This coastal city on Italy's Adriatic coast is the birthplace of composer Rossini. Its 13th-century Ducal Palace and wide sandy beaches draw visitors throughout summer.
Pesaro stretches along Italy's Adriatic coast in the Marche region. Walk through Piazza del Popolo past the 15th-century Ducal Palace, explore Rossini's birthplace home, or swim at one of the three beach zones. Cycle on color-coded bike paths that connect the city center to the waterfront, where beach clubs and cafes line seven kilometers of sandy coastline. Listen to daily concerts at the Rossini Theater or join thousands of music fans during the August opera festival.
Musical Heritage and Rossini Museums
Step into the Rossini National Museum in Palazzo Montani Antaldi to see the composer's original manuscripts and personal items. Touch screens and audio installations bring his music to life through modern technology. Visit Casa Rossini to explore rooms decorated with period furniture from the 1800s, including the composer's original piano. The Rossini Opera Festival fills theaters and squares with performances each August for three weeks.
Historic Center Landmarks
Walk through Piazza del Popolo to see the 15th-century Ducal Palace dominating the northern side. Stop at the 1588 baroque fountain, where carved sea creatures and water nymphs decorate its basin. Inside Pesaro Cathedral, look down at the 5th-century floor mosaics beneath the 14th-century Gothic exterior. Walk around Rocca Costanza, a Renaissance fortress built between 1474 and 1505, to see its four cylindrical towers and wide moat.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Choose between three distinct beach areas along seven kilometers of coast. Swim at Baia Flaminia near the natural park for calmer waters and smaller crowds. Join the summer activity at Ponente and Levante, where beach clubs and restaurants create a social atmosphere. Access the Adriatic Sea for free at public beaches (spiagge libere) scattered along the coast.
Cycling Infrastructure
Navigate the city on the Bicipolitana network's color-coded bike routes. Pedal along the seafront promenade to watch beach life, or take inland paths through residential areas and parks. Pick up rental bikes at the train station or waterfront shops. The flat landscape makes cycling suitable for all skill levels.
Local Food and Wine
Order Pizza Rossini to taste the city's signature dish - a margherita pizza topped with hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise. Sample fresh seafood in brodetto (fish stew) or grilled with local olive oil. Try Bianchello del Metauro, a white wine produced in nearby coastal vineyards.
Transportation
Take direct trains to Bologna (2 hours) or Ancona (40 minutes). Connect to Pesaro from Rimini and Ancona airports via hourly buses and trains. Walk around the compact city center or use local buses to reach beaches and surrounding neighborhoods.
