Info about Bell Tower of Portopalo

Thank you for purchasing the souvenir of the Bell Tower of Portopalo di Capo Passero, created by Andrea Gozzo in 2024.

The Bell Tower is an integral part of the Church, built between 1927 and 1931 and dedicated to San Gaetano da Thiene, patron saint of the seaside town.

The peculiarity of the Campanile di Portopalo di C.P., which overlooks Corso V. Emanuele, is the spire surmounted by a mesce sword, symbol of the local navy.

The sword of the fish itself indicates the direction of the wind and therefore moves based on its origin.

An important symbol clearly visible from every point of the seaside village and useful not only for fishermen, but also for those who wish to go to the beach informed about the direction of the wind.

Today, more technologically advanced tools and special meteorological apps have replaced the old measurement methods.

However, the swordfish of the Campanile di Portopalo always remains a historical symbol, linked to local tradition.

Its particularity does not go unnoticed by thousands of tourists who visit the country every year.

It is certainly not an ordinary bell tower, that of Portopalo, whose spire does not house a traditional cross, but raises a sumptuous anemometer swordfish.

Click here to read history in Italian.