Happy TravellerWelcome to the charming coastal town of Porto Sant’Elpidio, located in the province of Fermo, Marche in Italy. With a population of 25,071, Porto Sant’Elpidio offers a perfect blend of history, art, culture, and natural beauty. The town’s nearly 8 kilometers of coast once made it the most extensive in length in the province of Ascoli Piceno, and it continues to attract visitors with its stunning beaches and picturesque views.
History:
Porto Sant’Elpidio has a relatively short but interesting history. Some excavations within the communes’ area unearthed important archaeological finds that confirmed the presence of Etruscan burial sites dating back to the 8th century BC. From Renaissance maps, there are annotations of a small village on the coast named Porto San Lupidio, with a sea teeming with fish and a little away from Castrum Castri, now known as Fermo. The village remained small until 1952 when it obtained communal independence from Sant’Elpidio a Mare, changing its name to Porto Sant’Elpidio. The State Railway stations have promoted strong population growth and immigration from other parts of the country.
Geography:
Porto Sant’Elpidio is principally developed along the coast, following the two principal coastal roads: Statale 16 Road and the Adriatic Railway line. The town’s territory is included between the Chienti (north) and the Tenna (south) rivers. Today, Porto Sant’Elpidio follows a strong demographic increase from later years, and development continues on the low hills that rise immediately inland from the Statale 16 Road. The Corva and Cretarola districts are the highest point of the city’s territory, with interesting sea views.
Places of Interest:
Porto Sant’Elpidio boasts several historical villas, including Villa Murri, a historical residence built in the first quarter of the nineteenth century and passed down to various noble families. Villa Maroni, a historical family namesake of property owners in the Corva district, Villa Baruchello, and Villa Fanny, not open to the public, is one of the landowners’ homes following the Maroni dynasty in the Corva and Fonteserpe districts. Visitors can also explore the Teatro delle Api (Theater of the Bees), inaugurated in 2006 with Neri Marcorè as the artistic director. In the summer season, Theaters of the World, an international theatre festival for children, is held.
Economy:
During the 19th century, the construction of the Concimificio FIM created a considerable increase in the local economy, which was previously based on fishing and agriculture. Since the 1960s, the footwear industry has become the main economic activity, while the agricultural sector has decreased significantly in importance. The city has seen an increase in the tourism sector, based on sunbathing from national and international tourists.
Sport:
The most important local sporting reality is the Porto Sant’Elpidio Basket club, which has participated in the national championships and Series B2 Series C1 with excellent results. The club is sponsored by the Suolificio Stella srl.
Associations:
The Casa del Volontariato (House of Charity Work) hosts all the main voluntary associations present in the communal territory. The association leader is the P.A. Green Cross section Sandro Garbini.
Coat of Arms:
Porto Sant’Elpidio’s coat of arms is relatively recent. It is a Samnite shield; a top band shows the sea, with a boat sailing very simply, representing the work of fishermen, and the sun. On the lower band, on the red bottom, the worker bee is depicted, signifying the laborious nature of Porto Sant’Elpidio’s inhabitants. On the top of the shield is the crown to the five towers, representing the commune, that were approved on 19 May 1965 at the site of the crown to nine blackbirds after the independence from Sant’Elpidio a Mare. Below the shield, there is a Latin text In Litore Fulget (Shines on the beach), indicating the city’s coast.
Demographic Evolution:
The commune of Porto Sant’Elpidio has never had a uniquely local population. From the original residents, not many people remain; in fact, the commune, with the construction of the Concimificio FIM and the presence of still-fertile agricultural lands, has attracted many people from all over Italy, allowing a strong Italian melting pot. Nowadays, the commune hosts many foreign immigrants from, above all, China, India and the African continent.
Overall, Porto Sant’Elpidio is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Italy. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine, it is the perfect place for a relaxing and culture-filled vacation.
