The Tower of Martinsicuro: A Historical Icon That Fascinates Visitors
Martinsicuro, a picturesque coastal town located on the beautiful Adriatic coast of central Italy, boasts a rich history and a captivating cultural heritage. Among its architectural gems stands the Tower of Martinsicuro, an imposing structure that stands majestically on the coastline. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of this tower and discover what makes Martinsicuro a destination not to be missed.
The Tower of Martinsicuro: A Historical Icon That Fascinates Visitors
History of the Tower of Martinsicuro
The Tower of Martinsicuro, with its square base, is mentioned in all antique cartography and various historical documents. Typical of the Adriatic towers of the Papal States, it stands precisely at the northern boundary and uphill from the town of Martinsicuro. Highly visible from the main road, it is in an obvious state of abandonment but easily recoverable. It communicates visually to the north with the first tower of the Marca d'Ancona, Torre d'Ascoli, and to the south with the Tower of Vibrata. The tower had clear functions not only as a lookout point, but also for anti-smuggling, customs, and representation purposes, constituting the first sign of viceregal governance at the border with the Papal States.
The tower is a parallelepiped with a base that flares out, a separation stringcourse with the parallelepiped body, and another stringcourse at the midpoint between the first and second floors. The crowning projection is adorned with closely spaced high corbels (twelve and thirteen per side).
Like most towers, this one was also constructed entirely from bricks. On the facade facing the sea, at the first and second floors, are representative windows, with a central element on the first floor blinded by a large coat of arms, all clearly legible in the perspective of Carlo Gambacorta. It is precisely he who describes the tower, in a document from 1598, as follows:
This 15th Tower called Martin Sicuro in the territory of Colonnella on the bank of the Tronto river is close to a river by that name, passing 200, and distant from the seaside one mile. It is well situated and of good construction, guarding the passage of the mentioned river, although it cannot oversee its mouth where it enters the sea. It has no correspondence with any tower, as it is very far inland, and therefore a new tower is necessary as explained below. The Captain of this tower is paid as a guardian of contraband. There is a small bronze cannon to guard the passage of the mentioned river, and a mask is needed. At the mouth of this river, there was a tower that corresponded to the one on the other side towards Apulia, and twelve years ago (...) the territory towards that one was absorbed, and therefore it is necessary to construct another tower of the same dimensions in a higher and drier place, placing the necessary arms at the distance from the sea that will need to be specified.
Martinsicuro: A Fascinating Coastal City
In addition to the Tower of Martinsicuro, the city offers visitors a complete experience of a charming coastal destination. Located in the Marche region, it's a true gem to explore for those seeking a combination of relaxation, natural beauty, and authentic traditions.
The beaches of Martinsicuro are wide and sandy, perfect for spending pleasant days in the sun and taking long walks along the shore. The crystal-clear and clean waters are ideal for swimming and practicing water sports.
The town itself still retains its medieval historic center, with cobblestone streets and a captivating atmosphere. Visitors can get lost in picturesque alleys, admire ancient stone houses, and visit the Church of San Martino, a religious building of great historical and artistic value.
Martinsicuro is also renowned for its delicious cuisine. Local restaurants offer specialties based on fresh fish, such as "brodetto all'anconetana," a typical Marche fish soup, and "vincisgrassi," a rich and flavorful lasagna.
Conclusion
The Tower of Martinsicuro, with its fascinating history, and the city itself, with its coastal charm and cultural heritage, represent an unmissable destination for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the beauty and tradition of central Italy. The tower remains a historical icon that testifies to Martinsicuro's defensive past, while the city offers enchanting beaches, a captivating historic center, and delightful cuisine. If you're planning a visit to the Marche region, be sure to include Martinsicuro on your list of must-visit destinations.
Author
Light Designer in everyday life, a traveler in my second life. A believer in the philosophy of solo travel, just to do as I please. I photograph and explore anything within my sight.
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