Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr is a fascinating adventure into the hidden depths of this historic fortress. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, it’s clear that this unique experience offers a glimpse into the fortress’s lesser-seen areas, making it a compelling choice for history buffs or anyone curious about medieval and wartime underground structures.

What we love about this experience is its focus on the underground chambers and tunnels, which are often overlooked yet tell stories of the fortress’s long history. Plus, the engaging nature of the guided tour makes it accessible and interesting for both adults and children alike.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s presentation quality varies, with some visitors noting that the guide’s explanations can be slow or not entirely clear. Plus, the underground corridors themselves are described as somewhat neglected with trash and overgrown areas—not a pristine, museum-like setting.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy historic exploration, underground architecture, and storytelling, especially if you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a bit of adventure and intrigue. If you’re after a polished, museum-style visit, this may not be the perfect fit. But if you’re curious about the fortress’s hidden facets and don’t mind a less-maintained environment, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Unique underground exploration: You’ll visit tunnels and chambers built over centuries, from the 16th to the 20th century.
• Historical variety: The tour covers everything from medieval dungeons to WWII air-raid shelters.
• Guided by archaeologists: The tour starts at the Civic Archaeological Museum and is led by knowledgeable guides.
• Unkempt surroundings: The tunnels can be somewhat neglected, with trash and overgrowth, which might impact the experience.
• Flexible timing: The tour lasts about one hour, with multiple start times available—check in advance.
• Languages available: Tours are conducted in several languages including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Deep Dive into the Experience

What the Tour Covers

This guided visit offers an immersive look into the underground parts of the Priamàr Fortress, a structure with roots stretching back to the 1500s. The tunnels and chambers you’ll explore have been built over centuries—some dating from the 16th century, others from the late 17th or even as recent as WWII.

You’ll start your journey at the Civic Archaeological Museum, where your guide will bring history to life as you head into the underground corridors. The four routes—St. Bernard, St. Francis, St. Catherine, and Holy Conception— each have their own story, connecting different parts of the fortress and its defenses.

Types of Underground Passages

The underground maze includes large tunnels that were constructed in the 16th century, although many were closed and walled up in the 17th century, offering a sense of history and secrecy. Narrow walkways from 1683 connect different sections, while smaller tunnels—like the counter-mine tunnels—reveal defensive strategies used in past centuries.

Below the ramparts, you’ll find large rooms and cisterns that served water storage and other critical functions. Connecting tunnels link the Maschio (the main fortress) and the Citadel, and there are sorties leading directly to the sea or the outer moat. The WWII air-raid shelters are a sobering reminder of the fortress’s more recent history, making this a layered experience for history enthusiasts.

What You’ll Experience

Walking through these underground corridors, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of soldiers, prisoners, and civilians who relied on these spaces for defense, safety, or concealment. The tour is particularly engaging because it combines archaeological insights with actual exploration, making it feel like stepping into a secret world.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, giving you a sense of closure after an hour of discovery. The small group setting (depending on the day) allows for questions and interaction, though keep in mind that the environment isn’t always well-maintained.

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What to Bring & Consider

To fully enjoy the tour, it’s best to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes—preferably sports shoes—because you’ll be walking through uneven, sometimes damp passageways. Don’t forget a flashlight—a handy tool to light up dark corners and enhance your view of the tunnels.

Since the tunnels can be somewhat neglected, with weeds and trash in some areas, don’t expect a pristine setting. The key is curiosity and openness to the raw, historical environment.

Accessibility & Suitability

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or visually impaired travelers due to the nature of underground exploration. If you’re comfortable navigating uneven surfaces and confined spaces, it’s a fascinating experience.

Value & Pricing

At around an hour long, with a ticket included in the price, this tour offers good value—especially considering the depth of history and the unique access it provides. The fact that you can reserve with the option to pay later adds flexibility if your plans are still forming.

Real-Life Feedback

One reviewer mentioned that the underground passages are interesting to see but somewhat neglected, with trash and weeds, which can detract from the experience. The guide’s explanations, according to some, can be slow and unclear, which might make the storytelling less engaging for some visitors.

However, another review simply said, “Es ist,” indicating a straightforward, perhaps minimalist experience—possibly emphasizing the raw, unpolished nature of the site.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This guided underground tour is a good pick for history lovers, adventure seekers, and curious travelers interested in seeing parts of the fortress typically hidden from view. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable exploring less-maintained environments and are interested in the strategic and wartime history of Savona.

If you prefer shiny, polished museums or highly curated experiences, this might not meet your expectations. But if you’re open to a little rough-and-ready exploration that offers a glimpse into the fortress’s layered past, it’s a worthwhile activity.

The Sum Up

Visiting the underground passages of Savona’s Priamàr offers a distinctive look at the fortress’s hidden layers and the stories they hold. While the environment might sometimes be less maintained than you’d hope, the authenticity and historical depth can compensate for that. The guided tour, led by archaeologists, makes it accessible and educational, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate historical sites with a bit of rugged charm.

It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of uneven terrain and are genuinely interested in military history, underground architecture, or are simply looking for a different perspective on Savona’s past. The tour’s inclusivity of multiple languages makes it accessible for international visitors, and the hour-long format fits well into a day’s sightseeing.

If you’re seeking an offbeat experience that combines history, adventure, and a touch of mystery—without the fuss of a highly polished setting—this underground tour could be just the thing to add a layer of intrigue to your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience is engaging for many, the underground tunnels can be uneven and confined, so it’s best suited for children who are comfortable navigating such spaces. It isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly.

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit lasts approximately one hour, with multiple start times available—be sure to check the schedule when booking.

What languages are the guides available in?
Tours are conducted in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for international visitors.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Yes, comfortable shoes are essential, and a flashlight can enhance your experience by lighting dark corners. The environment isn’t overly damp but expect uneven surfaces.

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

Is there an age restriction?
There are no explicit age restrictions mentioned, but because of the environment’s nature, children should be old enough to handle confined, uneven spaces comfortably.

This underground tour of Savona’s Priamàr is a chance to see a different side of this historic fortress. It’s a bit rough around the edges, but for the right curious, adventurous traveler, it offers stories, sights, and a sense of discovery that stick with you long after you leave.

You can check availability for your dates here: