Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

If you’re visiting Liguria and have a curiosity for secret tunnels, fortress history, and underground secrets, this guided tour of Savona’s Priamàr underground passages might just be your cup of tea. It’s a one-hour journey that takes you beneath the city’s most iconic fortress, revealing parts of its past that many visitors never get to see.

What stands out about this experience is the chance to walk through centuries-old tunnels, learn about the different construction phases from the 16th century to WWII, and see the fortress from a completely different perspective. Plus, it’s a surprisingly engaging activity for both adults and children—perfect if you’re traveling with family or seeking something educational but fun.

That said, the tour isn’t without its quirks. Some visitors have found the maintenance lacking, with overgrown and somewhat unkempt passages, and the guide’s communication style may not suit everyone. Still, for those who love authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this underground trek offers a rare glimpse into Savona’s layered history.

If you’re after a tour that balances historical intrigue with a dash of adventure—and are prepared with comfortable shoes and a flashlight—you’ll likely find this experience worthwhile. It’s particularly suited to history enthusiasts, curious explorers, or families looking for a unique activity during their Ligurian trip.

Key Points

• Authentic underground exploration of the Priamàr Fortress, built over 400 years.
• Multiple tunnels and chambers, including WWII air-raid shelters and medieval passageways.
• Guided by knowledgeable archaeologists in several languages, including English.
• One-hour duration, making it a manageable, insightful activity.
• Open to children and adults, with a focus on historical storytelling.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Underground Tour

The Setting and Meeting Point

The adventure begins at the Civic Archaeological Museum and the City of Savona, where you’ll meet your guide. This starting point is convenient for most visitors, often close to other city attractions. Once there, you’ll be introduced to the fortress’s history and the significance of the underground passages, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

The Route and Its Historical Layers

The tour takes you through four underground routes: St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception. Each route reveals different aspects of the fortress’s evolution and purpose.

• The 16th-century tunnels are the oldest, built mainly to serve as defensive corridors and escape routes. However, many of these were closed and walled up in the 17th century, which adds an element of intrigue—what remains is like a secret world beneath the city.

• 1683 narrow walkways connect different parts of the fortress, giving a claustrophobic thrill that helps you imagine how soldiers and residents moved through these spaces.

• Small counter-mine tunnels highlight the fortress’s defensive engineering, meant to thwart potential attackers.

• Large underground rooms below the ramparts speak of military storage or strategic planning areas, and visiting them offers a tangible sense of what life or war-time activity might have looked like.

• Cisterns and tunnels of Maschio and the Citadel show the fortress’s water management and logistical systems.

• Sorties leading to the sea and outer moat reveal how the fortress was designed to control access and defend against invasions.

• Finally, the WWII air-raid shelters are a sobering reminder of the fortress’s later role in safeguarding civilians during wartime.

What You’ll See and Experience

Throughout the tour, you’ll walk through dimly lit, narrow corridors that sometimes have overgrown vegetation—some reviewers noted trash and weeds, which points to the need for better maintenance. Still, these tunnels give you a real sense of their age and purpose.

Your guide, usually an archaeologist, will tell stories about the fortress’s construction phases, from the Renaissance to modern times, and explain the purpose of each section. Expect to hear about how the fortress evolved over centuries, adapting to new military needs and historical events.

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The Guide and Tour Dynamics

The guide’s language skills include English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, making the tour accessible for many travelers. However, some visitors have mentioned that guides sometimes speak slowly or less clearly, which can impact understanding, especially when explanations are lengthy or overly detailed.

One reviewer, Carsten, simply described the experience as “Es ist” (It is), indicating perhaps a straightforward, no-frills approach. Another, from GetYourGuide, pointed out that the underground passages were interesting but poorly maintained, with overgrown vegetation and trash, which detracted from the overall experience.

The Duration and Practicalities

The tour lasts around one hour, making it a short but impactful activity. It’s worthwhile to check availability beforehand since starting times vary. Remember to wear comfortable shoes—the uneven, sometimes slippery surfaces demand sturdy footwear—and bring a flashlight to better see the darker corners of these tunnels.

Accessibility and Limitations

This experience isn’t suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments should be aware that navigating narrow, uneven underground passages can be challenging or impossible.

Cost and Value

While the exact ticket price isn’t specified here, the experience includes a guided tour of the extensive underground maze. Considering the uniqueness of the site and the professional guidance, many would find the cost reasonable—especially for those interested in military, architecture, or local history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This underground exploration is ideal for those fascinated by military architecture, medieval and modern fortifications, or lovers of hidden city secrets. Families with older children will find it exciting, but very young children or those with mobility constraints might find it less accessible. If you enjoy storytelling in historical settings and aren’t bothered by some overgrown or unkempt areas, this tour offers a compelling peek into Savona’s layered past.

The Sum Up

The guided visit to the underground passages of the Priamàr offers a rare look beneath one of Liguria’s historic fortresses. While it may lack some polish in terms of maintenance, it compensates with authenticity, a tangible sense of history, and the chance to walk through tunnels that tell stories of defense, war, and survival.

It’s best suited for travelers who love history, are comfortable exploring uneven terrain, and have a curiosity for secret places. With a knowledgeable guide and a compact duration, it’s an ideal stop for a quick, immersive experience that enriches your understanding of Savona’s strategic importance over the centuries.

If you’re after a straightforward, educational, and slightly adventurous activity with historical depth, this underground tour will add a fascinating layer to your Ligurian trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s engaging for children, especially those interested in adventures or history. However, younger kids might find the narrow tunnels and uneven floors challenging, so parental discretion is advised.

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a concise yet informative experience.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments due to the uneven, confined underground passages.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with a flashlight to help see in the darker areas of the tunnels.

Is the activity accessible in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, providing options for diverse travelers.

What’s the condition of the underground tunnels?
Some areas are overgrown, with weeds, trash, and trees, which has been noted by visitors. It’s worth being prepared for less-than-pristine conditions.

How can I reserve my spot?
You can book in advance, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This underground tour of Savona’s Priamàr is a true slice of history with a dash of adventure—perfect for explorers eager to see beyond the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: