In the Marche, in Porto San Giorgio for a dip in traditions
3 minutes
Porto San Giorgio is a beautiful town on the Marche coastline, washed by the Adriatic Sea and a popular seaside tourist destination with a long history and many traditions.
Blue Flag and 100-year-old palm trees
With a coastline that has been awarded the Blue Flag several times, Porto San Giorgio is characterised by numerous bathing establishments and accommodation facilities equipped for all needs.
Its waterfront is embellished by hundred-year-old palm trees, between neat paving and well-designed lighting to which the evocative backdrop of the Art Nouveau buildings built in the early 20th century and of which the precious Villa delle Rose is the finest exponent: built in 1921, the exterior features fine majolica decorations, while the interior features Art Nouveau gems.
There is also a Bambinopoli square
The town is such a versatile destination that it is suitable for the whole family: children can run wild in the Bambinopoli square, a large play area on the seafront where, among many play structures with which to have fun, it is also possible to run around on bicycles or skates.
Sportsmen and women can exercise on the cycle track while those with boats can find a well-equipped marina, a Blue Flag port since 1987.
Theatres, churches and historic houses: the immense cultural heritage
The historical and cultural attractions of Porto San Giorgio are many.
The city is mainly divided into two parts: the Castello district and the Rocca in the hills.
The former, located upstream, is surrounded by recently restored walls, with three crenellated towers and an illuminated walkway, while the Rocca Tiepolo, named after the Governor of Fermo Lorenzo Tiepolo, was built in 1276 to defend against Saracen pirates. Its recently restored interior houses an open-air theatre where concerts and other cultural events take place.
Other sights not to be underestimated include the historical Vittorio Emanuele II Theatre, dating back to the early 20th century, of great historical-documentary value and still hosting frequent events and shows.
Also of great value is the Church of San Giorgio, a 19th-century structure that houses a copy of the Porto San Giorgio Polyptych by Carlo Crivelli.
Religious buildings also include the Church of the Suffrage, known for its wonderful Baroque interior, and the Church of the Santissimo Rosario, which houses a statue from the early 1700s depicting the Madonna of the Rosary.
History lovers will appreciate Villa Bonaparte, a majestic residence built at the request of Napoleon's brother, Girolamo Bonaparte, who stayed in Porto San Giorgio between 1829 and 1832. Now a popular location for events and weddings, the villa is surrounded by a large park, has a rich facade decorated with bas-reliefs and high-reliefs of trophies of arms, and its rooms are beautifully frescoed and furnished with Empire-style furniture. Mosaic decorations enrich the grit floor, completing a dream picture. Once in the area, a visit to Villa degli Oleandri - Riva Fiorita, an Art Nouveau villa under municipal ownership set in a large garden and now housing the Maritime Museum, is a must.
Don't miss garagoli and fish soup
Among the many typical dishes of the local cuisine, you cannot fail to try garagoli, small sea snails in a broth of red sauce and spices, fish brodetto alla sangiorgese made with at least 13 species of fish, and lobsters with sweet peppers cooked in the oven. We also recommend tasting the area's typical vin cotto.
Events in Porto San Giorgio
Among the events that enliven Porto San Giorgio is the Festa del Mare, held in August. The star is the giant Adriatic padellata in which quintals of baby squid and sardines are fried. In September, it is possible to participate in the International Chess Festival among professional players from all over the world.