Priamar Fortress
savona
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Priamar Fortress was built in the 1640s by the Republic of Genoa. It stands on a hill inhabited since prehistoric times, with settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. The name "Priamar" likely comes from the ancient Ligurian “pria a mà,” meaning “stone on the sea.”
Although today it is one of the most iconic places in Savona, the construction of the fortress was a deep wound for the city: to make space for it, the entire medieval district, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, was demolished. This sparked strong resentment among the people of Savona, who witnessed the destruction of a core symbol of their identity.
Over the centuries, the fortress underwent numerous modifications and was adapted for various uses, including that of a prison. After a long period of neglect, the Priamar Fortress was restored and today serves as a vibrant cultural centre.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The fortress holds deep value for its historical and symbolic layers. Today, it is a place for walks, events, and an integral part of the city's daily life. It houses the Archaeological Museum, which tells the millennia-long history of Savona; the Sandro Pertini Museum, dedicated to the former President of the Republic; and the Renata Cuneo Museum, which honors the Savonese artist. Renata Cuneo was a significant figure in 20th-century art and closely tied to local tradition. In 1937, she began working with ceramics, experimenting new forms of expression. In 1942, she became the first woman to hold a solo exhibition at the Venice Art Biennale. Today, she is remembered as a key figure for Ligurian art and for her female presence in the Italian art scene.
CURIOSITY
In 1830, Giuseppe Mazzini was imprisoned in the fortress. It was during this time that he conceived part of his vision for “Young Italy,” which the following year became a revolutionary political movement. Its goal was to unify Italy into a new (hence "young"), free, independent, and secular democratic republic.