Cruises from Savona

Savona is located in northern Italy in the Liguria region. It is a seaport and the capital of the Province of Savona. At one time Savona was an area important to the iron industry. In the city people could be found constructing ships and railways.

Savona also happens to be the birthplace of Christopher Columbus who is credited with discovering America. In the hills of Savona is a small cottage that was once home to Columbus where he was once a farmer. There is also a house in Savona that is said to have been the property of Domenico Colombo, the father of Columbus.

Another globe trotter by the name of Leon Pancaldo was born in Savona as well. When Ferdinand Magellan became the first to circumnavigate the globe, Pancaldo was with him. Later, Pancaldo set sail on a different voyage that took him to South America where he died in 1538.

Famed Italian opera soprano Renata Scotto was also born in Savona, Italy in 1934. Although she retired in 2002 from her professional career she continues to teach in both New York and Italy. Occasionally Scotto directs operas as well.

When visiting the Savona area, make sure to check out the Priamar which is also known as the rock of the sea. The Priamar which is located on the Rocca di San Giorgio is a fortress that was built in 1542 by the Genoese. During the course of its existence it was once used as a military prison. Giuseppe Mazzini was said to be a prisoner at the Priamar during this time.

Another site not to be missed when visiting Savona is the Cappella Sistina. Inside of the Cappella Sistina is a mausoleum built for Leonardo Della Rovere and Luchina Monleone who are the parents of Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IV. The Cappella Sistina was built during the years of 1480 and 1483. After time it began to deteriorate and it was restored between the years 1765 and 1767. When visiting the Cappella Sistina do not forget to look up at the beautiful ceiling which was painted by Paolo Gerolamo Brusco.

Right outside of the city centre of Savona is the Sanctuary of Nostra della Misericordia. This church is said to be build on the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared and blessed Antonio Botta and left the message “Mercy not Justice.” The interior of the sanctuary is very ornate. A number of artists contributed to the design of the sanctuary including Giovanni Battista Paggi who designed a crucifix and Bernardo Castello who painted the frescoes in the cupola.

If you are near the Piazza Mameli around 6 p.m. make sure to stop by and check out a daily tradition that honours the fallen soldiers of World War I. Visitors can hear the bells chime 21 times to commemorate the war and monuments can be seen in this area as well. It is customary to stop what you are doing when the bells are tolling as a symbol of respect.