Savona, the birthplace of Popes Sixtus IV and Julius II

Savona is the third largest city of Liguria (after Genoa and La Spezia), has about 65,000 inhabitants and is located on the western part of the Italian Riviera.
It is a thriving and not yet quite touristic city, keeping a deep history. Ever competing with Genoa, since antiquity in the era of the Punic Wars, it was on the side of the troops of Carthage, led by Hannibal against Genoa. Genoa was on the side of Rome, which was able to destroy and seize Savona. During the capture of Savona, the Genoese destroyed the port, residential and religious quarters of the city. On the site of the ruins of the old fortress, the Genoese built in the 16th century Fort Priamar (stone over the sea), later it was a prison. During the Second World War, the city was heavily bombed, after which the old quarters of the port zone were significantly damaged. But, Savona is gradually changing its appearance and part of the old port today is one of the most attractive corners of the city. Boats, yachts and cruise ships moor here. This area is surrounded by towering medieval towers. And this city boasts a charming historical center with its interesting sights such as: Cathedral, Sistine Chapel, churches, palaces, towers, city Pinakothek, fortress, squares and streets. Savona - this city is called "the city of the popes", because from it rose to the throne of Sixtus IV (for which the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican was created), as well as Cardinal Giuliano Della Rovere, who later became Pope Julius II.