This Adriatic port city in Italy's Marche region has a well-preserved historic center, notable churches, and museums showcasing local arts and traditions.
Ancona, the capital of Italy's Marche region, sits on the Adriatic coast. The city is home to the hilltop Cathedral of San Ciriaco, the ancient Arch of Trajan in the harbor, and Passetto Beach with its distinctive boat caves. Beyond the city, you'll find vineyards producing Verdicchio wine and the natural landscapes of Monte Conero.
Cathedral of San Ciriaco
The Cathedral of San Ciriaco sits atop Guasco Hill. This 11th-century church has Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements. Inside, you'll see a Greek cross layout and Gothic details added in later centuries. The cathedral's elevated position gives you views across the city and the Adriatic Sea.
Ancona's Harbor and the Arch of Trajan
Ancona's harbor has been significant to the city since Roman times. The Arch of Trajan, built in 115 AD, stands at the harbor entrance. This 18-meter high marble monument honors Emperor Trajan, who funded the harbor's expansion. Today, the harbor remains active, with ferries departing to Croatia, Greece, and other Adriatic destinations.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Passetto Beach, a short distance from the city center, has white pebbles and clear waters. Along the coast, you'll see hundreds of boat garages carved into the cliff face. These caves, known as "grottaroli," have been passed down through generations. For a calmer beach experience, head to Portonovo Bay, about 20 minutes south of Ancona. This small cove, part of Monte Conero Regional Park, has calm waters and is surrounded by dense vegetation.
Museums of Ancona
The National Archaeological Museum, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Ferretti, displays artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era. You can see Greek and Roman sculptures, as well as local finds from the Piceni civilization. The Municipal Art Gallery in Palazzo Bosdari houses works by Italian masters like Titian and Carlo Crivelli. The gallery's collection includes pieces from the 14th to the 19th century.
Local Cuisine and Wine
In Ancona, you can try many seafood dishes. "Stoccafisso all'anconetana" is a local cod dish prepared with potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs. Another specialty is "moscioli," a variety of wild mussels from the Conero area. The surrounding Marche region is known for its white wines, particularly Verdicchio. This crisp, dry wine pairs well with seafood dishes. You can visit nearby wineries in the Castelli di Jesi area to taste Verdicchio and learn about its production.
Day Trips from Ancona
Monte Conero Regional Park, just south of Ancona, has hiking trails with sea views and access to less crowded beaches. The park's limestone cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation create a distinct landscape along the Adriatic coast. For a cultural excursion, visit the nearby town of Loreto, home to the Basilica della Santa Casa. This pilgrimage site contains what is believed to be the home of the Virgin Mary, transported from Nazareth in the 13th century.
Getting to and Around Ancona
You can reach Ancona by train, with regular connections to major Italian cities like Bologna, Milan, and Rome. The city also has an airport, Ancona Falconara, with flights to several European destinations. Once in Ancona, you can walk to many attractions in the compact city center. For trips to nearby beaches or towns, local buses provide regular service.
