The ‘caruggi’ – the narrow alleys of the historical centre – are filled with a distinctive scent, especially in the late afternoon. It is the smell of freshly baked, hot farinata (street food and age-old pride and joy of the local folk cuisine) coming out of pie shops and friggitorie, fried food shops.

Officially opened in 1853 with Giuseppe Verdi’s Attila, the Teatro Comunale Chiabrera (Chiabrera Municipal Theatre) is a historic building designed by architect Carlo Falconieri and named after poet and playwright Gabriello Chiabrera.

Sitting in a commanding position within the cruise and ferry port site, affording uninterrupted views across a large stretch of the Ligurian coastline and the Savona hills, the Fortezza del Priamar (Priamar Fortress) is among the most imposing fortified constructions in the Mediterranean region.