Piazza
One Saturday evening, when the weather was really cold, we were invited by our friend Delia to go to a performance of Amici di Gjango.
Video made by Delia
It took place in a pub in a medieval tower and this is exactly what I'd like to show you here.
Let me start with the fact that the Medieval Tower of Brandale is the oldest building in Savona. It was built in the 12th century to defend the city of invaders. Its name in Italian sounds like this: Torre medievale del Brandale and means "light, fire". In the past, fire had burnt on the top of the tower and thus had served as a lighthouse. The place had also been a seat of the city's Podestá. I read in a document that Savona's independence from Genoa had been signed in the tower.
It has been restored to its original size of 49.60 meters and now has been going through a renovation process again. A huge bell called "Campanassa" is kept inside the tower. The bell had been installed to call people to the parliament. Today, Torre del Brandale is also called after the Campanassa and is one of the symbols of the city. There are many interesting stories related to it and some other time I'll tell you more about them.
So if you'd like to visit Torre del Brandale and the pub called after it, here's how to find it:
View Torre de Brandale in a larger map
Next to it you can also find the Port of Savona and an office of Costa Crociere for cruise services. Just drag the map above up and right.
One Saturday evening, when the weather was really cold, we were invited by our friend Delia to go to a performance of Amici di Gjango.
Video made by Delia
It took place in a pub in a medieval tower and this is exactly what I'd like to show you here.
Let me start with the fact that the Medieval Tower of Brandale is the oldest building in Savona. It was built in the 12th century to defend the city of invaders. Its name in Italian sounds like this: Torre medievale del Brandale and means "light, fire". In the past, fire had burnt on the top of the tower and thus had served as a lighthouse. The place had also been a seat of the city's Podestá. I read in a document that Savona's independence from Genoa had been signed in the tower.
It has been restored to its original size of 49.60 meters and now has been going through a renovation process again. A huge bell called "Campanassa" is kept inside the tower. The bell had been installed to call people to the parliament. Today, Torre del Brandale is also called after the Campanassa and is one of the symbols of the city. There are many interesting stories related to it and some other time I'll tell you more about them.
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| This is a view to Torre del Brandale from Priamar Fortress. |
Amici di Django played at Bar "Il Brandale" which is located, well, in the very tower of Brandale... We hurried for the gig and when we arrived, there was a crown on the square in front of the pub and the tower. It was the first time I visited this bar and I was truly surprised to discover that the band performed outside on a square called, of course, Piazza del Brandale! And it was in the winter!
People gathered around heaters spread among the tables on the square and in front of the musicians. And despite of the cold weather the mood was more than allegro! Of course you can always warm with a cup of aperitivo (as Italians use to say) and dances but heaters were a good addition for our cold fingers.
There were people coming and going, old and young, with dogs or children, some of them accidentally came across the event as they were passing through the square from the old town to the docks. I really liked a couple who came with that small retro-style Fiat and left inside it two little dogs... as guards, I presume.
Thus before I drained my cup of rum, I had realized that it's really cool to be on an open-air live performance in the winter.
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| Photo's been taken by Delia |
Among the songs which Amici di Django played I recognized the Russian Ochi chyornye, When the saints go marching by Louis Armstrong, and of course, they played really good interpretations of Django Reinhardt himself. It was so nice to listen to them with a cup of drink and friends... and swing steps.
Besides, drinking wine is very popular and a bottle of wine is not really expensive in most bars and restaurants. Some of them even offer "wine of the day" in their menu. If you prefer beer, then better order an imported one ☺
I also really like how they serve snacks with every drink you order here in pubs and cafes. When there is a special occasion, like the one that evening, they always prepare a buffet meal and it's free... oh yeah ☺
And one of the best things I really liked about the place is the view to the old dock with boats.
And one of the best things I really liked about the place is the view to the old dock with boats.
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| View to the old dock in daytime |
Not to mention the smell of grilled meat on skewers and french fries! I truly enjoy food.
The grill was placed in a side street besides Il Brandale and some people claim that Christopher Columbus lived there in his parent's house a long time ago. However, I found no trace of this... So if someone has information, let them speak.
At some point I heard the big bell, Campanassa, tolling, probably to announce that it was late. We paid small attention though. And the swing continued.
At some point I heard the big bell, Campanassa, tolling, probably to announce that it was late. We paid small attention though. And the swing continued.
View Torre de Brandale in a larger map
Next to it you can also find the Port of Savona and an office of Costa Crociere for cruise services. Just drag the map above up and right.
Ciao!
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