6. Savona in the 15th Century

Savona has always been an excellent port. The supremacy of Genoa prevented this town from developing as it should have, but it was anyway the second port and the second town in the Republic of Genoa. Christopher Columbus used to live in Savona in the intervals between his travels through the Ligurian and Mediterranean Seas. In this view of Savona during the 15th century, the towers in stonebrick stand out, mute witnesses to battles over the centuries, mirrored in the sea. Around the city lie fragrant orchards of orange and lemon trees, with rolling fields of olives and vines; and, in the distance, the bluish line of the Apennies. Squares open out within the city in the labyrinth of streets and lanes. Near the ancient tower of Brandale, still standing, there was the Palazzo delle Cause, in which Domencio and Christopher Columbus signed some notary's deeds.