The clock tower is situated half way down the Corso Umberto I, next to IX April Square.
Because of its location, the tower is also called Porta di Mezzo and it is the gateway into the medieval village and separates the Classical and Hellenistic parts of Taormina.
Built in the twelfth century on ancient Greco-Roman foundations, the tower was destroyed by the invasion of the French troops of Louis XIV in 1676. It was last renovated in 1679 due to the strong wishes of the people of Taormina; it was then that the large clock was installed.
The bells of the tower are played on the day of election of the mayor and on the day of the feast of the patron San Pancrazio (9 July).
