Since its inauguration in 1888, Palazzo Sirena has been a place for meetings and social life: dance evenings, concerts and events of various kinds have taken place here over the years, consolidating its image as one of the town’s main gathering places. The wartime events that led to the destruction of the 19th-century building, designed by Antonino Liberi and frequented by D’Annunzio and Michetti, did not bring the history of the Palazzo to an end. It was rebuilt in 1950 to a design by engineer Vittorio Ricci, in exactly the same location and with the same orientation.
Palazzo Sirena, today Auditorium Sirena, is the true emblem of Francavilla al Mare’s seaside tourism vocation.
The extension on the seaward side, built in brick with a pseudo-oval plan, and the subsequent demolition of the old palace led to the construction of a large, modern auditorium with a seating capacity of 274, hosting numerous conferences, concerts, theatre performances and film screenings.
In addition, in summer on Sundays it is possible to climb the towers located on either side of the hill-facing entrance and reach the large terrace overlooking the sea, where visitors can enjoy a unique view of the town.
Of particular interest is the façade of the Palazzo facing the sea: set into the semicircular exposed-brick wall is the Porta del Mare, surmounted by the original wrought-iron sculpture by Mitoraj, representing the mythical source of the winds.
