Savona's €80M Urban Regeneration and Bid for Italian Capital of Culture 2027

Savona is undergoing a major urban regeneration, with €80 million in investments from PNRR, regional, ministerial, European, and municipal funds. The city is a candidate for Italian Capital of Culture 2027, with a decision expected by March 28, 2025. The bid, directed by Paolo Verri, involves 41 municipalities and focuses on nine cultural routes addressing themes like sustainability, climate, youth, and the arts. Key projects include the restoration of Palazzo della Rovere (completed by 2026), which will house the civic library and a cultural hub, and the recovery of the former church of San Giacomo, new sports centers, and six social projects. Mayor Marco Russo calls the initiative 'epochal.' The Palazzo della Rovere, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo in 1493, is a unique architectural example in Liguria. Its restoration costs €24 million. The building will feature a panoramic tower and a courtyard open to the public, reconnecting the city with the sea. The cultural coordination is led by Antonella Agnoli, with DAP studio handling interior design. The regeneration aims to address post-industrial decline, population loss, and climate challenges, positioning Savona as a hub for the northwest of Italy.