Imagine stepping back in time to the 16th century! Picture this: Genoa, a powerful republic, is on high alert. To safeguard its lands from both seaborne invaders and the ambitious Savoy state, and more importantly, to keep a watchful eye on the newly conquered city of Savona, they commissioned a mighty fortress. Between 1542 and 1544, under the expert eye of Lombard architect Giovanni Maria Olgiati, the fortress began to take shape. Remarkably, just nine months later, even with construction still underway, the fortress was already operational! A garrison was stationed there as early as April 1543. But building this imposing structure came at a cost. To make way for the fortress's massive ramparts, which amplified the strategic advantage of the rocky Priamàr promontory, a significant chunk of Savona's medieval heart was demolished. This included the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, the Bishop's Palace, a Dominican Convent, the entire Dominican district, ten oratories, and even three city hospitals. Can you imagine the scale of this transformation? Thankfully, the story doesn't end there. Since 1956, dedicated archaeologists have been carefully excavating the site, unearthing remnants of this ancient settlement. The International Institute of Ligurian Studies (IISL) meticulously leads these excavations, breathing life back into the past. The recovered artifacts are beautifully displayed in the Civic Archaeological and City Museum, continuously updated by the IISL, and within the evocative archaeological areas inside and outside the Fortress. Today, the Fortress of Savona on the Priamàr stands as the most impressive fortified structure in all of Liguria. It's a testament to the city's rich and complex history, a living monument that reflects the major turning points in Savona's story. When you visit this monumental complex, perched on the very spot where Savona's first inhabitants settled, you're embarking on a journey through time. The guided tour, starting at the Civic Archaeological Museum of Savona, will lead you through the fortress, revealing the fascinating layers of Savona's past. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!