Torre Leon Pancaldo (Leon Pancaldo Tower), Savona

The Leon Pancaldo Tower, also known as the Torre della Quarda, is a medieval landmark that has stood as a symbol of Savona for centuries. Rising 23 meters high and 6 meters wide, this square tower once formed part of the city’s defensive walls, guarding the harbor. Named after Leon Pancaldo, a renowned navigator from Savona who sailed with Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the Earth, the tower is first mentioned in records from 1392. Following the destruction of Savona’s city walls by the Republic of Genoa in 1527, the tower was left standing in isolation and has undergone numerous modifications over time.

One of its most striking features is the fresco facing the sea, depicting the crest of the Republic of Genoa, a reminder of the city’s historical ties to its powerful neighbor. Below it, a niche houses a carving of Our Lady of Mercy, created by Filippo Parodi, while another statue of the Madonna watches over the entrance.

Now owned by the city council, the Leon Pancaldo Tower remains an important part of Savona’s heritage. It serves as the headquarters for the Italian National Association of Seafarers (ANMI), further reinforcing the city’s long-standing maritime identity.