Ancona

<< Marche

Ancona is the capital and largest city of Marche, and one of the main seaports on the Adriatic Sea. The city was founded by Greek settlers from Syracuse in 387 BCE, and later became a Roman port. In the Middle Ages it formed part of the Byzantine Duchy of the Pentapolis, and later was a free comune and a maritime republic, but the small state was ultimately incorporated into the Papal States. During the Napoleonic invasion of Italy, the short-lived Anconine Republic was established here, but later it returned to the Papal States. The city finally became part of Italy when the country was unified, and has remained a relevant economic center to this day. Ancona features various historic attractions and ancient ruins.

✪ National Archaeological Museum of Marche

The National Archaeological Museum of Marche (Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche) is an archaeological museum hosted in the historic Palazzo Ferretti in Ancona, which was built during the Renaissance. The museum houses a rich collection of ancient finds, including a large section dedicated to prehistory and the Picentes, an Italic people that inhabited Marche before the Roman conquest of the region. The museum also features many Greek and Roman objects and artworks.

✪ Ancona Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Ciriaco (Cattedrale di San Ciriaco)

The Ancona Cathedral (Duomo di Ancona) is the main religious site in the city, located on top of a hill where the Greek acropolis once stood. The current building was erected between the 10th and 11th century in Romanesque style, and was later expanded and restored. The church features a large dome and various Romanesque decorations, including the portal on the facade, with some Byzantine and Gothic elements and Renaissance artworks. Adjacent to the church is the Diocesan Museum (Museo Diocesano), which hosts many religious artworks spanning several centuries.

Arch of Trajan

The Arch of Trajan (Arco di Traiano) is a triumphal arch erected in the early 2nd century in honor of Roman emperor Trajan, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus. The arch stands on a high podium and features various reliefs and inscriptions. The monument is located in the ancient port of Ancona. There is another triumphal arch nearby, the Arco Clementino, erected in the 18th century and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli.

Roman Amphitheater of Ancona

Some sections of the Roman Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano) of Ancona have been unearthed near the city’s cathedral. Erected starting in the 1st century BCE, the structure was later covered by other buildings. Discovered in 1810, various Roman objects and decorations have since been found here.

Palazzo degli Anziani

Palazzo degli Anziani is the town hall of Ancona, erected in the Late Middle Ages over some previous structures. The imposing building features various Romanesque and Gothic decorations, with some Renaissance elements.

Church of Gesù

The Church of Gesù is a church located in front of Palazzo degli Anziani. Originally built in the 17th century, it was reworked by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century. The church features Baroque decorations and various artworks.

Church of San Francesco alle Scale

The Church of San Francesco alle Scale is a church in Ancona founded in the 14th century. The church features an elaborate Gothic portal built in the 15th century and houses various artworks, including one by Lorenzo Lotto.

Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery

The Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Civica Francesco Podesti) is an art museum in Ancona. Its collection includes numerous paintings dating between the 14th and 19th century, with works by artists such as Titian, Guercino, and Lotto.

Church of Santa Maria della Piazza

The Church of Santa Maria della Piazza is a Romanesque church erected in the 11th century in Ancona. The church features a decorated facade and a simple interior. The ruins of a previous Paleochristian structure have been found underneath the building.

Church of San Domenico

The Church of San Domenico is a Baroque church erected during the 18th century in Ancona. The church houses various artworks, including paintings by Titian and Guercino, and numerous statues. A large statue of Pope Clement XII made in 1738 is located in front of the church. The building faces Piazza del Plebiscito (also known as Piazza del Papa), a long rectangular square that also features the Renaissance Palazzo del Governo.

Teatro delle Muse

Teatro delle Muse is a 19th-century theater in Ancona and the largest opera house in Marche. The building features a decorated Neoclassical facade, and its tympanum is adorned with a relief depicting the nine Muses. The theater was closed after being damaged during World War II, and only reopened in 2002.

Lazzaretto of Ancona

Also known as: Mole Vanvitelliana

The Lazzaretto of Ancona is a building erected in the 18th century as a quarantine station on an artificial island in the port of Ancona. The building was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli and features various Neoclassical decorations, including a temple located at the center of the internal courtyard. In the 19th century the building became a military citadel and then a sugar refinery. Now it houses cultural events and exhibitions. The building also hosts the Museo Tattile Omero, a museum featuring reproductions of famous artworks and monuments that can be experienced via touching. Next to the Lazzaretto is Porta Pia, a monumental city gate built in the 18th century.

Ancona Citadel

The Ancona Citadel (Cittadella di Ancona) is a Renaissance fort erected in the 16th century on a hill in Ancona. The fortress was later abandoned and works to restore the structure are planned. The building is surrounded by a large public park.

Parco del Cardeto

The Parco del Cardeto is a large park in Ancona, located on a seaside hill east of the city center. The park features various attractions, such as the ruins of a Jewish cemetery, known as Campo degli Ebrei, and some ancient fortifications.

Monument to the Fallen of Ancona

The Monument to the Fallen (Monumento ai Caduti) of Ancona is a circular temple erected during the 1920s to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I. A long staircase links the monument with the Spiaggia del Passetto, a popular rocky beach located under a cliff.