Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

Key Points

• Duration and meeting point: The tour lasts about 1 hour and begins at the Civic Archaeological Museum.
• Highlighting underground history: Explore 16th-century tunnels, narrow walkways from 1683, and WWII air-raid shelters.
• Included in the ticket: Access to four underground routes—St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception.
• Guiding languages: Tours are available in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
• Physical considerations: Not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or visually impaired guests.
• Reviews and ratings: The experience is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 15 reviews, highlighting its intriguing underground chambers but noting some issues with upkeep.
• Booking flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; book now and pay later to keep plans flexible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Underground Passages of the Priamàr Fortress

The guided visit to the underground passages of the Priamàr in Savona offers a captivating look into the fortress’s hidden chambers, some dating back to 1542. This 1-hour tour takes visitors beneath the city to discover walled-up tunnels, narrow walkways from 1683, and WWII air-raid shelters. Starting at the Civic Archaeological Museum, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides in multiple languages, making it accessible to international visitors.

While the underground areas span centuries of construction and usage, the experience provides a fascinating glimpse into Savona’s military history and architecture. The tour is especially suitable for history buffs and those curious about secret city spaces, though it’s important to note that mobility limitations prevent participation for some visitors.

Discovering the Fortified Underground Layers

Visitors explore underground chambers built between 1542 and 1943, including large tunnels from the 16th century and more recent WWII shelters. Many of these tunnels were walled off in the 17th century, yet today they form an intriguing network beneath the fortress. Among the highlights are the cisterns and connecting tunnels of the Maschio and Citadel, along with sorties leading to the sea and the outer moat.

The large rooms below the late 17th-century ramparts reveal how the fortress expanded over time. The guided tour logically groups these spaces into four routes—St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception—each offering a different perspective on the fortress’s layered history.

Navigating the Narrow Walkways and Chambers

The underground passages include narrow connecting walkways from 1683 that link larger rooms and tunnels. These walkways, some quite tight, enhance the feeling of exploring a fortress’s secret arteries. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and a flashlight to navigate these areas safely.

The tunnels and chambers vary in size and purpose, with some being small counter-mine tunnels and others large, open spaces. Despite the interest these spaces evoke, some visitors note that parts of the underground complex appear less maintained, with trash, weeds, and overgrown vegetation present, which can detract from the experience.

Entrance and Meeting Point Details

The tour begins right outside the Civic Archaeological Museum in Savona. This central location makes it easy for visitors to find and access the starting point. After the tour concludes, everyone is guided back to the same meeting area, making it convenient for those with tight schedules.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially since the tour’s availability varies. The activity is flexible with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours beforehand, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans adaptable.

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The Guide and Tour Experience

Guides are present in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, to accommodate international groups. They lead visitors through the underground labyrinth, sharing stories about the fortress’s history and purpose.

While the majority of reviews praise the engaging nature of the tour and the unique opportunity to see parts of the fortress most visitors don’t get to experience, some note that explanations can be slow and unclear. One critic mentions that the underground areas are somewhat neglected, with weeds, trash, and overgrown vegetation, which impacts the overall impression.

Practical Tips for the Underground Visit

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable or sports shoes and a flashlight, since some tunnels are dark and narrow. It’s advisable to wear suitable clothing to navigate the underground spaces comfortably. The tour’s one-hour duration makes it a manageable activity for most schedules.

Because the underground passages include both historical tunnels and WWII shelters, expect a mixture of medieval, early modern, and 20th-century military features. The experience is rich in history, but be mindful of accessibility restrictions, as the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues or visual impairments.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Experiences

Many visitors might find this tour comparable to other Fortress or underground city tours in Italy, but what makes the Priamàr visit distinctive is the chance to see multiple layers of construction spanning nearly 400 years. The guided routes through the tunnels provide a structured way to understand how the fortress evolved.

While some reviews mention the areas being unkempt, the unique underground chambers and history-packed tunnels compensate for this, especially for those eager to explore Savona’s secret underground world.

Final Thoughts on the Underground Passages Tour

The Priamàr underground passages tour offers a fascinating perspective on Savona’s military history, with large tunnels, narrow walkways, and WWII shelters to discover. The guided experience is enhanced by multi-language guides, making it accessible for international visitors.

However, potential visitors should be aware of maintenance issues in some parts of the tunnels and accessibility limitations. The 1-hour duration makes it suitable for a quick but rewarding exploration of the fortress’s underground secrets.

This tour is a solid choice for history enthusiasts and curious explorers alike. It balances intriguing sights and educational value with practical considerations about maintenance and accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is considered engaging and suitable for children, making it a good activity for families.

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

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 1 hour.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Civic Archaeological Museum in Savona.

Do I need to bring anything?
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes and a flashlight to navigate the underground tunnels safely.

Is the underground area well maintained?
Some parts of the underground passages appear less maintained, with areas featuring trash, weeds, and vegetation.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, this activity is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments.

Is there an option to book now and pay later?
Yes, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay nothing today, providing flexibility for planning.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The exploration of underground tunnels, dungeons, cisterns, and WWII shelters within the Priamàr Fortress.

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