Savona
In 180 BC, the Ligures tribes who inhabited this coastal area faced a pivotal moment during the Punic Wars. Savona had allied itself with Carthage against Rome before falling under Roman influence that same year. The city survived the collapse of the Western Roman Empire only to be destroyed by Lombard forces in 641 AD. A brief period as an Ostrogoth and then Byzantine possession followed before recovery began. By the 10th century, bishops held the title of Counts of Savona. This power shifted later to the Marquesses of Montferrat in 981 and subsequently to other Marquesses in 1084.
After centuries of struggle against Saracen raiders, Savona declared independence in the 11th century. It became a free commune allied with the Holy Roman Emperor, functioning much like a free imperial city. Religious culture flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries thanks to Dominican and Franciscan monasteries. The city fought fiercely against the Republic of Genoa for dominance over the region. In 1528, Genoa definitively conquered Savona and destroyed its upper town. They buried the port to cripple local trade capabilities permanently. The city shared the fortunes of the Genoese Republic until the Napoleonic era arrived.
Political chaos engulfed the region during the early 19th century under Napoleon Bonaparte's rule. In 1809, Pope Pius VII was imprisoned within the city walls as a prisoner of war. Austrian forces besieged the area between April and mid-May 1800 while British naval forces maintained a blockade. The fortress surrendered on the 15th of May after weeks of pressure. Savanna was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont in 1815 before joining unified Italy later. During the 20th century, the city transformed into a regional industrial hub. This shift marked a departure from its medieval maritime past toward modern manufacturing.
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of this seaport was navigator Christopher Columbus. He farmed land in the hills surrounding the city while chronicling his own journeys across oceans. A cottage known as 'Columbus's house' sits nestled between vegetable crops and fruit trees today. It remains one of several residences in Liguria associated with the explorer's life. Historical records document that Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, owned property here for many years. Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth before setting sail westward.
The Cattedrale dell'Assunta stands where the old cathedral once stood before Genoese demolition. It kept the relics of Saint Valentine within its walls during reconstruction efforts. Adjacent to the main church lies the Cappella Sistina built between 1480 and 1483. Pope Sixtus IV commissioned a mausoleum there to honor his parents Leonardo Della Rovere and Luchina Monleone. Giovanni D'Aria and his brother Michele oversaw the chapel construction which resembles a Roman cardinal's chapel. Rococo style updates arrived in 1765, 1767 when Doge Francesco Maria Della Rovere ordered repairs. The Priamar fortress rose from Genoese hands in 1542 on the site of the destroyed city center. Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned inside this structure between 1830 and 1831 while dreaming up Giovine Italia.
As of 2025, the population of Savona numbers exactly 58,690 residents. Men make up 47.5% of the total while women account for 52.5%. Minors comprise 13.0% of the community compared to seniors at 29.3%. Traditional events like the Carnival parade feature the typical Cicciulin costume worn by locals. The Patron saint festival of Nostra Signora della Misericordia occurs annually on the 18th of March. A spectacular procession takes place every two years during Holy Friday through the streets. The Santa Lucia fair fills Via Paleocapa with activity each year on the 13th of December. Confuoco celebrations happen the last Sunday before Christmas in the square of Sisto IV.
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Common questions
When did Savona fall under Roman influence?
Savona fell under Roman influence in 180 BC after allying with Carthage against Rome during the Punic Wars. The city survived the collapse of the Western Roman Empire until Lombard forces destroyed it in 641 AD.
Who conquered Savona in 1528 and what did they do to the port?
The Republic of Genoa definitively conquered Savona in 1528 and destroyed its upper town. They buried the port to cripple local trade capabilities permanently.
Where was Christopher Columbus born and where did he live as a youth?
Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth before setting sail westward. His father Domenico Colombo owned property here for many years and a cottage known as 'Columbus's house' remains between vegetable crops and fruit trees today.
What happened to Pope Pius VII while imprisoned in Savona in 1809?
Pope Pius VII was imprisoned within the city walls of Savona as a prisoner of war in 1809. Austrian forces besieged the area between April and mid-May 1800 while British naval forces maintained a blockade before the fortress surrendered on the 15th of May.
When does the Patron saint festival of Nostra Signora della Misericordia occur in Savona?
The Patron saint festival of Nostra Signora della Misericordia occurs annually on the 18th of March in Savona. A spectacular procession takes place every two years during Holy Friday through the streets.