Savona, Italy: The City of Popes In The Northern Italy

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Savona is a major seaside port town of northern Italy, situated in the scenic Liguria region. It is 30 miles /49 km west of Genoa and 91 miles /148 km east of Nice, France. The location of the town helped in the development of this port town and the harbor serves as this area’s major industrial hub for automobile exports. It used to be the most important city in Italy for heavy industries.

Other than the heavy metal the town boasts of art galleries, cathedrals and a medieval fortress.

A Little Bit Of History

This port city was inhabited by Ligures tribes before it came under the Roman influence in 180 BC.

The port of Savona

The city was ruled by the Romans, the Lombards, the Byzantine and the Saracens, and their influence can be seen throughout the city.

After a long struggle the city became independent in the 11th century and was the center of religious cultures.

Later the Genoese conquered the port city in 1528, and the upper town and the port were destroyed in the battle. It was annexed with the Kingdom of Sardinia and Piedmont in 1815.

Savona waterfront with the Torre Leon Pancaldo

This port city became well known through the letters and journals of Christopher Columbus who was a resident of this town. His residence and some other houses associated with him still exist in the city.

The town came to be called as ”City of Popes” after Francesco Della Rovere, a local from Savona became Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. He was followed by his nephew Giuliano, who became Pope Julius II in 1503.

Torre de Brandale (Brandale Tower) in Savona, Italy - The tower is built in the 12th century and is situated near the port and the old town. It is one of the attractions of this charming city rich in history, architecture, art and wonderful beaches.

Torre de Brandale, Savona

They are closely linked with the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican – Sixtus IV built it and Julius II had arranged for Michelangelo to decorate its ceiling.

People in this city love their tradition and culture and this gives way to many traditional festivals all year round such as Navitalia, Darsena Jazz Festival, Summer Carnival, Miller Music Tour, and others.

All the traditional festivals have religious processions, competitions, markets, fetes and flowers.

The ”Holy Friday Procession” is the most famous and prestigious religious procession held every two years.

During this procession local monasteries parade their wooden cases and crucifixes through Savona’s historical center.