Savona
Encyclopedia
Savona is a seaport and comune
in the northern Italian
region of Liguria
, capital of the Province of Savona
, in the Riviera di Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea
.
Savona used to be one of the chief seats of the Italian iron industry, having iron-works and foundries, shipbuilding, railway workshops, engineering shops, and a brass foundry.
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus
, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.
and circa 150 km (east) of Nice
, in France
.
tribes, it came under Roman
influence in c. 180 BC, after the Punic wars
in which the city had been allied to Carthage
. At the fall of the Western Roman Empire
, it passed under Lombard
rule in 641 (being destroyed in the attack) after a short period as an Ostrogoth
and then Byzantine
possession. Later it recovered as county seat in the Carolingian Empire
.
In the tenth century its bishops were counts of Savona, but later the countship passed to the marquesses of Monferrato (981) and afterwards to the marquesses Del Vasto (1084);
After a long struggle against the Saracens, Savona acquired independence in the 11th century becoming a free municipality allied with Emperor. Savona was center of religious culture (XIII - XVI) thanks to the work of two important monasteries: Dominicans and Franciscans. Subsequently it fought Genoa
before being definitively conquered in 1528, that destroyed the upper town and burying the port. It then shared the fortunes of the Republic of Genoa until Napoleonic
times, and subsequent annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia
-Piedmont (1815).
with: Villingen-Schwenningen
, Germany
Saona, Dominican Republic
CONFRATERNITA di S. DOMENICO http://digilander.libero.it/confratelli/
Comune
In Italy, the comune is the basic administrative division, and may be properly approximated in casual speech by the English word township or municipality.-Importance and function:...
in the northern Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
region of Liguria
Liguria
Liguria is a coastal region of north-western Italy, the third smallest of the Italian regions. Its capital is Genoa. It is a popular region with tourists for its beautiful beaches, picturesque little towns, and good food.-Geography:...
, capital of the Province of Savona
Province of Savona
The Province of Savona is a province in the Liguria region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Savona.-Overview:...
, in the Riviera di Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
.
Savona used to be one of the chief seats of the Italian iron industry, having iron-works and foundries, shipbuilding, railway workshops, engineering shops, and a brass foundry.
One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an explorer, colonizer, and navigator, born in the Republic of Genoa, in northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents in the...
, who farmed land in the area while chronicling his journeys. 'Columbus's house', a cottage situated in the Savona hills, lay between vegetable crops and fruit trees. It is just one of many residences in Liguria associated with Columbus.
Geography
The town is situated 40 km west of GenoaGenoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
and circa 150 km (east) of Nice
Nice
Nice is the fifth most populous city in France, after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, with a population of 348,721 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Nice extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of more than 955,000 on an area of...
, in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
History
Inhabited in ancient times by LiguresLigures
The Ligures were an ancient people who gave their name to Liguria, a region of north-western Italy.-Classical sources:...
tribes, it came under Roman
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....
influence in c. 180 BC, after the Punic wars
Punic Wars
The Punic Wars were a series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 B.C.E. to 146 B.C.E. At the time, they were probably the largest wars that had ever taken place...
in which the city had been allied to Carthage
Carthage
Carthage , implying it was a 'new Tyre') is a major urban centre that has existed for nearly 3,000 years on the Gulf of Tunis, developing from a Phoenician colony of the 1st millennium BC...
. At the fall of the Western Roman Empire
Western Roman Empire
The Western Roman Empire was the western half of the Roman Empire after its division by Diocletian in 285; the other half of the Roman Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire, commonly referred to today as the Byzantine Empire....
, it passed under Lombard
Lombards
The Lombards , also referred to as Longobards, were a Germanic tribe of Scandinavian origin, who from 568 to 774 ruled a Kingdom in Italy...
rule in 641 (being destroyed in the attack) after a short period as an Ostrogoth
Ostrogothic Kingdom
The Kingdom established by the Ostrogoths in Italy and neighbouring areas lasted from 493 to 553. In Italy the Ostrogoths replaced Odoacer, the de facto ruler of Italy who had deposed the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire in 476. The Gothic kingdom reached its zenith under the rule of its...
and then Byzantine
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
possession. Later it recovered as county seat in the Carolingian Empire
Carolingian Empire
Carolingian Empire is a historiographical term which has been used to refer to the realm of the Franks under the Carolingian dynasty in the Early Middle Ages. This dynasty is seen as the founders of France and Germany, and its beginning date is based on the crowning of Charlemagne, or Charles the...
.
In the tenth century its bishops were counts of Savona, but later the countship passed to the marquesses of Monferrato (981) and afterwards to the marquesses Del Vasto (1084);
After a long struggle against the Saracens, Savona acquired independence in the 11th century becoming a free municipality allied with Emperor. Savona was center of religious culture (XIII - XVI) thanks to the work of two important monasteries: Dominicans and Franciscans. Subsequently it fought Genoa
Republic of Genoa
The Most Serene Republic of Genoa |Ligurian]]: Repúbrica de Zêna) was an independent state from 1005 to 1797 in Liguria on the northwestern Italian coast, as well as Corsica from 1347 to 1768, and numerous other territories throughout the Mediterranean....
before being definitively conquered in 1528, that destroyed the upper town and burying the port. It then shared the fortunes of the Republic of Genoa until Napoleonic
Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars declared against Napoleon's French Empire by opposing coalitions that ran from 1803 to 1815. As a continuation of the wars sparked by the French Revolution of 1789, they revolutionised European armies and played out on an unprecedented scale, mainly due to...
times, and subsequent annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia
Kingdom of Sardinia
The Kingdom of Sardinia consisted of the island of Sardinia first as a part of the Crown of Aragon and subsequently the Spanish Empire , and second as a part of the composite state of the House of Savoy . Its capital was originally Cagliari, in the south of the island, and later Turin, on the...
-Piedmont (1815).
Main sights
- Near the Rocca di San Giorgio, on the "Promontorio del Priamar", stands the fortress named PriamarPriamar FortressThe Priamar Fortress is a fortress occupying the hill with the same name above the port of Savona, Liguria, northern Italy.-History:...
, built by the Genoese in 1542 after their conquest of Savona, on the area of the old cathedral and old city and later used as a prison and military priso. At Fort Priamar were relegated many soldiers of the defeated Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies who did not want to betray their country. Among them the adjutant Santomartino Joseph, who defended the fortress of Civitella del TrontoCivitella del TrontoCivitella del Tronto is a town and comune in the province of Teramo, within the Abruzzo region of central Italy. It is located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.-History:...
. In the fall of the stronghold of Abruzzo, Santomartino was tried by Piedmont and sentenced to death. Under pressure from the French the sentence was commuted to 24 years in prison to be served in the fortress of Savona. Shortly after his arrival, one night, was found dead, leaving his wife and five children. He said he had tried to escape. An example of a suspicious death on which it was never open an investigation to ascertain the real causes of death. Also a Republican patriot Giuseppe MazziniGiuseppe MazziniGiuseppe Mazzini , nicknamed Soul of Italy, was an Italian politician, journalist and activist for the unification of Italy. His efforts helped bring about the independent and unified Italy in place of the several separate states, many dominated by foreign powers, that existed until the 19th century...
was imprisoned here by the government of the Savoy monarchy. - Adjacent to the Cathedral and built 1480-1483, is the Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), containing the Mausoleum erected by the Della Rovere Pope Sixtus IVPope Sixtus IVPope Sixtus IV , born Francesco della Rovere, was Pope from 1471 to 1484. His accomplishments as Pope included the establishment of the Sistine Chapel; the group of artists that he brought together introduced the Early Renaissance into Rome with the first masterpiece of the city's new artistic age,...
to honor his parents, Leonardo Della Rovere and Luchina Monleone. The construction was commissioned by Giovanni D'Aria and his brother Michele. The chapel is architecturally similar to the chapel dedicated to the Cardinal Pietro RiarioPietro RiarioPietro Riario was an Italian cardinal and Papal diplomat.-Biography:Born in Savona, he was the son of Paolo Riario and Pope Sixtus IVs' sister, Bianca Della Rovere. Sixtus nominated him in 1471 bishop of Treviso and cardinal, and, in 1473, archbishop of Florence. He was entrusted with Sixtus'...
in the Basilica of the Santi ApostoliSanti ApostoliThe Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles is a 6th century Roman Catholic parish and titular church and minor basilica in Rome, Italy, dedicated originally to St. James and St. Philip and later to all Apostles...
in Rome. After years of deterioration, in 1765-1767 a reconstruction was ordered by the Genovese Doge Francesco Maria Della RovereFrancesco Maria della RovereFrancesco Maria della Rovere may refer to the following members of the Della Rovere dynasty:*Francesco Maria I della Rovere, duke of Urbino*Francesco Maria II della Rovere, duke of Urbino...
. This updated the chapel in a RococoRococoRococo , also referred to as "Late Baroque", is an 18th-century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly ornate, florid, and playful...
style, with ceiling painted by Paolo Gerolamo Brusco. The Cathedral has a noteworthy 16th century carved wooden choir seats. - Facing the cathedral is the unfinished Palazzo Della Rovere (Della Rovere Palace), built by Cardinal Giulio della Rovere (future Pope Julius IIPope Julius IIPope Julius II , nicknamed "The Fearsome Pope" and "The Warrior Pope" , born Giuliano della Rovere, was Pope from 1503 to 1513...
) and designed by Giuliano da SangalloGiuliano da SangalloGiuliano da Sangallo was an Italian sculptor, architect and military engineer active during the Italian Renaissance.He was born in Florence. His father Francesco Giamberti was a woodworker and architect, much employed by Cosimo de Medici, and his brother Antonio da Sangallo the Elder and nephew...
as a university. - Palazzo Delle Piane (Delle Piane Palace), also known as Palazzo Delle Palle.
- The old towers, survived after the 1528 war with Genoa: the Campanassa (Commune tower, where the freedom declaration of Savona was signed in 1191), towers Corsi and Riario, "Ghibelline Tower", and Torre della Quarda (also known as "a Torretta"), in the Leon PancaldoLeon PancaldoLeon Pancaldo, also called Leone Pancaldo was a Genoese explorer.Pancaldo was born in Savona in 1488 or 1490. He participated in the first circumnavigation of the globe led by Ferdinand Magellan...
square. - The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della MisericordiaSanctuary of Nostra Signora della MisericordiaThe Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia is a church and surrounding buildings located some six kilometers from the center of Savona, Liguria, northern Italy....
(Our Lady of Mercy). - In neighbourhood of Savona remains a house documented as property of Domenico Colombo, father of Christopher Columbus, where they lived for many years (Christopher Columbus lived in Savona for much of his youth).
- The church of Nostra Signora di Castello (Our Lady of the Castle) has a large altarpiece by Vincenzo FoppaVincenzo FoppaVincenzo Foppa was a Northern-Italian Renaissance painter.He was an elderly contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci. Born at Bagnolo Mella, near Brescia in the Republic of Venice, he settled in Pavia around 1456, serving the dukes of Milan and emerging as one of the most prominent Lombard painters....
and Ludovico BreaLudovico BreaLudovico Brea was an Italian painter of the Renaissance, active mainly in and near Genoa.Brea was born into a family of coopers in Nice, and later moving to Liguria, he painted numerous altarpieces that displayed both Lombardy and Flemish influences...
painted in 1490.
Notable people
- Pope Sixtus IVPope Sixtus IVPope Sixtus IV , born Francesco della Rovere, was Pope from 1471 to 1484. His accomplishments as Pope included the establishment of the Sistine Chapel; the group of artists that he brought together introduced the Early Renaissance into Rome with the first masterpiece of the city's new artistic age,...
(Pecorile 1414 - 1484) - Pope Julius IIPope Julius IIPope Julius II , nicknamed "The Fearsome Pope" and "The Warrior Pope" , born Giuliano della Rovere, was Pope from 1503 to 1513...
(Albisola 1443–1513) - Girolamo RiarioGirolamo RiarioGirolamo Riario was Lord of Imola and Forlì in the 15th century.- Biography :Born in Savona, Riario was the son of Paolo Riario and Bianca della Rovere...
(1443–1488), lord of Imola and Forlì and one of the plotters behind the 1478 Pazzi Conspiracy. - Pietro RiarioPietro RiarioPietro Riario was an Italian cardinal and Papal diplomat.-Biography:Born in Savona, he was the son of Paolo Riario and Pope Sixtus IVs' sister, Bianca Della Rovere. Sixtus nominated him in 1471 bishop of Treviso and cardinal, and, in 1473, archbishop of Florence. He was entrusted with Sixtus'...
(1447–1474), cardinal and Papal diplomat. - Leon PancaldoLeon PancaldoLeon Pancaldo, also called Leone Pancaldo was a Genoese explorer.Pancaldo was born in Savona in 1488 or 1490. He participated in the first circumnavigation of the globe led by Ferdinand Magellan...
(1488 or 1490–1538) was an Italian explorer. - Maria Christina of Naples and Sicily (1779–1849) Queen of Sardinia died here in 1849.
- Gabriello ChiabreraGabriello ChiabreraGabriello Chiabrera was an Italian poet, sometimes called the Italian Pindar.-Biography:He was of patrician descent, and was born at Savona, a little town in the domain of the Genoese republic, twenty-eight years after the...
(1552–1638), poet. - Paolo BoselliPaolo BoselliPaolo Boselli was an Italian politician who served as the 34th Prime Minister of Italy during World War I.Boselli was born in Savona, Liguria....
(1838–1932), Prime Minister of ItalyPrime minister of ItalyThe Prime Minister of Italy is the head of government of the Italian Republic...
during World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. - Gianni Baget BozzoGianni Baget BozzoGianni Baget Bozzo was an Italian Catholic priest and politician.Baget Bozzo was born in Savona, and graduated in law. At one-time Christian-Democrat activist, in 1984 he was elected at the European Parliament for the Italian Socialist Party and from 1994 he had been a member of Silvio...
(born 1925), priest and politician. - Renata ScottoRenata ScottoRenata Scotto is an Italian soprano and opera director.Recognized for her sense of style, musicality and as a remarkable singer-actress, Scotto is considered one of the preeminent singers of her generation, specializing in the bel canto repertoire with excursions into the verismo and Verdi...
(born 1934), opera singer. - Sandro Pertini (born in San Giovanni di Stella (Savona), 25 settembre 1896 – Roma, 24 febbraio 1990) President of the Italian RepublicPresident of the Italian RepublicThe President of the Italian Republic is the head of state of Italy and, as such, is intended to represent national unity and guarantee that Italian politics comply with the Constitution. The president's term of office lasts for seven years....
. - Daniela Poggi (1956), actress
- Fabio Fazio (1964), TV host
- Elenoire Casalegno (1976), actress TV host
- Susanna Bonfiglio (Savona, 8 settembre 1974), basketbal player
- Enrico CucchiEnrico CucchiEnrico Cucchi was an Italian professional football player.His father Piero Cucchi also played football professionally.-External links:*...
(1965–1996), Italian footballer - Christian PanucciChristian PanucciChristian Panucci is a retired Italian footballer. He was a member of the Italian national team. Panucci is a right back, but can also play as a centre back.-Early career:...
(born 12 April 1973), Italian footballer. - Michele MarcoliniMichele MarcoliniMichele Marcolini is an Italian footballer who currently plays for Calcio Padova.On 27 June 2011 he mutually terminated his contract with Chievo. He signed a one-year contract with Serie B side Padova on 4 July 2011....
(born 2 October 1975), Italian footballer. - Stephan El Shaarawy (born 27 October 1992), Italian footballer.
Events
- Holy Friday : every two years takes place a spectacular procession in streets of the city.
- Carnival : during Carnival the typical costume is Cicciulin
- Confuoco (in local dialect U Confeugu), it takes place the last Sunday before Christmas. In the square of Sisto IV a large fire is lit.
Twin towns and sister cities
Savona is twinnedTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
with: Villingen-Schwenningen
Villingen-Schwenningen
Villingen-Schwenningen is a city in the Schwarzwald-Baar district in southern Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It has 80,941 inhabitants .-History:...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
Saona, Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
External links
CONFRATERNITA di S. DOMENICO http://digilander.libero.it/confratelli/