Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

Exploring Savona’s Hidden Side: A Guided Tour of the Priamàr Underground Passages

If you’re yearning to uncover a lesser-known chapter of Savona’s history, the guided visit to the underground passages of the Priamàr Fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s secretive past. This tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a journey through time beneath the fortress walls, revealing tunnels, dungeons, and storied spaces that have quietly witnessed centuries of history.

What makes this experience particularly compelling? First, we love how it transports you into the fortress’s hidden depths, giving a behind-the-scenes look at its underground chambers. Second, the variety of underground routes—from 16th-century tunnels to WWII air-raid shelters—adds layers of history to explore. Lastly, the engaging guide and the chance to see parts of the fortress usually off-limits give it a sense of exclusivity.

On the flip side, some travelers might find the tour’s maintenance and presentation a bit inconsistent, with reviews mentioning unkempt passageways and less-than-clear explanations. If you’re after a highly polished, pristine experience, this might not be your first choice. However, for those curious about authentic, raw history and underground architecture, it offers plenty of value.

This tour is best suited for history fans, curious explorers, and families who enjoy a mix of adventure and education. It’s suitable for adults and children alike—just remember to bring good shoes and a flashlight.

Good To Know

• Historical Depth: The underground passages span from the 16th century to WWII, offering a layered historical experience.
• Variety of Routes: You’ll explore tunnels, cisterns, and shelters, each with its own story.
• Authentic Experience: Guided by archaeologists, the tour gives a real sense of discovery.
• Accessible for Kids: The tour is engaging for children, making it a family-friendly outing.
• Limited Maintenance: Some areas may be less maintained, which could affect overall impressions.
• Duration & Flexibility: Around one hour, with flexible start times; check availability.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Underground Passage Tour

The guided walk begins at the Civic Archaeological and City Museum, where your adventure into Savona’s hidden past kicks off. From there, a knowledgeable guide leads you through four distinct underground routes: St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception. Each pathway reveals a different facet of the fortress’s evolution, construction, and strategic use.

The tunnels built in the 16th century are some of the oldest, featuring large, vaulted corridors that once served as essential arteries for the fortress. Many of these tunnels, surprisingly, were closed and walled up in the 17th century, adding an element of mystery and intrigue. You might imagine what secrets they held when they were operational.

The 1683 connecting walkways are narrower and more utilitarian, providing a glimpse into how the fortress’s internal layout evolved over time. These walkways link various sections, including the massive cisterns and the fortress’s ramparts. You’ll get to see small counter-mine tunnels—an interesting reminder of the fortress’s defensive roles—though these are less expansive.

Below the ramparts, large rooms from the late 17th century reveal the fortress’s capacity for storage, defense, and daily life. The cisterns and connecting tunnels of the Maschio and Citadel are particularly noteworthy, offering insight into how the fortress stored water and managed supplies during sieges.

Perhaps most compelling are the WWII air-raid shelters—a sobering reminder of the fortress’s role during modern conflicts. These shelters, built to protect civilians during air attacks, are stark but powerful symbols of the city’s resilience.

The tour’s pace is moderate, and your guide—likely a local archaeologist—will share stories and context, making the experience more than just walking through dark tunnels. However, be prepared for some areas that might feel less maintained, with overgrown vegetation, trash, or signs of neglect, as noted by some recent visitors.

Practical Details: What to Bring and How to Prepare

To get the most out of this tour, wear comfortable shoes or sports shoes—the underground paths can be uneven and sometimes slippery. A flashlight isn’t provided, so bringing your own can help illuminate dark corners and make the exploration safer and more enjoyable.

The total duration is about one hour, making it a manageable addition to your day of sightseeing. Tours run in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, so check the schedule for your preferred language.

Assessing the Experience: Pros and Cons

The positives: The access to underground tunnels and WWII shelters offers a rare, intimate look at Savona’s layered history. The guide’s insights help contextualize what you see, making the experience enriching. The tour’s family-friendly nature means children can also enjoy the adventure of exploring secret passages.

The drawbacks: Some reviews highlight that parts of the tunnels are not well-maintained, with overgrown vegetation and trash that can detract from the atmosphere. One traveler expressed disappointment, noting that the tunnels appeared neglected, and the explanations from the guide were sometimes slow or unclear. These points suggest that expectations should be tempered if you’re hoping for a pristine or highly polished experience.

Cost and value: The price includes the guided visit and entry, which is reasonable considering the depth of access and expert guidance. While it’s not a long tour, the chance to explore a variety of underground spaces makes it worthwhile for those interested in military, architectural, or medieval history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to history enthusiasts, those with a curiosity for military architecture, and families seeking an interactive way to learn about Savona’s past. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate hands-on exploration and don’t mind some rough edges in the environment. It’s less suitable for people with mobility issues, pregnant women, or those with visual impairments, given the uneven terrain and confined spaces.

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Final Thoughts

The guided visit to the underground passages of the Priamàr Fortress provides a captivating peek into Savona’s hidden history. It offers an immersive, if occasionally rough-around-the-edges, experience that combines archaeology, wartime history, and architecture. For those willing to overlook some signs of age and neglect, it delivers a unique perspective on the city’s layered past.

If you’re eager to see parts of the fortress few visitors reach and enjoy uncovering stories that have remained beneath the surface for centuries, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially worthwhile for history buffs, family groups, and curious travelers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Liguria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is engaging for children and families, provided they’re comfortable exploring underground spaces and walking on uneven surfaces.

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit takes approximately one hour, making it easy to fit into a day’s itinerary.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Tours are offered in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish. Check the schedule for your preferred language.

Do I need to bring my own flashlight?
While flashlights aren’t provided, bringing your own can help illuminate dark areas and enhance safety during the walk.

Are there any physical limitations to consider?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or those with visual impairments due to uneven terrain and confined spaces.

Is the site well-maintained?
Some visitors have noted that parts of the tunnels are unkempt, with overgrown vegetation and debris, which may affect the overall atmosphere.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at the Civic Archaeological and City Museum of Savona, making it easy to combine with other local activities.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential, and bringing a flashlight is recommended for better visibility.

Embark on this underground journey to discover a side of Savona many travelers miss. It’s a compelling mix of history, adventure, and authenticity—perfect for those hungry for a different perspective on Italy’s Ligurian coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: