Descrizione
The Civic Tower of Monte Grimano Terme stands as the village’s main landmark, its imposing structure telling the story of centuries of history. Built in the fifteenth century, the tower formed part of the ancient medieval fortress, a fortified complex that represented the strategic and defensive heart of the community. Situated at the highest point of the village, the tower originally served as a watchtower for monitoring the surrounding area.
In 1585, the structure underwent a significant transformation: the crenellated terrace was lowered and the tower was converted into the town’s bell tower, fitted with a public clock. This change marked the beginning of a new civic function, designed to mark the passage of time for the community. The interior of the tower was subsequently used to house the grain store, known as the ‘Antichissima Abbondanza’, intended to provide for the poor, as documented in 1618.
The public clock, installed in the 18th century, played a fundamental role in the daily life of the village. Although the original mechanism has been replaced by a modern system that ensures accuracy and reliability, the hands and the external dial, faithful to the historic style, continue to symbolise the passing of time, preserving the link with the past.
A distinctive feature of the tower is the presence of bells, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, which still ring today to mark significant occasions.
In 2001, the Civic Tower underwent a major conservation restoration project, aimed at preserving its historical and architectural integrity. The interior was refurbished with new wooden floor joists and the addition of a staircase leading to the belfry. The exterior was also restored with particular care: the original stones were restored and the masonry joints finished with mortars similar to the historical ones. This work has restored the tower to its former glory, making it accessible.
Today, the Civic Tower is not merely a fine architectural feature. Its clock, bells and the history enclosed within its walls continue to offer a glimpse into the past.
