Location

Sheltered by the hills of Monte Conero, Astago and Guasco, the port city of Ancona lies midway along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Italy.

Founded by the Greeks more than two thousand years ago, Ancona’s vibrant past is reflected by a wide range of historic buildings and remains, from Roman amphitheatres to Venetian Gothic palaces. The Romanesque cathedral of San Ciriaco overlooks the city and port from its position atop Monte Guasco, offering spectacular coastal view, and the cathedral itself is built on the visible remains of a Roman Temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. The city port is home to Ancona’s most notable Roman landmark, the Arch of Trajan which towers 18 meters above the entrance to the main harbour, and is flanked by the impressive 18th century Clementine Arch.

During the medieval period, the town was fortified with city walls, parts of which still remain. Many of the city’s most interesting historic buildings are concentrated within these old walls, including several palazzos and numerous elaborate Venetian Gothic and Renaissance facades. The Archaeological Museum of La Marche region describes in detail the city’s illustrious past since the pre-Roman period, whilst the nearby Renaissance Palazzo Bosdar now houses a substantial collection of Italian art work dating from the 14th to 19th centuries, as well as a gallery dedicated to modern art. Elsewhere, the city centre is home to a number of notable historic churches, the 18th century Teatro delle Muse opera house and many restaurants and cafes, which line the city’s piazzas offering regional specialties.

Beyond, the city centre, the area surrounding Ancona is renowned for its natural beauty, with its many beaches popular with visitors and locals alike. Monte Conero National Park encompasses the surrounding lush green hills, and offers many walking and cycling trails. Parco del Cardeto, just behind the city, offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside.