Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Laura Teso
Have you ever heard of Torre di Palme in the Le Marche region of Italy? I admit I found out about it through Instagram, and later discovered that it is one of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia, or the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. As a lover of quaint villages, I decided it was time to visit this one too; I’m essentially a collector of charming spots. 😉 So, what can you see in Torre di Palme? Let’s dive in!
Torre di Palme is a delightful medieval village situated on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea in the Fermo district. During our summer tour, we stopped there for lunch, and almost everyone was inside their homes enjoying their meals.
What to See in Torre di Palme
While Torre di Palme is quite small, it is recognized as one of the most significant historical towns in Le Marche, thanks to its excellent conservation and architectural uniformity.
As you enter, you’ll notice several beautiful medieval houses adorned with flowers and numerous outdoor tables belonging to local pizzerias. A stroll along the main road leads you to a piazza featuring a fountain and a terrace that offers stunning views of the sea (albeit with a glimpse of the highway).
Next, you’ll find the Town Hall (Palazzo Priorale, identifiable by its sundial), a café, and a few restaurants where you can enjoy a cozy meal. On a parallel street, a delightful piazzetta awaits, adorned with blooming plants and the Torre Merlata, a crenelated tower that’s one of the last remaining from the original six castle towers.
Churches
You can find three charming churches along the main street:
- Chiesa di San Giovanni: a small church featuring exquisite frescoes from the 1400s.
- Sant’Agostino: known for a stunning polyptych by Crivelli.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria a Mare (dating back to the 1200-1300s). In front of this church, you’ll find the small Oratory of San Rocco, which offers spectacular views.
Events
Every Tuesday in July and August, there is an artisans market.
On August 15, you can experience the Cavalcata dell’Assunta, the oldest reenactment in Italy. This event takes place in nearby Fermo, but you can enjoy the parade and the Contrada dinner in Torre di Palme, which, even though it’s 11 km away, represents the oldest Contrada, symbolizing the seafarers.
The Legend of the Lovers Cave
A short hike from the village leads you through the Cugnolo Wood to the Grotta Degli Amanti, or Lovers Cave. This name has a poignant backstory. In 1911, a 24-year-old named Antonio was sent to serve in the war between Italy and Libya. His fiancée, Laurina, an illiterate peasant, quickly learned to read and write so she could correspond with him. When Antonio returned home on leave, he chose to desert his post to be with Laurina. The two lovers sought refuge in a cave, relying on assistance from local fishermen during their eight-day hideaway. Sadly, the military was after them, and fearing another separation, they made the tragic decision to leap off a cliff together.
A Note on Parking
There is a dedicated parking area for visitors; however, it is situated a bit away from Torre di Palme, requiring you to walk under the sun to reach the village.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Torre di Palme for several reasons. The well-preserved buildings, adorned with vibrant flowers on doorways and windowsills alongside the Contrada banners, create a charming atmosphere. The breathtaking sea view is an added bonus. The overall ambiance is peaceful and inviting, making it a recommended detour if you’re in the area.
