Savona Historical Buildings II: Priamar Fortress

Piazza

Are you fond of medieval fortresses like those in the fantasy novels? I'll show you one in the city of Savona, the Riviera delle Palme.

Alright, when you go ashore from a cruise liner at the Palacrociere which is the cruise port of Savona or get off the train, then you can straightly go to the city historic center and visit it: Priamar Fortress or as Italians call it, La Fortezza del Priamar.

The construction, composed of several levels including underground, corridors, terraces and gardens, and halls, was built between 1542 and 1544 on the ruins of medieval Castle, named Santa Maria. It was a Genoese Fortress in the past. Today it is a hotspot of Savona's cultural and social life.



You can visit an Archaeological Museum, view works of Italian artists, have an afternoon nap at one of the benches or have a coffee at the Fortress' Cafe & Restaurant. Of course, you can just walk around and enjoy the views of the sea and the city. People often use it as a shortcut to the docks ☻ and as a place for dating too...













If you go on the roof you'll find a playground, a place for picnic and an old proud weapon:

You know, every time I go to La Fortezza, I find something new. It's open from 9 am to 6.30 pm all year round. I've never stayed after that hour so I don't know what might happen if you find yourselves locked between the walls.

Anyway, the place is also open for dogs! So you can take there your pet (By the way, Italians go on shopping with their pets!). Just don't forget to clean up after your dog, please.



At nice weather some people love jogging through the Fortress.

I told you, the place is a social hotspot.

Besides that, I think I've seen a wedding ceremony once. It seems to me the tents on the roof are intended for such special occasions. Take a glance:

Yes, medieval castles and fortresses have always been romantic and mysterious to me. I imagine people who lived there and events they witnessed...

Today, some of the events even include entertaining programs for kids at Halloween. What better place than that, ha?

Furthermore, one of the biggest entertainments during the summer, I reckon, are open-air theaters and a significant part of them take place at Piazzale del Maschio within the Fortress, namely the square on the picture:

The Archaeological Museum is located on the right side, just behind the pillars.

All cultural events that take place in Priamar are advertised on the front of it, at the main entrance so you can't miss them.

Well, after this short walkthrough, I hope you'll come to visit La Fortezza del Priamar some day. And you could even leave a sign on its medieval walls or benches ☻ Who knows... No bad intention to encourage misbehavior though.

And if you have ever visited medieval castles or fortresses, I'd like to invite you to share them here with a link and short description, or you can send me a picture and I will share it with the public for you.