The bells of the San Benedetto del Tronto tower

In San Benedetto del Tronto a historic monument dating back to the 13th century stands on the fortress. It is a crenellated tower known as Torre dei Gualtieri, which still functions today as a civic tower. On its top there are in fact some bells, among which dominates the big bell which has the task of striking the hours. The smaller bell is instead intended for the quarters. Of course, nowadays the whole mechanism is automated. There are hammers that are raised electronically when it's time to strike the hours and quarters. In addition, there is a sensor mounted on the bracket that monitors the big bell at times when it needs to ring. One of these moments occurs when there is the feast of the Madonna della Marina. From the top of the tower you can see the church, where the mass takes place, at the end of which the expanse of the big bell starts. The swinging of the bell starts a couple of minutes before the appointed time, so that the clapper begins to strike at the right moment. The sensor monitors the oscillation in case it becomes excessive and could damage the electronic system.