An impressive and historical tower right on the beach of Portonovo

For someone who has never seen Torre di Portonovo in Le Marche the first impression is of astonishment. The Torre di Portonovo is an 18th century fortress built on the beach of Portonovo, with a private garden, where one can spend time enjoying swimming, rowing (boat rental on the beach) or simply relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze. You can also take walks to the XI-century church built on the beach and visit the Fortino Napoleonico, now a hotel, but originally a fort built around 1810. All this is within walking distance.

History of the Torre

Pope Clement XI (1649-1721), is the founder of the Tower of Portonovo. He belonged to the Albani family and was a native of Urbino. The Tower was built by order of the Pope on Monte Calcagno and based on a medieval model (the owners found a drawing autographed by Leonardo da Vinci of a fortification project with an almost identical design). It is a massive construction where you can still see the stone seats on the top floor for the guards.

The entire terrace, with a ceiling supported by huge oak beams, allows a total view of the gulfs. A precious position to locate enemy ships and was also used as a signalling post in case of pirate incursions coming from the Dalmatian coast. The insignia of Pope Clement XI, carved in stone, are walled in on the façade. The small house (which the owners are referring to as La Casetta) adjacent to the Tower was built in 1915. During WWI several soldiers of the Coast defence were quartered here. The tower and annex have been fully restored by the current owners.

According to the old local people, the Tower was “discovered” by Adolfo de Bosis (1863-1924), poet of Ancona, who used to spend his summer vacations on the Conero Mountain (Portonovo and the Conero are now a National Park). During one of his walks, he came down to Portonovo and saw the Tower, an isolated, abandoned defence building by the sea and obtained it for rent from the State. It is in the Tower that he took inspiration for many of the lyrics that were published in “Il Convito”, a literary review he had launched and which saw the participation of men of culture such as D’Annunzio, Pascoli, Carducci and others.

The Tower was eventually bought by the de Bosis family and became the summerhouse of Lauro, the youngest of the de Bosis brothers, who died in 1931 during the antifascist resistance, after flying over Rome. He launched over 400.000 leaflets addressed to the king and to the people, denouncing the fascist regime which had abolished liberal democracy in Italy.

Accommodation

You enter the Torre through the gate of the garden and by following the stone path you will be lead to the entrance of the building. A few steps and you will get to a vaulted hall where among the many beautiful things you will see the wooden door, which is the original one, dating back to the 18th century. The hall is furnished as a living room, with a white sofa-bed (double), a few armchairs, an astonishing number of books and a Steinway baby-grand piano. The piano can be played by professionals who would like to practise while on holiday. This should be discussed and arranged, since the piano can be heard from the rooms and not everyone might agree! Bathroom with shower can be accessed from here.

A slate stairway leads you to the first floor where you have a one-bed bedroom and a double bed bedroom. On this floor you have a WC with sink, just on the landing of the floor. More stairs and you get to the second floor where you have a large double bed bedroom (possibility of adding additional beds) with WC and sink accessible from the room and a single bed bedroom (also with possibility of additional bed) without bathroom. This room has a wooden staircase that gets you to the terrace. The view from here is unbelievable; you can see a panorama that includes mountain, architectural beauties and the sea.

The Torre is surrounded by a lovely garden with a large table where you can enjoy your authentic Italian meals prepared by the owner while admiring the sea or the sunset over the sea.

Due to the massive walls that the Torre has, the TV signal is not good and in fact, the only TV set with a good signal is in La Casetta. There is no Wi-fi.

There is a very pleasant hot/cold water shower in the garden.

Distances

  • Ancona (regional capital): 15 min
  • Ancona (airport): 30 min
  • Sirolo: 20 min
  • Numana: 20 min

What to do?

A car is needed to go visit splendid locations such as Sirolo and Numana, with their splendid beaches. Osimo, with the marvellous Romanesque Church of Saint Leopard and that of San Giuseppe da Copertino, Patron Saint of students. Loreto, “true Marian heart of Christianity” quoting Pope John Paul II. Ancona and its harbour, approximately 12km from la Torre, with a beautiful view from S. Ciriaco, ancient beautiful cathedral, its Archaeological Museum and Picture Gallery.

In Portonovo there are several great restaurants, all recommend reservations: Emilia (071 801109), Il Molo (071 801040), Giacchetti (071 801384). One on the hilltop, inside the Hotel Emilia, is also marvellous. Horseback riding and promenades in the park are possible at Il Corbezzolo (071 2139039) and La Martina (071 7395034).

Extra information

  • The price includes breakfast, private parking space inside the garden, and 2 sunbeds for the sea

Property Features

  • Breakfast included
  • Outdoor shower
  • Sunbeds

Book this listing

Price per nightDouble room
No. persons2
01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024€ 250