Torrione della Battaglia

Grottammare's Torrione della Battaglia is a sixteenth-century defensive tower near the former port. Restored and inaugurated as a museum in 2004, it holds a collection of works by Pericle Fazzini, the sculptor born in the town, assembled by Lisa Schneider.

Why it matters

The tower links Grottammare's coastal history to one of its best-known artists. Its defensive role followed the 1525 sack of the town by corsairs from Dulcigno; the resulting fortifications enclosed Grottammare and protected both the hilltop settlement and its port. The museum collection brings together about 230 works and objects associated with Fazzini.

What to notice

The collection includes Fazzini's silver model for the Resurrezione, the monumental sculpture unveiled in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall in 1977. Bronzes such as Ragazza seduta, Ragazza al sole and Caduta da cavallo show aspects of his sculptural work. Drawings include portraits of Schneider and views of Grottammare. Personal objects include a beret associated with Giuseppe Ungaretti and the polystyrene chair Fazzini made for Pope Paul VI during work on the Vatican sculpture.

Context and history

The tower formed part of Grottammare's coastal defences after the 1525 attack. In 2004, after restoration, it was inaugurated as a museum for the collection assembled by Schneider and entrusted to the municipality by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ascoli Piceno. The holdings include sculpture, drawings, engravings and medals, preserving both Fazzini's artistic legacy and his connection to his birthplace.