Among stalls and flavors: the Savona Civic Market

A market that tells the story of everyday life in Savona

Strolling through the streets of Savona's historic center, just let the aroma of freshly baked focaccia and Ligurian pesto guide you to the Civic Market—a place that, more than many monuments, speaks volumes about who the people of Savona really are and how they experience food every day. Not a gourmet market designed for tourists, but an authentic meeting place, where the city's daily life is palpable among the stalls.

Where it is located and how it is structured

The market is located near the old dock, almost opposite the Priamar fortress and at the gates of the historic center, with two entrances, one from Via Pietro Giuria and the other from Corso Mazzini. This strategic location makes it easily accessible both for those visiting the fortress and for those strolling through the city center's alleyways .

What to find between the stalls

The flavors of tradition

Bakers' stalls display fragrant bread and freshly baked focaccia, while butchers and fishmongers offer premium meats and the freshest fish from the Gulf. There's no shortage of fruit and vegetable stalls with seasonal, locally sourced produce, as well as traditional cheese and cured meat stalls that showcase Liguria's authentic cuisine.

The bar and the view of the Priamar

Inside the market there is also a welcoming bar where you can enjoy a coffee or an aperitif with a view of the Priamar Fortress—a detail that makes the experience even more evocative, especially in the late afternoon.

The "Savona way to aperitifs" that won over Gambero Rosso

A story born almost by chance

It all started with the market's in-house bar's proposal to offer an aperitivo that transcended the usual crisps and peanuts: Ligurian wines, focaccia, and local cured meats became the driving force for the nearby stalls as well. The fishmonger began serving restaurant-style dishes featuring the day's catch, and the butcher dabbled in the kitchen, delighting palates with traditional classics, and word spread.

National recognition

The phenomenon has grown to the point of earning a review in the prestigious Gambero Rosso, which called the Civic Market a hub of Ligurian culture, emphasizing how Savona is reclaiming its rightful place, partly through its initiatives. Unlike large metropolitan gourmet markets with branches of Michelin-starred restaurants, Savona has focused entirely on the authenticity of local daily life—and this is likely the secret to its success.

Events and projects for the future

The Civic Market is not just a place to shop, but also a space for socializing and learning, with free events where you can listen to discussions, participate in workshops, and sample Savonese cuisine, thanks also to a mobile kitchen dedicated to promoting local fishing and seafood. The Municipality is also working on projects to enhance the local area, including applying for IGT (Protected Geographical Indication) recognition for chinotto and wheat farinata, after already obtaining the De.Co. (Denomination of Origin) for farinata slices.

Practical information

• Address: Via Pietro Giuria, 66R, 17100 Savona
• How to get there: a few steps from Priamar and the historic center, on the old dock side
• What to try: focaccia, gulf fish, typical cured meats and cheeses, Pigato wine for an aperitif
• Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for an aperitif overlooking the fortress.