Italiano
English
The Clock Tower is the symbol of Porto Sant'Elpidio. Built between 1350 and 1560 to defend the coast from pirates, it was erected in 1247 with the independence of the city. Known for its mysterious underground tunnels connecting it to Villa Murri, it has been restored and now hosts a tourism office (IAT) and municipal offices.
The Clock Tower represents the historical memory of Porto Sant’Elpidio. Its origins date back to 1247, the year the city gained autonomy and permission to build a port. The tower itself began construction in 1350, but work faced long interruptions due to irregularities and conflicts with nearby Fermo. It was completed only in 1560 to protect the coastline from raids by pirates and Turks.
In 1786, with the addition of the clock and the new customs office, the tower became the center of maritime trade. Its history is enriched by the mystery of ancient underground passages, discovered in 1986, that lead to Villa Murri and are thought to date back to the Roman era.
After being handed over to private owners and falling into severe disrepair, the municipality reacquired it in 1980. Thanks to a long restoration completed in 1997, the structure is now available to citizens: it houses tourism and commerce offices, the IAT welcome desk, and spaces for cultural events immersed in a legendary atmosphere.
The Torre dell’Orologio is located in the heart of Porto Sant’Elpidio, in Piazzale Virgilio. It can be reached by car via the A14 motorway, taking the Porto Sant’Elpidio exit, or along the SS16 Adriatica road, following signs for the town centre.
Porto Sant’Elpidio has its own railway station on the Adriatic railway line. From the station, the Torre dell’Orologio can be reached comfortably on foot, as it is located close to the town centre.
Visitors can use parking areas in the town centre and near the railway station. In summer or during events, it is advisable to check local signs and any temporary parking restrictions.
Immersed in a lush garden protected as a botanical garden and ranked among the most beautiful parks in Italy, characterized by an avenue of majestic holm oaks and a rich collection of conifers, palms, and water lilies. The garden, adorned with a staircase featuring Carrara marble sphinxes and an oriental oasis, culminates in a grove of holm oaks and magnolias that hosts a charming medieval-style tower made of bricks.
The Duomo of Fermo is astonishing for the contrast between its Romanesque-Gothic facade from 1227 and its Neoclassical interior from 1781. The adjacent Diocesan Museum displays the precious Treasure of the Cathedral, including the Chasuble of St. Thomas Becket (1116) and the Missal De Firmonibus (1436).
Torre di Palme is a panoramic village overlooking the Adriatic, featuring terracotta alleys, glimpses of the sea, and precious artistic testimonies. Recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, it combines history, nature, and landscape in an intimate and timeless atmosphere.
