Torre dell'orologio, tower in the center of Taormina, Italy
The Torre dell'Orologio, also called Porta di Mezzo, is a stone tower at the heart of Taormina on Corso Umberto that divides the medieval sector from the ancient area. Its simple walls feature a prominent clock face, and its foundations rest on ancient defensive walls dating to around the 4th century BC, making it a layered structure spanning many eras.
Built in the 12th century on foundations from around the 4th century BC, the tower initially served as a city gate in a medieval defensive system. After French forces destroyed it in 1676 during military campaigns, it was rebuilt in 1679 with the clock mechanism that still functions today.
The tower marks the boundary between medieval and ancient Taormina, serving as a natural gathering place for locals in daily life. Its clock mechanism is woven into the town's identity, with bells ringing for significant civic events like mayoral elections and celebrations of the patron saint.
The tower sits directly on busy Corso Umberto in the town center and is easy to reach on foot while exploring the historic district. Its central location allows access from various directions, and the surrounding space invites visitors to pause and take in the neighboring streets and shops.
The tower's clock still keeps time and was added during the 1679 reconstruction, with its bells ringing today in honor of San Pancrazio, the town's patron saint. This working timepiece represents one of the few original features that has survived intact through centuries of change and destruction.
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