La Torretta - Torre Leon Pancaldo Travel Guide

La Torretta, or Torre Leon Pancaldo, is a cherished symbol of Savona, Italy, standing proudly at the harbor's edge. Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, it originally served as a defensive tower within the city walls. The tower is named after Leon Pancaldo, a Savonese navigator who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on his first circumnavigation of the world.Standing approximately 23 meters tall, the square tower features a slightly battered base and a crowning parapet with merlons arranged in groups of three. A notable fresco depicting the coat of arms of the Republic of Genoa adorns the seaward side, along with a statue of Our Lady of Mercy by sculptor Filippo Parodi.Over the centuries, La Torretta has undergone several transformations. After the Genoese destroyed the city walls in 1527, the tower stood isolated and was later modified. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Italian National Association of Seafarers (ANMI), honoring Savona's strong maritime heritage.