Palazzo Della Rovere

Palazzo Della Rovere, nestled in the heart of Savona's medieval center, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural evolution. This grand edifice, known also as Palazzo Santa Chiara, is a captivating blend of medieval and Renaissance influences, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era where power and art intertwined seamlessly.

The Historical Tapestry of Palazzo Della Rovere

The story of Palazzo Della Rovere begins with Giuliano della Rovere, the future Pope Julius II, who sought refuge in Savona during the tumultuous times of the Borgia papacy. In 1494, foreseeing a prolonged stay, he acquired the medieval Palazzo di San Tomaso, which had been refurbished in 1368. His ambition was to recreate the splendor of central Italian princely courts in this Ligurian city.

Giuliano della Rovere brought with him the renowned architect Giuliano da Sangallo, who remained in Savona from 1495 to 1497. Together, they embarked on a mission to transform the medieval urban fabric of Savona, characterized by narrow streets and towering houses, into a Renaissance marvel. The Palazzo Della Rovere was envisioned as a rival to the palatial residences of Rome, such as the one built by Giuliano’s cousin, Raffaele Riario.

The Architectural Vision

The transformation began with a significant acquisition of land and buildings, extending from the convent of San Francesco, which had familial ties to Pope Sixtus IV, Giuliano's uncle. The aim was to create a grand residence that echoed the cardinal palaces of Rome. The facade, designed by Giuliano da Sangallo, was a masterpiece of layered orders, featuring Doric pilasters in white marble set against a backdrop of smooth black stone, reflecting the traditional Genoese black and white color scheme.

By May 1496, Matteo dei Gaggini of Bissone had completed the facade up to the first order. However, the project remained unfinished due to Giuliano’s return to Rome, where he ascended to the papacy. This marked the end of the Renaissance experiment in Savona, as the construction halted and the grand vision was gradually absorbed back into the medieval cityscape.

Subsequent Transformations

The Palazzo's ownership changed hands in 1527 when Giulio II's heirs relocated to Genoa, selling the unfinished residence to Francesco Maria Spinola di Garessio in 1532. The building’s massive scale made it challenging to maintain as a single-family residence, leading to its transformation in 1676 into a convent for the Clarisse nuns. This change in purpose led to the building’s new name, Palazzo Santa Chiara, and the loss of its ornate interior decorations, which were plastered over for religious reasons.

In the 19th century, the Palazzo served as a Napoleonic prefecture and underwent further modifications in 1871 with the addition of ground-floor shops, a change later reversed in subsequent restorations. Throughout the 20th century, it housed the local police headquarters. Today, the Palazzo remains closed to the public, awaiting restoration and a new role that will allow it to shine once more.

The Architectural Highlights

Despite its incomplete state, the Palazzo Della Rovere boasts several architectural highlights. The original facade on Via dei Nattoni (now Via Pia) was designed to span nine bays, with a grand entrance vestibule featuring a barrel vault adorned with medallions reminiscent of those used by Sangallo in Florence and the Medici villa at Poggio a Caiano. A similar vault can be found in a smaller room on the ground floor, possibly intended as a chapel.

Above this area, remnants of a private apartment for Giuliano della Rovere can be seen, including a spiral staircase and a keystone adorned with the family crest. These elements hint at the grandeur that the Palazzo was meant to embody.

A Monument Awaiting Revival

Palazzo Della Rovere is a monument rich in history and potential. Its walls echo the ambitions of a cardinal who would become one of the most influential popes of the Renaissance. While currently inaccessible, the Palazzo awaits a revival that will allow it to reclaim its place as a cultural and historical landmark in Savona.

Visiting Savona offers a unique opportunity to explore its medieval streets and imagine the splendor that once was. As the city looks towards the future, the restoration of Palazzo Della Rovere promises to be a pivotal chapter in preserving and celebrating its illustrious past.