Savona: Guided Visit to the Underground Passages of the Priamàr

If you’re curious about what lies beneath Savona’s historic fortress, this guided tour of the underground passages of the Priamàr offers a fascinating glimpse into its hidden depths. It’s a chance to explore a labyrinth of tunnels, dungeons, and WWII shelters that tell stories of military strategy, daily life, and wartime resilience. The experience is designed to be both intriguing and educational—perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone eager to see a different side of this port city.

What we particularly like about this tour is its authenticity and variety: It spans centuries of construction, from the 16th-century tunnels to WWII air-raid shelters. The tour is also accessible for a broad audience—adults and children will find it engaging, especially with the opportunity to walk through narrow, mysterious passages that feel like stepping back in time. On the flip side, one consideration is the maintenance and clarity of the tour—some visitors note that the passages can be a bit unkempt, and the guide’s pacing can vary. Still, if you enjoy exploring hidden corners of historic sites, this experience will likely suit you well.

This tour works best for travelers who appreciate a hands-on historical adventure rather than a polished, museum-like presentation. If you’re comfortable walking in confined spaces and don’t mind a bit of ruggedness, you’ll find plenty to love here. Families with older children might particularly enjoy the sense of discovery, but those with mobility issues or a dislike for dark, narrow spaces should consider other options.

Key Points

• Historic tunnels span centuries — from 1542 to WWII, offering a layered story of military and civic use.
• Unique underground experience — walk through dungeons, water cisterns, and tunnels, some of which are rarely opened to the public.
• Authentic and engaging — explore the fortress’s secret face with a guide who can bring history to life.
• Accessibility considerations — not suitable for pregnant women, mobility-impaired, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the underground spaces.
• Authentic atmosphere — expect some unkempt areas with weeds and trash, which adds to the sense of adventure but may detract for some.
• Flexible booking — cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve now to secure your spot with pay-later options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Underground Passages Tour

The guided visit to the Priamàr’s underground passages begins at the Civic Archaeological Museum, a natural starting point that provides context before heading below. This initial meeting sets the stage for understanding the fortress’s evolution and its strategic importance over nearly 400 years. From here, the tour takes you into a maze of tunnels, each with its own story and purpose.

The Layers of History in the Tunnels

One of the most compelling aspects of this tour is the layered architecture. The oldest tunnels date back to the 16th century, built during a time when the fortress was a key defensive point along the Ligurian coast. These large 16th-century tunnels are mostly closed off and walled in, but the guide will show you their locations and discuss their purpose. Traveling through these dark corridors, you might imagine soldiers lurking or supplies stored away during sieges.

Along With the oldest sections, you’ll encounter narrow connecting walkways from 1683, which were designed to link different parts of the fortress and its defenses. These walkways are quite tight, so expect to crouch or shuffle through in some spots. Some tunnels branch out into small counter-mine tunnels, which were likely used to counteract enemy mining operations—a reminder of the fortress’s defensive ingenuity.

Water and Shelter: The Cisterna and WWII Shelters

The tour features two cisterns—large underground water tanks that supplied the fortress during sieges. These silent, echoing chambers give a sense of the fortress’s self-sufficiency. Visitors often find these spaces atmospheric and a little eerie, especially when lit only by the guide’s flashlight.

Moving forward in time, you’ll visit large rooms below the late 17th-century ramparts, used for different military or storage purposes. The tour also includes sorties leading to the sea or outer moat, which were crucial for escape or reinforcement.

Of particular interest are the air-raid shelters from WWII, which remind us how this fortress continued to serve a defensive purpose well into the 20th century. These shelters are more recent and show a different aspect of the fortress’s history—how it adapted to new forms of warfare and civilian protection.

The Guide and Tour Logistics

Our source notes that the tour is led by archaeologists, adding credibility and depth to the explanations. It lasts around 1 hour—quick enough to keep the pace lively, but long enough to explore several key areas. The group size isn’t specified, but guided tours typically keep the number manageable for better engagement and safety.

The start and end point is the Civic Archaeological Museum, which makes it simple to incorporate into a day of exploring Savona. The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, making it accessible for international visitors.

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Practicalities and Considerations

You’ll need to wear comfortable shoes and sports shoes because the ground is uneven, sometimes rocky, and involves walking in confined spaces. Bringing a flashlight is recommended—though the guide will provide light, a personal torch can help you see details and navigate tight spots.

It’s worth noting the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with visual impairments, due to the narrow, uneven, and sometimes dark tunnels.

Pricing isn’t explicitly stated, but considering similar guided experiences, this is likely a reasonably priced activity given the depth of history and uniqueness of the underground exploration.

The Authentic Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews painted a mostly positive picture. One reviewer praised the tour as a “very interesting” experience, emphasizing the engaging nature of exploring the underground chambers. Another review, however, pointed out that the passages can be unkempt, with some trash and overgrown plants, which might detract from the experience for some visitors.

A third reviewer noted that the guide’s pace and clarity could vary—some found the explanations a bit long-winded or hard to follow, especially if English isn’t your first language. Still, the majority of visitors agree that the atmosphere and historical insights make this a worthwhile visit, especially for those who enjoy a tangible sense of history.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

If you’re fascinated by military architecture, secret tunnels, or WWII shelters, you’ll find plenty to excite you here. The layered history—from 16th-century tunnels to wartime shelters—offers a tangible story of how Savona’s fortress evolved over centuries. The experience is immersive, giving you a chance to walk through the actual spaces that once protected and served the city.

The guided element ensures you won’t get lost and that you’ll learn about the significance of each space from knowledgeable archaeologists. Plus, the flexible booking and cancellation policies add convenience, especially for spontaneous travelers or those with uncertain schedules.

However, this isn’t a polished, museum-quality experience. It’s gritty, sometimes a little messy, and physically demanding in parts. If you’re comfortable with that—and if you’re eager for a real, hands-on glimpse into the fortress’s depths—this tour will reward your curiosity.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This underground tour is best suited for travelers who:

• Have a keen interest in history, military architecture, or archaeology.
• Are comfortable walking and navigating confined, uneven spaces.
• Enjoy authentic, less-commercialized experiences that reveal hidden parts of a city.
• Are traveling with older children or teens who can handle narrow tunnels and dark spaces.
• Don’t mind a bit of ruggedness or unkempt areas, appreciating the atmosphere of authenticity.

On the other hand, it’s probably not ideal for those with mobility impairments, visual impairments, or anyone who prefers a fully polished, accessible experience. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The guided visit is approximately 1 hour, with starting times available based on availability. You should check the schedule when booking.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided visit to the underground passages. It provides access to the tunnels, chambers, and WWII shelters.

Is there a minimum age for participation?
While no specific minimum age is specified, the nature of the tunnels—tight, dark, and uneven—might be more suitable for older children who can handle confined spaces.

Are there options for different languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish, making it accessible to a broad international audience.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, preferably sports shoes, and a flashlight to help navigate darker areas. It’s also wise to wear clothing suitable for potentially damp or dusty conditions.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues?
No, this activity is not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchairs, because of the narrow, uneven tunnels.

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

What if I want to explore more of Savona after the tour?
The tour ends back at the Civic Archaeological Museum, so you can easily continue your exploration from there—perhaps visit the museum itself or take a leisurely stroll through the city.

The guided underground tour of Savona’s Priamàr fortress offers a rare peek into the city’s concealed past. It’s an adventurous, authentic experience that reveals layers of history across centuries—perfect for those who enjoy uncovering hidden stories and exploring off-the-beaten-path sites.

While not a polished, touristy attraction, this tour compensates with its raw atmosphere and rich stories. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, families with older children, and travelers looking for a memorable, hands-on experience with a tangible sense of place. Expect some ruggedness and unkempt areas, but also countless moments of discovery and insight into Savona’s strategic landmark.

If you’re prepared for a bit of adventure and eager to uncover a side of Savona most visitors never see, this underground exploration promises a rewarding glimpse into the past—one tunnel at a time.

You can check availability for your dates here: