Leon Pancaldo Tower

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La Torretta di Savona | © Archivio visitsavona

A symbol of the city of Savona, the Leon Pancaldo Tower, or the ‘Torre della Quarda’, has stood sentry over the harbour for centuries. Also known as the Little Tower, this Mediaeval square tower, which stands 23 metres high and 6 metres wide, is an emblem of Savona’s history.

Named after local navigator Leon Pancaldo, a companion of Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the Earth, the tower is mentioned in documents as far back as 1392, when it was an integral part of the city walls. After the destruction of the walls by the Republic of Genoa in 1527, the Leon Pancaldo Tower was left isolated and has been repeatedly reshaped over the centuries.

Facing out towards sea is a fresco depicting the crest of the Republic of Genoa. On the same side there is a niche housing a carving of Our Lady of Mercy, by Filippo Parodi, whilst another statue of the Madonna stands over the entrance. Now owned by the city’s council, the tower is also home to the Italian national association of seafarers (ANMI), paying homage to Savona’s close links with the sea.