The Monumental Complex of Priamar (“stone by the sea”), which is often known simply as Priamar Fortress, is a sixteenth-century fortress which is located in the port town of Savona. It stands on the rock that hosted the first Savona settlement and the medieval core of the city. This monumental building has undergone many changes over the years and has been put to use for a variety of purposes. Today, it is an important museum and cultural centre in the city. Art lovers, history buffs, military enthusiasts, kids and architecture fans alike will all take something away from a visit to this attraction. Just find a vacation rental in the Riviera Ligure area and enjoy this stunning structure and the beautiful town in which it is located.
Priamar Fortress was built, according to the designs of Giovanni Maria Olgiati, in 1542 by the Republic of Genoa.
It is located on the promontory where the medieval nucleus of Savona used to be and traces of pre-Roman, Roman and Byzantine structures have all been uncovered on the site. Since the sixteenth-century, the fortress has undergone several transformations.
The most substantial of these was in the eighteenth century when it was elaborated and made into a structured military complex featuring impressive palaces, a powder magazine, pavilions and drill ground.
It is located on the promontory where the medieval nucleus of Savona used to be and traces of pre-Roman, Roman and Byzantine structures have all been uncovered on the site. Since the sixteenth-century, the fortress has undergone several transformations.
The most substantial of these was in the eighteenth century when it was elaborated and made into a structured military complex featuring impressive palaces, a powder magazine, pavilions and drill ground.
It became a penal colony in 1820 and was able to house up to 500 prisoners at any one time. The size meant that it was Italy's main prison until 1903 when it was overtaken by the Castle of Gaeta. In the 20th century, it was closed down and ceased to be used as a prison. It remained empty and unused for a long time and then underwent a period of restoration becoming a museum centre, a conference building and a benchmark for outstanding national cultural events promoted by the Municipality of Savona.
The palaces became a “house of art and culture” with the Officers’ Palace housing an Archaeological Museum and the “Renata Cuneo and Sandro Pertini” Museum Centre, containing the modern art of the beloved President Sandro Pertini's collection which was donated to the city upon his death. The Purser’s Palace is used as a venue for shows, exhibitions and art performances and the Sibilla’s Palace, with its state-of-the-art technologies, is an international Conference Centre. The Donjon Square is used to stage open-air theatrical productions in summer.
In addition to all these cultural gems, the fortress has a beautiful promenade, made of trenches, glacises and balconies, which offers an outstanding view across the sea, mountains, city and port. This is truly the cultural hub of the area and the best place to go to take in the history, views and flavour of Savona, Liguria.
The palaces became a “house of art and culture” with the Officers’ Palace housing an Archaeological Museum and the “Renata Cuneo and Sandro Pertini” Museum Centre, containing the modern art of the beloved President Sandro Pertini's collection which was donated to the city upon his death. The Purser’s Palace is used as a venue for shows, exhibitions and art performances and the Sibilla’s Palace, with its state-of-the-art technologies, is an international Conference Centre. The Donjon Square is used to stage open-air theatrical productions in summer.
In addition to all these cultural gems, the fortress has a beautiful promenade, made of trenches, glacises and balconies, which offers an outstanding view across the sea, mountains, city and port. This is truly the cultural hub of the area and the best place to go to take in the history, views and flavour of Savona, Liguria.
Photo credits
picture 1: Basilico / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Antonello Piccone / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Jonathanpellicano / CC BY-SA 4.0
picture 1: Basilico / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Antonello Piccone / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Jonathanpellicano / CC BY-SA 4.0
