have become historical monuments.

Places worth visiting

In Savona, as in all of Italy, there are many attractions and simply interesting places that you need to visit while in this port city:

In Savona it’s nice to just walk around the city; the historical center is very compactly located.

To move around the city, you can use the developed urban transport network - buses; timetables are always posted at the stops.

A trip around the city costs 2 euros.

Local holidays

In Savona, almost every month there is some kind of holiday or event dedicated to some significant, historical date. This is because in Italy national customs are revered and they try not to forget old holidays, but to attract citizens and tourists to their celebration.

The brightest holidays in Savona are:

• Savona Carnival(Italian: Carnevale Di Savona).
  

  This procession is dedicated to the mask of Savona Cicciolin, which was created by the artist Romeo Bevilacqua.

  This mask is the only one in Liguria that is as revered as the famous Pulcinella or Harlequin.
  The holiday is celebrated in mid-January, more than 400 people participate;

• Festival of Our Lady of Mercy- the most revered of the religious holidays of Savona, held on March 18. The procession gathers in Piazza del Duomo and proceeds to Lavognola and then to the temple.
  On this day, the whole city is in lights: a lot of electric illumination, and live fires are burning everywhere;
• Historical parade of the Free Commune, takes place on April 10. Medieval gastronomic festival;
• Santa Rita Fair, takes place on May 22 at Central Square. Sellers of food, flowers and clothing sell their goods from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
• Every first Sunday of August in Savona there is another Summer Carnival, during it there are a lot of costumes, treats and flowers.
  Confuoco(from Italian “with fire”). The festival takes place on the last Sunday before Christmas in Piazza Sisto IV. They light a big fire and make a wish.

On the way to Savona

How to get to Savona, this city in Italy, where you can see a lot and be surprised:

Where to stay

Many tourists strive to get to the Ligurian coast, including Savona.

A lot of historical places, delicious Italian food, weather - all these criteria make Savona very attractive to travelers.

The average temperature in Savona in summer (June, July) is 27-28C, in the cold winter months (December, January) - 4-6C. Summers here are dry, with precipitation occurring more often in October.

Where can a tourist stay who has already arrived in such a pleasant place as the city of Savona?

There are a lot of hotels available to suit every taste.

As usual, it is more convenient and reliable to reserve a room at home, in a quiet environment. Choose, taking into account all the conditions you need.

Beaches of Savona

When describing Savona and its attractions, one cannot fail to mention the famous sandy beaches. There are 4 of them, two of them - Fornace and Natarella - were awarded the Blue Flag.

Even the nearby port did not prevent the water from remaining crystal clear.

Comfortable, gently sloping entrances to the water, sun loungers and umbrellas, and various attractions make the beaches of Savona an excellent option for families with children.

Crystal clear sea, despite the presence of a large port

Kitchen

To be in Italy, in Liguria, and not enjoy the amazing food is an irreparable mistake!

Local dishes:

• olive oil (Olive Arnasca) is produced in Arnasco, bitter, with a nutty (cedar) flavor;
• artichokes and purple asparagus;
• Formaggetta Savonese and Zunco cheeses;
• raw Millesimo sausages;
• chard pie, a variety of fillings in chickpea flour pancakes.

Savona cuisine has two directions.

Areas located closer to the sea offer dishes made from vegetables and fish, using olive oil and aromatic herbs.

For example, ravioli with sea bass and red fish with tomato sauce or stuffed with anchovies and cod.
In areas further from the sea, ravioli with herbs and rabbit meat, soups with vegetables and beans, and pasta with porcini mushrooms (ceps) predominate.

Delicious Italian delicacy

A separate topic, as always in Italy, is sweet dishes! Cakes, pastries, macaroons, hazelnut cake, chestnut cake, pumpkin pie are the sweets that we recommend trying in Savona.

While in Savona, you can appreciate all the charm of the local cuisine in the following restaurants:

• Restaurant Quintilius since 1889 at Via Gramsci 23;
• Il Portico (“The Porch”) on Via San Rocco 34;
• Osteria della Ciccia at a Roma 65.

You can also get acquainted with the sights of Savona by watching the video:

While in Savona, you feel that literally everything in these places is saturated with the sea.
Here you can observe the natural contrast of the blue of the sea and the lush green of the hills. And also the contrast of goods created by man.

Antique churches and medieval towers emphasize the fashionability of the newest snow-white cruise ships.

The wonderful sea, the mind-blowing smells of dishes being prepared in numerous restaurants on the shore, people walking everywhere... All this is Savona!