Discovering Brandale: the medieval heart of Savona
The symbol of Savona has stood tall over the port for a thousand years
There's a point where Savona's historic center suddenly reveals itself: the corner between the Vecchia Darsena and the narrow alleys of the caruggi , where the Torre del Brandale stands out against the sky, almost fifty meters high. From here, the medieval city unfolds before the visitor's eyes like a book yet to be read—narrow streets, stone porticos, the smell of focaccia and sea salt.
The Brandale Tower: a thousand years of history in fifty meters.
The origins and the mysterious name
The Brandale Tower was erected around 1178, initially conceived as an observation point to prevent possible attacks from the sea—in particular the frequent raids by Saracen pirates—and as a beacon for ships by lighting signal fires at the top. 
The name remains shrouded in mystery: some believe the term "Brandale" derives from "brand," which translates to light or bonfire, indicating the tower's ancient function as a beacon for ships. Other 19th-century scholars believe it refers to the municipal banner that flew from its summit in medieval times.
The main of the fifty towers
The Brandale Tower was the largest of the fifty towers in the fortification walls surrounding the city of Savona. Purchased by the municipality in 1305, it became the seat of the Podestà, and in 1349 the first bell was installed there to summon the people to Parliament. It was, essentially, the beating heart of Savona's medieval municipal democracy.
The Genoese humiliation and the rebirth
Like the Priamar, the Brandale also suffered the heavy hand of Genoa: on 29 October 1528, the Genoese authorities had the tower lowered from 49.60 to 31.60 metres to prevent it from posing a threat or obstacle to the new fortress of the Priamar.
Rebirth came in the twentieth century thanks to the civic pride of the people of Savona: in 1931, with a public subscription, the tower was restored to its original height and equipped with a new bell—an operation that became a symbol of rebirth and identity for the entire city.
A Campanassa: the bell that marks the life of the city
From the top of the tower, the great 1,500-pound bell—appropriately called "A Campanassa"—strikes the hours and half-hours with a peal that reverberates throughout Savona. It's more than just a clock: it's the voice of the city, the one that for centuries has called citizens to assemblies, announced dangers, and celebrated victories.
The complex is now home to the "A Campanassa" Association, founded in 1924, which cultivates local traditions and hosts a library specializing in Savona's history and traditions.
The Palace of the Elders and the Lapidary Museum
Next to the tower stands the Palazzo degli Anziani , built in the first half of the fourteenth century, which together with the tower constitutes a sort of lapidary museum with remains of medieval frescoes, inscriptions, marble reliefs and friezes from buildings in the historic centre destroyed over the centuries.
On the first cornice of the tower are the twelve ceramic coats of arms of the lords who have taken turns in ruling the city since the 12th century—a visual catalogue of medieval power, from local noble families to the Republic of Genoa to Napoleon.
The historic center: the alleyways to explore slowly
Via Paleocapa and the arcades
Savona's historic center is best explored on foot, at your own pace. Via Paleocapa, built in the 19th century to connect the port to the heart of the city center, is distinguished by its long porticoes that provide shade on summer days and shelter in winter, making it perfect for a stroll in any season.
The Old Dock
The Darsena is a redeveloped port area, now primarily intended for tourism and recreation, with clubs, restaurants, yachts, and private boats—direct access to city attractions such as the historic center and the Priamar Fortress.
Street food not to be missed
Strolling through the alleyways , it's worth stopping to try the "panino con le fette," a famous Savona street food made with slices of fried panissa—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—encased in fragrant white bread. Simple, authentic, irresistible.
The Tradition of Confuoco: The Medieval Christmas of Brandale
One of the most fascinating traditions linked to the Brandale is that of the Confuoco : every year, on the Sunday before Christmas, a historical procession winds its way from the Brandale to the Town Hall Square, where the people's complaints are conveyed to the Mayor. At the end, a large laurel log is lit in the square: if the flames burn straight, the year will be fortunate; if they go crooked, it will be unlucky. An ancient ritual, still alive today, that makes the Brandale a place of collective memory—not just of stone and brick.
How to visit the Brandale Tower
You can visit the Torre del Brandale thanks to the A Campanassa Association , which organizes guided tours every Saturday morning. Inside, you can admire the halls filled with paintings, plaques, and sculptures that tell the story of centuries of history, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, passing behind the large clock face that marks time for the entire city. From the top, the view encompasses the port, the city that unfolds at the foot of the tower, and the Ligurian coast that extends all the way to Genoa and Portofino.
