Sori

Liguria, Italy

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Savona is a historic port city on Italy's Ligurian coast, southwest of Genoa, known for its rich maritime heritage dating back to ancient Ligurian tribes and Roman times. It flourished especially during the Middle Ages as a maritime power with a strategic port that facilitated trade across the Mediterranean.

The city experienced long-standing rivalry with nearby Genoa, culminating in Genoa's conquest and destruction of parts of Savona, including its port, in the 16th century. Savona is also known as the "City of Popes" because it is the birthplace of two Renaissance popes, Sixtus IV and Julius II, who contributed significantly to its cultural and artistic legacy. The imposing Priamar Fortress, a 16th-century Genoese construction, dominates the city and now serves as a museum and cultural venue.

Savona was occupied by Napoleonic forces in the early 19th century and later integrated into the Kingdom of Sardinia and then unified Italy. Today, it blends medieval architecture, seaside charm, and historical significance, offering visitors a quieter alternative to more famous Ligurian destinations while preserving its cultural and maritime roots.