Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

When you think of exploring a fortress, most imagine climbing ramparts or wandering through battlements. But in Savona, Italy, you’re invited to go beneath the surface — literally. The guided tour of the underground passages of the Priamàr Fortress offers an intriguing look into centuries of secret tunnels, dungeons, and wartime shelters. For about an hour, you’ll wander with knowledgeable guides starting from the Civic Archaeological Museum, exploring hidden rooms that span from the 16th century to World War II.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to see parts of the fortress normally off-limits or hidden from casual visitors. We especially appreciate how the tour is suitable for families, offering an engaging, slightly adventurous journey through history. The guides do a good job of making the complex maze of tunnels understandable and lively, though some reviews mention uneven maintenance and variable guide clarity.

A small but important consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or children under a certain age, due to the narrow, sometimes unlit underground passages. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, archaeology, or just a bit of underground adventure. If you’re looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that combines physical exploration with storytelling, this is a good pick.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historical variety: The tunnels span from the 16th century to WWII, showcasing different construction styles.
• Authentic underground experience: Walk through walled-up chambers, narrow walkways, and WWII shelters.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable archaeologists lead the tour, making history accessible and engaging.
• Family friendly: Suitable for adults and older children craving a bit of adventure.
• Limited accessibility: Not ideal for those with mobility issues or pregnant travelers.
• Value for the price: An hour-long guided experience offering a rare glimpse into Savona’s hidden past.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The adventure begins at the Civic Archaeological Museum, a logical starting point that grounds visitors with some local context before heading underground. Once inside, the tour follows four main routes: St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception, each offering a different perspective on the fortress’s layered history.

The guided walk lasts approximately one hour, which is just enough time to see a substantial cross-section of the underground maze without feeling rushed. The tour covers a mix of large tunnels, narrow connecting walkways, small counter-mine tunnels, and the more modern WWII air-raid shelters.

The Underground Chambers

One of the most impressive aspects is the variety of construction styles. You’ll explore the large 16th-century tunnels, many of which were sealed off in the 17th century, giving a tangible sense of the layered history. The narrow walkways from 1683 are quite different from the wider, more modern underground spaces, and they reveal how the fortress evolved over centuries.

The small counter-mine tunnels are a reminder of the military strategies employed in their time, while the large rooms beneath the late 17th-century ramparts show the fortress’s defensive purpose. The cisterns and connecting tunnels of the Maschio and Citadel highlight the fortress’s self-sufficiency, essential during sieges.

Moving into the WWII era, the air-raid shelters are stark reminders of the fortress’s role in modern conflict. These underground spaces are the most recent addition, contrasting sharply with the older stone chambers.

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The Hidden Face of Priamàr

What we love is how these underground passages reveal the fortress’s hidden face. You’ll get a sense of the strategic importance of Savona and how the fortress was a living, evolving structure. The tunnels give a tactile sense of history’s layers, and wandering through them feels like stepping back in time.

The Experience of a Guided Tour

The Guides and Their Knowledge

The guides are archaeologists, which adds credibility and richness to the storytelling. They’re passionate about explaining what you see and answering questions, though some reviews note variability in clarity. For instance, one reviewer mentioned that their guide “spoke very slowly and his English was not very clear,” which made some parts less accessible.

However, most visitors find the guides engaging enough to keep their interest, especially when discussing the different construction phases and the fortress’s military history. The tours are multilingual, offered in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, making it accessible to many visitors.

The Practicalities

You’ll want comfortable shoes and a flashlight — the tunnels are uneven and sometimes poorly lit. The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers, people with mobility challenges, or anyone with visual impairments due to the narrow, dark passages.

Starting from the Civic Archaeological Museum makes logistics straightforward, but be prepared for a bit of walking and crouching at times. The overall experience is informal but packed with tangible history.

The Maintenance and Atmosphere

While the tunnels are fascinating, some reviews point out that they are not very well maintained, with trash, weeds, and trees growing in unkempt corners. This adds a slightly neglected feel to the experience, but it also lends an authentic, “underground” vibe that you might find intriguing rather than off-putting.

Analyzing the Value

At a typical duration of one hour, the tour’s price offers good value if you’re interested in local history and underground architecture. You’re paying for a guided experience that isn’t just about looking but understanding the strategic, military, and historical significance of the fortress’s hidden parts.

Compared to other more polished or commercial attractions, this tour is more about authenticity and learning. It’s perfect for history buffs or families with teenagers who enjoy a bit of adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience best suits curious travelers, history enthusiasts, or families with older children who don’t mind confined spaces. It’s ideal for those eager to see a different side of Savona beyond surface-level sights. If you’re comfortable with uneven terrain and don’t require full accessibility, you’ll find this underground journey rewarding.

However, if you prefer smooth, well-maintained environments or are traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues, you might want to skip this one in favor of other local attractions.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re looking for something different and authentic. This tour offers a tangible connection to Savona’s military and civil history, combining archaeology, architecture, and a hint of adventure — all in a one-hour package. The guides’ expertise, coupled with the thrill of wandering beneath a medieval fortress, makes it a memorable experience.

Be prepared for uneven floors and some unkempt areas, but that imperfect charm only adds to the sense of discovery. It’s a great way to learn how the fortress adapted over centuries and played a crucial role in the city’s defense.

This tour is perfect for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at a fortress’s secret side, and for anyone with a curiosity for history beyond what’s on the surface. It pairs well with other Savona attractions or as a unique add-on to a day exploring Liguria.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this underground tour suitable for children?
It’s engaging for older children and teenagers who enjoy exploring tunnels, but very young children or those with mobility issues may find it challenging due to narrow, unlit passages.

How long does the tour last?
The guided experience is about one hour, providing a concise but comprehensive look at the underground tunnels and chambers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, preferably sports shoes, plus a flashlight since some areas are poorly lit and dark.

Is the tour accessible for people with disabilities?
No, the underground passages are narrow and uneven, making it unsuitable for mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

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

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides speak English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, due to narrow passages and uneven floors, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

How is the maintenance of the tunnels?
Some reviewers note that the tunnels are not very well maintained, with trash and overgrowth, but this doesn’t detract too much from the authentic feel.

In the end, the guided underground tour of Priamàr offers a rare chance to step beneath the surface of Savona’s storied fortress. It’s a memorable, slightly adventurous slice of history that appeals to those eager to experience the city’s past in a more tactile way. Just come prepared for uneven floors, bring a flashlight, and enjoy uncovering Savona’s secret passages.

You can check availability for your dates here: