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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Umbria And Le Marche, Italy

Iconic Landmarks

Ancona's most recognizable landmarks have deep insights into its long history and culture.

The Duomo di Ancona, perched majestically on Colle Guasco, the highest point of Ancona, has breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the bustling port, and the vast Adriatic Sea. The Duomo is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with Byzantine and Gothic elements. It stands on the site of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Aphrodite and a Roman temple to Augustus, reflecting Ancona's layered past. Its unique position and architectural beauty are a required visit. The Arch of Trajan, built in 115 AD, is a powerful testament to Ancona's historical importance as a strategic gateway to the East during Roman times. The Lazzaretto (Mole Vanvitelliana), designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, operates as a versatile cultural space, frequently hosting exhibitions, concerts, and various events. The Passetto Monument and Beach, with its two giant Doric columns, is a memorial to the fallen of World War I, overlooking unique cave-like fishermen's dwellings.

Visitor Information

  • Duomo di Ancona: Generally open daily, typically 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free. Guided tours may be arranged privately through local tour operators.
  • Arch of Trajan: As an open-air monument at the port, it is accessible 24/7. Entry is free.
  • Lazzaretto (Mole Vanvitelliana): Opening hours vary depending on specific exhibitions or events. Check the official website or local listings for current schedules. Entry fees apply for particular events.
  • Passetto Monument and Beach: The park and monument are accessible 24/7. Access to the beach is via stairs or a public elevator, which operates seasonally. Entry is free.

Insider Tips for Best Viewing and Photography

Top Landmarks Photography Tips

  • Duomo di Ancona: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. The views from the piazza outside the cathedral are spectacular, especially at sunset, a perfect photo opportunity of the city and sea.
  • Arch of Trajan: This monument is best photographed from the port side, for its grandeur with the sea and modern port as a dynamic backdrop.
  • Passetto: Explore the unique fishermen's caves for truly distinctive photos. Sunset views from the monument itself are memorable.

Less Crowded Times and Secret Viewpoints

  • Early mornings generally have uncrowded visits to popular sites.
  • For charming, less-trafficked views of Ancona, wander through the narrow, winding streets up to the Duomo; you might discover unexpected vistas.

Capture the beauty of Ancona with a good Travel camera and keep it protected with a Camera bag.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche: Housed in the elegant Palazzo Ferretti, this museum has an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from the Marche region. Its exhibits go from the Paleolithic era through Roman times, with significant sections dedicated to the Picene civilization and the Roman period.
  • Pinacoteca Civica "Francesco Podesti": Ancona's civic art gallery showcases works by local Marchese artists alongside important Italian painters from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Its collection has noteworthy pieces by masters like Titian, Lorenzo Lotto, and Guercino.
  • Museo della Città (City Museum): This museum chronicles the history of Ancona through various exhibits, a comprehensive overview of the city's development.
  • Museo Diocesano: Adjacent to the Duomo, this museum houses sacred art and artifacts from the cathedral and local churches, for insights into religious art and history.

Cultural Centers & Special Exhibits

  • Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces:

    The Lazzaretto (Mole Vanvitelliana) frequently hosts contemporary art exhibitions, a dynamic space for modern artistic expression within a historical setting.

  • Cultural Centers and Performance Venues:

    Teatro delle Muse is Ancona's main opera house and theater, hosting performances, from classical music to ballet and theatrical productions. The Lazzaretto also hosts a diverse program of cultural events throughout the year.

  • Special Exhibits and Programming:

    Check local listings or the official websites of individual museums for information on temporary exhibitions and special programming that might be during your visit.

  • Learning Resource:

    To learn about Italian art, explore an Italian Renaissance art history book.

Historical Sites

Ancona’s history is tangible in its ruins, districts, and monuments.

Archaeological Sites and Ruins

  • Roman Amphitheatre

    Explore the remains of a large Roman amphitheater near the city center, a glimpse into the scale of ancient Ancona.

  • Ancient Port Area

    Beyond the Arch of Trajan, remnants of the Roman port infrastructure are there, for further insight into the city's maritime past.

  • Historical Districts and Architecture

    The old town ("centro storico") with its narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and hidden squares is a journey through Ancona's past. Look for the Palazzo degli Anziani and the Loggia dei Mercanti, reflecting the city's mercantile history.

  • Religious and Spiritual Sites

    Beyond the Duomo, other churches include Santa Maria della Piazza, a Romanesque church with Byzantine mosaics, and San Francesco alle Scale, known for its Gothic portal.

  • Memorial Sites and Monuments

    Passetto Monument: A prominent monument dedicated to soldiers fallen in World War I. Monumento ai Caduti (Monument to the Fallen): Another war memorial in Ancona, commemorating those who died in various conflicts.

  • Industrial and Military Heritage

    The Lazzaretto (Mole Vanvitelliana) has a rich military and industrial past. The port area has a continuous narrative of Ancona's long-standing maritime and industrial heritage.

Historical Context

To complement your visit, a History book on the Roman Empire can add context to the ancient ruins.

Museum Exploration

Ancona's museums take deep dives into the region's rich archaeological past and artistic heritage, offering valuable insights.

Navigating Sites

Many historical sites are within walking distance in the city center, or easily accessible by public transport.

Natural Attractions

Ancona has beautiful natural escapes, combining coastal beauty with green parks.

  • Parco del Cardeto: A large urban park with panoramic views of the city and sea. It has walking paths and historical sites, including a Jewish cemetery and an old lighthouse.
  • Monte Conero: The mountain has numerous viewpoints and hiking trails with breathtaking vistas of the sea and coastline.
  • Portonovo Bay: A beautiful bay south of Ancona, with pebble beaches, seafood restaurants, and a small, brackish lake. Mezzavalle Beach: A wild, unserviced beach for its natural beauty. You access it by a steep path or by boat.

Hidden Gems

Go beyond the main attractions to discover Ancona's lesser-known treasures.

Explore the Grotte del Passetto, unique fishermen's caves carved directly into the cliff face at Passetto beach, a glimpse into local tradition. Some are still used by Ancona residents. Tours of Ancona Underground passages and cisterns reveal hidden layers of the city's history, from Roman aqueducts to medieval cellars. Check with local tourism offices for tour availability and schedules. The Arco Clementino, another less grand triumphal arch near the port, is often overlooked but has historical value and a quieter moment of discovery. Parco del Cardeto Jewish Cemetery, one of Europe's largest and oldest Jewish cemeteries, is a poignant and historically rich experience within a beautiful urban park.

Local Favorites

Explore the many small, local trattorias tucked away in side streets. These often serve authentic Marchese cuisine and a genuine local atmosphere. Ask residents for their favorite viewpoints or cafes.

Dining & Discovery

  • Authentic Marchese cuisine.
  • Genuine local atmosphere.
  • Ask locals for best spots.

Emerging Destinations

Consider venturing into inland Marche towns like Corinaldo, a preserved medieval walled town, or Jesi, the heart of the Verdicchio wine region, for charming and less-known experiences.

Explore Beyond Ancona

  • Corinaldo: A beautifully preserved medieval walled town.
  • Jesi: The heart of the Verdicchio wine region.
  • For charming and less-known experiences.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the stunning sunset from Colle Guasco, the unique entrances to the fishermen's caves at Passetto, or the dramatic coastline vistas from trails within Monte Conero Regional Park.

Best Shots

  • Sunset from Colle Guasco.
  • Fishermen's caves at Passetto.
  • Coastline vistas from Monte Conero Regional Park.
  • When exploring caves or dark historical sites, a Small headlamp can be very useful.

General Exploration Tips

Ancona is a city best explored by walking its charming streets and discovering its hidden corners.

Aspects

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for hilly streets.
  • Grab a local map from the tourist office.
  • Don't hesitate to venture off the main routes.

Practical Information

Getting Around

  • Public buses connect the city center, train station, and some coastal areas.
  • Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer distances.
  • Renting a car is for exploring the broader Marche region and the Conero Riviera.

Best Time to Visit

  • Shoulder seasons (April-June, September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Summer (July-August) is peak beach season, with more crowds and higher prices.
  • Winter (November-March) is quieter, with lower prices, but some coastal services may be closed.

Activity Planning Summary

Plan your days with a mix of historical exploration, natural beauty, and local experiences.

Morning Activities

Start your day with visits to Duomo di Ancona for panoramic views, then explore the Arch of Trajan and Lazzaretto.

Lunch & Leisure

Enjoy seafood lunch at a portside restaurant or in Portonovo. Afterwards, a relaxed stroll through Mercato delle Erbe.

Afternoon & Evening

Head to Passetto for beach time or a walk. End the day with aperitivo in Piazza del Papa and dinner in the city center.

Beyond the City

Conero Regional Park

Dedicate a day to hiking trails, discovering hidden beaches like Mezzavalle, or enjoying water sports.

Book a guided tour

Sirolo & Numana

Visit these picturesque medieval towns for stunning views, charming streets, and excellent dining.

Explore charming towns

Jesi & Verdicchio Wine Region

Arrange a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard, for a taste of Marche's famous white wine.

Find wine tours

Cooking Class

Participate in a cooking class to learn about traditional Marchese cuisine and prepare local dishes.

Join a cooking class

Local Festivals

Check local calendars for sagre (food festivals) or cultural events that coincide with your visit.

Discover local events

Accessibility Considerations

Ancona's hilly terrain and historic areas present some accessibility challenges, but efforts are underway to improve.

Navigating the City

  • Some main streets and newer areas are wheelchair-friendly.
  • The historic center has steep, narrow streets and many stairs.
  • Public elevators assist in accessing different city levels, like to Passetto beach.

Travel Insurance

Always consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Ancona. It protects against unforeseen circumstances.

Coverage Suggestions

  • Medical emergencies and overseas medical expenses.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption.
  • Lost or stolen luggage.
  • Rental car excess cover.

Additional Tips

For attraction ticket booking, consider GetYourGuide.

For enjoying distant views or birdwatching, consider a pair of Compact binoculars.

Final Recommendations

Ancona presents a blend of historical depth, natural beauty, and authentic Italian life, awaiting your discovery.

Diverse Experiences

Ancona has a mix of historical sites, coastal charm, and culinary delights for every traveler.

Seasonal Visits

Consider shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds at popular attractions.

Embrace Local Life

Dine at local trattorias, explore hidden gems, and engage with the friendly locals for an authentic experience.

Pre-Trip Essentials

Accommodation Booking

Book accommodation in advance, especially for high season or popular coastal towns, to secure best rates and availability.

Book Your Stay on Booking.com

Transportation Planning

Decide on transport (rental car, public transport) based on your itinerary, specifically for exploring the Conero Riviera.

Arrange Transportation

Currency and Payments

Italy uses the Euro (€). While cards are widely accepted, have some cash for smaller purchases or local markets.

Local Phrases

Learning basic Italian phrases like "Buongiorno," "Grazie," and "Per favore" can greatly enhance your interactions.

Get a Phrasebook

Emergency Contacts

Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers (e.g., 112 for general emergencies) before your arrival.

Weather & Packing

Check the weather forecast before packing. Layered clothing is often useful for varying temperatures throughout the day.

Seasonal Packing Tips

  • Summer: Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, hat.
  • Spring/Fall: Layers, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Winter: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes.

Health & Safety Reminders

Stay hydrated, especially in warmer months. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Safety Measures

  • Tap water is generally safe to drink.
  • Keep valuables secure; use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
  • Carry a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments.
  • Follow local guidelines regarding health protocols.

Final Thought

Ancona invites you to explore its unique character, from ancient history to coastal beauty and authentic cuisine. Enjoy your journey!