Discover Ancona: Antiquity, Coast and Culture

Ancona is a versatile destination for travellers who want to combine Italian history, art and coastal landscapes. The Roman amphitheatre, the Mole Vanvitelliana, important museums and historic buildings give the city a distinctive cultural profile. At the same time, beaches, boat shelters carved into the rock and paths towards Portonovo are among its defining features. You can therefore shape your trip around urban history, the sea and outdoor activity.

History and Art in Ancona

In the port of Ancona, the Mole Vanvitelliana stands on a pentagonal artificial island. Luigi Vanvitelli built the lazaretto between 1733 and 1743, making it an 18th-century building. Since 1993, the Mole has permanently housed the Museo Tattile Statale Omero. Another chapter in the city’s history is represented by the Roman amphitheatre of Ancona, which was built during the Augustan period between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.

The Pinacoteca Civica Francesco Podesti also offers a direct insight into art history: its collection includes Titian’s Pala Gozzi, considered the first signed and dated work by the Venetian master. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche displays the most extensive collection of archaeological finds in the entire region. The period covered ranges from the Palaeolithic to classical antiquity, making the museum an important point of reference for anyone wishing to understand Ancona’s past beyond individual buildings.

Coast, Cemetery and Rock Architecture

The Campo degli Ebrei in the Parco del Cardeto was used as a Jewish cemetery from the 15th century onwards. The first documents identifying the site as a cemetery for Ancona’s Jewish community date from 1428. Along the coast are the Grotte del Passetto, with more than 500 structures carved into the rock. They are considered a rare example of spontaneously created architecture harmoniously integrated into a natural setting.

The Grotte del Passetto were carved into the rock from the mid-19th century until the 1960s. They originally served as shelters for small-scale fishing boats, especially lances and batanes. For orientation along the coast, the Spiaggia del Passetto and the Spiaggia Della Vedova are also beaches in the vicinity of Ancona. The Spiaggia di Collemarino is connected as a beach in the vicinity of Ancona.

Routes for Cyclists and Walkers

Poggio di Ancona is an important gateway to the paths of the Parco del Conero. The Ciclopedonale Ancona-Portonovo provides a clearly described connection: the 11-kilometre route begins in Vallemiano, passes through Pietralacroce, La Vedova and the Trave, and reaches the car park above Portonovo. It is accessible on foot and by bicycle. In addition, the Ancona Sotterranea association offers three themed walking tours, giving the underground perspective its own place in trip planning.

Urban Culture and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The Teatro delle Muse F. Corelli was built in 1827 to a design by Pietro Ghinelli in the Neoclassical style. It offers opera and ballet performances, symphonic music, concerts, theatre and a jazz series. The immediate vicinity of Ancona also includes the Cittadella di Ancona, considered a castle; the Casino Dorico and the Palazzo del Governo, considered palaces; and the Museo Della Citta, considered a museum. The Belvedere di Monte dei Corvi is connected there as a viewpoint.

More Destinations for Your Planning

If you would like to discover more places besides Ancona, you can continue your search here: Pianello Vallesina, Offagna, Fabriano, Camerata Picena, Rosora, Montoro, Serra San Quirico and Nebbiano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ancona.