Do you want to know the best things to do in Savona, Italy? Well, we’ve got you covered. But before that, let’s us first get to know this ancient maritime city on the Mediterranean Sea.
Christopher Columbus, who had lived in Savona in his younger years, was just one of the city’s notable former residents. Popes Sixtus IV and Julius II were born in this Ligurian city, the reason why it became known as la città dei Papi or the city of Popes.
Savona is about an hour southwest of the Ligurian capital city of Genoa, with the third biggest population in the region after the capital and La Spezia. This part of Italy has a year-round temperate climate and a stunning coastline with promontories and sandy beaches, which makes it such a great vacation spot.
Best Things To Do In Savona, Italy
Although this marvelous city in Italy’s Liguria region often serves merely as a springboard for the more famous coastal towns of the Italian Riviera and parts of central Europe, with the French city of Nice just a couple of hours along the coastal highways, Savona itself warrants exploration before heading to the more popular Italian destinations.
That said, let’s have a look at the 9 best things to do in Savona, Italy.
1. Drop by the Savona Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Assumption of the Virgin Mary), otherwise known as the Savona Cathedral, is a rare Baroque architecture in Savona.
This is a Roman Catholic church but one doesn’t have to be Roman Catholic or religious to appreciate and enjoy such gorgeous building.
Situated in the historic city center, the Savona Cathedral is adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, which is among the best things to do in Savona.
The cathedral is treasure trove of wonders, big and small, from the baptismal font to the marble cross with a dying Christ and a Madonna and Child, plus all the images of saints, popes, and bishops, as well as mundane objects like musical instruments.
The cathedral’s choir is also one of the best in Italy. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Savona, worth checking out if you’re in the city.
2. Proceed to the Sistine Chapel of Savona
Many mistake Savona’s Sistine Chapel to be a replica of the more famous one in the Vatican. It is not. However, both are outstanding works of Pope Sixtus IV.
The Sistine Chapel of Savona is smaller, but it is just as worthy of a visit and saying a prayer or two. It is an amazing piece of art and architecture, and a visit will be delightful for anyone regardless of religious beliefs.
The 15th-century chapel is adjacent to the Savona Cathedral and contains the mausoleum built in honor of Pope Sixtus IV’s parents.
3. Explore the Savona Ceramic Museum
This small treasure is an absolute must-visit in Savona for its quality and originality – even if you’re not really into ceramics.
Museo Della Ceramica Di Savona (Savona Ceramic Museum) is one of the most important of this kind in the country. It features traditional 15th- and 16th-century laggioni, tiles, and majolica pottery that draws inspiration from the East, to well-known Baroque craftsmanship and 18th-century artwork and décor. A true feast for the eyes!
A visit to this superb museum is an absolute must-do in Savona.
4. Tour the All About Apple Museum (AAA)
Whether you’re one of the sheeple or just want to know the history and all the important landmarks that make the brand what it is today, then you will appreciate a tour of the All About Apple Museum. Apple fans will be especially delighted in this experience.
Said to be the only Apple museum acknowledged by Apple itself, Savona’s AAA is run by volunteers. The permanent exhibition is found in Piazza De Andrè, in the middle of the old dock. Entrance fee costs €5, which allows visitors to explore the museum and play around with the computers.
This is a highly recommended activity and definitely one of the best things to do in Savona.
5. Walk around the Port of Savona
The Port of Savona is a nicely-built major ferry terminal that gives access to the city’s modern side while adjacent to its historic center.
The port provides the best views of most of the city landmarks together with the fish market and charming alfresco cafés.
Walking around the harbor will afford visitors plenty of nice things to see such as the vertical glass structure and the bascule bridge, as well as traditional fishing boats, expensive yachts, and mega ships bound for Sicily, Sardinia, and the French island of Corsica.
6. Take in Savona’s Art Nouveau architecture
Savona is somewhat similar to Spain’s Barcelona when it comes to architecture. This northwestern Italian city boasts a number of fine examples of Art Nouveau architecture, which are a must-see in Savona.
Some of the stunning Art Noveau buildings that you shouldn’t miss are the Palazzo with the Peacocks and the Palazzo with the Cats, as well as Villa Zanelli – an example of the Liberty style of residential architecture, which is a variant of Italian Art Nouveau.
7. Visit the Priamar Fortress
Priamar Fortress, a majestic fortress on the hill of the same name above the city port, was built in 1542 by Savona’s ally-turned-fierce rival, the Republic of Genoa. It was used as a prison for up to 500 detainees during the Piedmontese domination in the 19th century.
Today the medieval stone fortress is home to Savona’s Archaeological Museum, with pre-Roman, Roman, and Byzantine traces on the site. Here you will also find bars and restaurants, and some nights they also host fun music events in the open – truly one of the most exciting things to do in Savona.
8. Enjoy the beach in warm weather
If you happen to be in Savona in warm weather, you should never miss the opportunity to enjoy the beach on Bagni Marea and Corso Vittorio Veneto.
The city is one of the few in Italy that offer beaches within minutes of walking from the center. A swim or just a simple walk on the beach is a must-do in Savona when you’re lucky to be visiting this Ligurian city on a sunny day.
9. Sample Savona’s delicacies
Savona boasts two famous local dishes – the savory pie called farinata bianca (white farinata) and panissa, a fritter made with chick pea flour and looks like a fat sausage or tofu.
These pastries-on-the-go are a fun way to celebrate Savona. Always have a bag with you as you stroll around this charming Ligurian city.
Another must-enjoy delicacy in Savona is the tagliatelle with mushrooms, one of the best pasta dishes you can eat in Italy.