San Benedetto del Tronto’s guardian is a spectacular brick structure, its round clock face seeming to watch for danger on the surrounding hills.
From guard tower to local landmark, the Tower of Gualtieri has formed a vital part of the life of San Benedetto del Tronto for more than 700 years. Built on the village’s highest ground in the 12th century, when both the seas and the hills posed threats, it was subsequently added to and rebuilt. Admire its distinctive 14th-century appearance, and listen for the townspeople’s cheery greetings to it as they walk past “Il Torrione.”
Walk up the hill from the beaches and train tracks on the lower ground. Stop for quick refreshments at one of the gelato shops at convenient intervals on the way up to the tower. Hear the steady chimes of the clock grow louder as you get closer. Arrive in the square where the tower stands, just across from the elegant spires of the bishop’s palace, and listen to the sound of the bells ringing out.
Admire the elaborate brickwork, with its distinctive strut shape that was popular in the 1300s and corbels and trapdoors that crown its summit. Watch the elegant clock hands make their way around the white face. The face was installed here in the 18th century, but the clock itself is much older. Imagine the defenders who once staffed the structure, alert for pirates on the sea and raiders from the land, ready to ring the bells and call the townspeople to arms.
The Tower of Gualtieri dominates the high ground of San Benedetto del Tronto. Walk here in 11 minutes from the train station or ride a bus in 6 minutes. Either of the town’s main beaches is a 25-minute walk, 25-minute bus ride or 9-minute drive away. The train station has frequent connections to other towns up and down the coast. Use the underground metered parking garage available nearby otherwise parking can be hard to find along the Old Town’s narrow roads.
The tower itself is not usually open to visitors, but the town organizes occasional tours. Check with the tourism office.
