History
Torre di Palme originates from the ancient Picena city of Palma, founded in the 6th century BC and later occupied by the Romans, like the rest of the region, in 268 BC. The capital of Ager Palmensis was a center of great strategic importance and famous throughout the empire for its wine. Precisely because of its port relief, the Romans established the Fermana colony, charging it with the control of trade in the area.
In the early Middle Ages Palmense continued to submit to Fermo, but was soon exhausted by pirate raids, which reduced Palma to a pile of rubble. In this way the inhabitants had to repair on the hill where there was a sighting tower (Turris Palmae), in the wake of the hermitan monks who first settled there in the 11th and 12th centuries. It was at Torre di Palme that on November 28, 1798 the French army rejected the invasion of the Department of Tronto (Roman Republic) by the most numerous, but poorly organized, Bourbon soldiers.
Autonomous municipality until 1877, Torre di Palme is one of the ten districts of the Marche city of Fermo. It is part of the 4 contrade foranee. The district represents the people of the sea and in fact in the historical re-enactments parade carrying a boat. It is the farthest district, but also the oldest in Fermo.
The most important architectural emergency of the village is the church of Sant'Agostino, which houses a precious polyptych by Vittore Crivelli. In the surrounding area, finally, the Cugnòlo wood is a marvelous example of Mediterranean vegetation. You can visit it with a ring trail of about 2 km that crosses it completely. There is also the Lovers' Cave, the scene of the story of the two young men, Antonio and Laurina, who in 1911 chose death in the nearby ditch of San Filippo.
The Wonders of Torre di Palme
Torre di Palme is a picturesque village famous for its fascinating historical and natural beauty, this town is a must-see destination for lovers of history, art and nature. The village's most important architectural emergence is the church of Sant'Agostino, which houses a valuable polyptych by Vittore Crivelli.
Church of Santa Maria a Mare
A trip to Torre di Palme cannot be separated from a visit to the Church of Santa Maria a Mare, a hidden gem in Romanesque-Gothic style. Dating back to the period from the 11th to the 13th century, this enchanting church has a brick and sandstone facade from the 17th century, with a simple portal with a tympanum, surmounted by an oculus. Inside, there are three naves divided by neoclassical plaster columns and 14th-century Byzantine frescoes.
Walk on the Walls
Torre di Palme is a fortified village, characterized by ancient walls that surround the town. Walking along these walls, Torre Merlata, one of the six defense towers of the settlement dating back to the 13th century very characteristic and part of a typical Ghibelline construction, stands out.
Historic Center
The historic center of Torre di Palme retains the authenticity and charm of yesteryear, with its narrow paved streets, stone houses and old noble palaces. Get lost in the alleys and discover hidden corners and picturesque squares, such as Piazza della Rocca, the heart of the village, or Piazza del Poggio, from where there is an unparalleled panoramic view.
Archaeological Museum of Torre di Palme
For history buffs, Torre di Palme is home to the Archaeological Museum. It is accessed from the Piazzale della Rocca, the main access point to the village, and consists of three rooms displaying the grave goods from three of the twenty tombs found in contrada Cugnolo, near the hamlet on the southern side of the village. Visiting the museum gives a sense and understanding of the importance of the Picenian settlement and the customs and traditions of this population that inhabited the Fermo area before the Roman colonization that took place in 264 B.C.
Finally, in the surrounding area, the Cugnòlo forest represents a wonderful example of Mediterranean scrubland. It can be visited with a loop trail of about 2 km that crosses it in its entirety. It is also home to the Grotta degli Amanti, the scene of the story of the two young people, Antonio and Laurina, who in 1911 chose death in the nearby San Filippo ditch.
Torre di Palme is a destination that offers a wide range of tourist attractions and unique experiences. Between history, art, nature and gastronomy, this Marche gem will win the heart of every visitor.
