Priamar Fortress is a 16th-century military fortress on the hill above the port of Savona, on the Ligurian coast. Genoa built it between 1542 and 1544, and it later served as a prison. Today it holds an archaeological museum, hosts shows and temporary exhibitions, and offers views over the sea and the city. Entry is free. Walk the courtyards, climb to the rooftop terraces and the ramparts, then continue into the old town, where the cathedral and the Cappella Sistina are close by.
Built to control the city
Genoa built Priamar between 1542 and 1544, after it had taken Savona in 1528. The fortress was based on a design by Giovanni Maria Olgiati. Its purpose was less to defend the town than to keep it under control once it had submitted.
The Genoese demolished a medieval settlement on the hill to make room for the fortress. The hill has been at the heart of the city since the Bronze Age. The name of the fortress in Ligurian means 'stone on the sea', and the massive walls still show why.
From fortress to prison
Over the centuries the fortress served first as a military stronghold and later as a prison. Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned here, and his former cell is part of the route through the building.
The fortress has since been renovated. It is now used for shows and cultural events, and its spaces host temporary exhibitions.
The archaeological museum
The Archaeological Museum of Savona is housed inside the fortress. It presents the city from its pre-Roman origins to the Middle Ages, using artifacts, reconstructions and themed tours.
The museum holds Christopher Columbus's handwritten signature. It also displays relics of the medieval settlement that the Genoese demolished in 1542.
Walking the fortress
Begin in the internal courtyards, then climb to the rooftop terraces and the ramparts. From the top, the view reaches the port, the sea, the city and the mountains behind it.
A visit to the fortress itself takes about one hour. Allow more time if you plan to go through the museum as well.
Planning the visit
Entry is free. Tickets in advance are recommended. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and the site is listed as good for children.
Parking is possible in a free lot, a paid lot or on the free street spaces nearby. The historic centre is compact and easy to walk, so the cathedral, the Cappella Sistina, the medieval squares and the Leon Pancaldo Tower can be reached on foot from the fortress.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for Priamar Fortress?
No. Entry to the fortress is free.
How long do you need to visit?
About one hour is enough to walk the courtyards, terraces and ramparts. The archaeological museum is inside, so allow extra time if you plan to visit it.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Getting tickets in advance is recommended.
Is Priamar Fortress wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
