Piazza Giuseppe Sacconi is part of the first residential nucleus of the coastal city of San Benedetto del Tronto, of which, however, there are remote traces. The first significant urban planning change of the place dates back to 1146 when the Gualtieri, lords who governed the area at the time, obtained authorization from the Bishop Liberto of the nearby city of Fermo to to make a castrum on the hill. That is, on the highest place called “Paese Alto”, which dominates the entire city.
Finds under Piazza Giuseppe Sacconi
Piazza Giuseppe Sacconi boasts the discovery in the nearby subsoil of a Roman seaside villa dating back to the 1st century BC. In fact, during the works carried out, important archaeological finds from the Roman era came to light. In particular, valuable fragments of mosaic floors. Besides plastered walls located inside the excavation. While outside, a sequence of rooms attributable to a manufacturing plant was discovered.
The intended use of the discovered villa
The finds would testify that the villa was inhabited at least until the imperial age. Then it was transformed into a work environmentThis is evidenced by the floors made of robust crushed earthenware or spicatum, the warehouse and the processing tanks obtained from the renovation of previous residential spaces. Furthermore, the villa appears to have occupied the entire southeastern part of the hill on which the Upper Town developed, with the rooms nestled along the southern slope. The discovery had a significant historical-social impact on the city of San Benedetto. But also on the backdating one's origins.
Giuseppe Sacconi, the architect "musician of lines"
So, the ancient belvedere is dedicated to the Marche region Giuseppe Sacconi, Italian architect and politician. Precisely, in San Benedetto he was elected as representative of the college for six legislatures, until 1902. Especially known for being the designer of the Victorian or “Altar of the Fatherland” In Rome, he became one of the symbolic artists of post-unification Italian culture. Director for the conservation of monuments of the Marche and theUmbria, from 1891 to 1902, is remembered for his genius in the restoration projects of ancient monuments which he brought back to their original splendor.
Giuseppe Sacconi Square, rich in emblems
The square, in addition to a panoramic terrace, hosts what is defined as the symbol of the city of San Benedetto del Tronto, that is the Gualtieri TowerThe so-called Torrione represented the only point of reference for sailors on the open sea for centuries. And today it is the undisputed point of reference in the city's history. Behind the Torrione is the elegant Art Nouveau building, home to the Bishopric. And a little further on the very important Church of San Benedetto MartireContinuing from Piazza Giuseppe Sacconi you arrive at Palazzo Piacentini, the home of the dialect poet Bice Piacentini RinaldiToday it houses the Municipal Historical Archives. Therefore, a showcase with a flavour historical and artistic the one offered by Piazza Sacconi, in the heart of the old town centre.
Thanks for the cover image: Patrizia Cicconi
