Ancona: A Local guide to Italy’s Next Big Cultural Destination

Ancona, the capital of the Marche region and the most populous city, boasts 2,400 years of history and, thanks to its port, has always been a crucial hub for travellers and traders. Its countless historical and natural beauties and attractive sights testify to the cultural and artistic richness of this Adriatic city.

And it is precisely because of these qualities that Ancona will be Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2028. The redesign of the city’s cultural venues is already underway, and Ancona is getting ready to welcome travellers who choose it as their next Italian destination to explore.

But what are the must-see spots for experiencing Ancona like a local?

We’ll reveal all in our guide to Ancona!

Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, Ancona takes its name from the word ‘Ankon’, meaning ‘elbow’, a reference to the promontory on which it stands. This natural formation gave rise to a harbour that remains one of the most important in Italy to this day.

Protected by five hills, the city offers stunning views amidst historic monuments and green spaces. It also boasts a unique distinction: it is the only Italian city where you can admire both sunrise and sunset over the sea. 

Ancona will be the Italian Capital of Culture in 2028, and here are our tips on what to do to enjoy the city like a true local:  

- a stroll through the historic centre

- a visit to the old port and Trajan’s Arch

- visit the Mole Vanvitelliana and the Omero Tactile Museum

- stroll through Cardeto Park    

- the Passetto beach

- try Ancona-style stockfish

- enjoy the nightlife in Piazza del Papa  

- visit the Cathedral of San Ciriaco

- explore the surroundings of Ancona: Recanati and Monte Conero

The centre of Ancona is the heart of city life. In this place, the enjoyment of shopping and aperitifs blends with a thousand-year-old historical heritage. 

Here are the main attractions not to be missed during a stroll through the historic centre:

- Piazza della Repubblica: strategically located near the port, it is home to the majestic Teatro delle Muse, the largest in the region, alongside Palazzo Trionfi and the Church of the Santissimo Sacramento.

- Piazza del Plebiscito (Piazza del Papa): the oldest square, featuring a statue of Clement XII. Here you’ll find the Palazzo del Governo and the Church of San Domenico, which houses masterpieces by Titian and Guercino.

- Piazza Roma: the meeting point of the four historic districts, characterised by the Fontana dei Cavalli and the traditional city market.

- Fontana del Calamo: also known as the "Tredici Cannelle" fountain, it is an elegant Renaissance monument steeped in history.

- Piazza Cavour: a vast area surrounded by greenery, home to the statue of the same name dedicated to the Piedmontese statesman.

Trajan’s Arch is the historical centrepiece of Ancona’s Old Port and one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks. Built in 115 AD by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, this monument honours Emperor Trajan, who funded the expansion of the Doric harbour.

Considered one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Italy, the Arch stands out for its particularly slender structure and its picturesque location overlooking the sea.

In addition to this masterpiece, the Old Port area offers other fascinating historical sites to discover during a stroll at sunset: 

- Roman city walls: remains of ancient fortifications dating back to the 2nd century BC.

- Arco Clementino: a Vanvitellian structure dedicated to Pope Clement XII.

- Portella della Dogana and the ancient Palunci and Torriglioni gates.

- Lanterna Vanvitelliana: the remains of the old lighthouse in the port area.

Another of the city’s landmarks that you should visit to experience Ancona like a local is the Mole Vanvitelliana, or Lazzaretto di Ancona.

Designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1733, the Mole Vanvitelliana is an iconic pentagonal building situated in the port of Ancona.

Originally built as an artificial island serving defensive, healthcare and storage purposes, this striking historic site has now been restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural hub for exhibitions, concerts and events. 

Furthermore, part of the building houses the Omero Tactile Museum, a real gem of Ancona.

Founded in 1993 by Aldo Grassini and Daniela Bottegoni, the Omero Tactile Museum was born out of a desire to overcome the ban on touching artworks, offering an experience where art is ‘viewed with the hands’.

The exhibition features over 200 works, including:

- Faithful replicas: classical and Renaissance masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David.

- Architectural models: scale reproductions of monuments such as St Peter’s Basilica.

- Contemporary art and design: a section dedicated to icons such as the Vespa and the Moka.

- Relief paintings: tactile interpretations of famous paintings.

Accessible to all, the museum offers Braille descriptions and mobile platforms for tactile exploration of taller sculptures. It is an inclusive space that transforms sensory limitations into a unique learning opportunity for both blind and sighted visitors.

The Omero Tactile Museum is undoubtedly a must-see in Ancona!

Cardeto Park, Ancona’s green lung, is a vast, refreshing area that stretches across the upper part of the city. Characterised by rich flora and fauna, including the peregrine falcon, the park combines natural beauty with unique historical landmarks and breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic coast.

The main attractions to discover in the park include:

- Campo degli Ebrei and Campo degli Inglesi: ancient monumental cemeteries, among the largest and best-preserved in Europe.

- Bastione di San Paolo: a historic structure with underground tunnels, used as air-raid shelters during the Second World War.

- Faro Vecchio and Forte dei Cappuccini: situated on the hilltop, they offer spectacular views of the harbour and the town centre.

- Polveriera Castelfidardo: a former 19th-century gunpowder store, now used as an auditorium and exhibition venue.

- Forte Cardeto: an imposing fortification bearing witness to the town’s military past.

Passetto Beach is the beach of the people of Ancona.

Located in the Adriatico district, Passetto Beach is one of Ancona’s most authentic and iconic destinations, accessible on foot via the picturesque Viale della Vittoria.

The walk culminates at the solemn monument dedicated to those who fell in the Great War, from which a majestic flight of steps descends to the sea.

This stretch of coastline, nestled beneath a sheer pine forest, is characterised by rocky cliffs and crystal-clear waters, ideal for those seeking direct contact with nature.

The real highlight of the area is the caves carved into the rock: historic boat shelters with colourful doorways, handed down through generations of local fishermen. 

Continuing northwards along the coast, you can admire the famous Seggiola del Papa, a rock formation whose unique shape emerges from the water. With its bars, beach establishments and unique views, the Passetto offers an unmissable experience to experience the city like a true local.

For anyone visiting Ancona, Ancona-style stockfish is an unmissable culinary experience. A symbol of the city for over 500 years, this fish from Northern Europe arrived in the Doric port thanks to the trade of local merchants.

The traditional recipe, faithfully handed down through the generations, involves slow-cooking chunks of stockfish together with potatoes, tomatoes, olives and Mediterranean herbs.

A rich and flavourful dish that blends Scandinavian ingredients with the typical aromas of the region, representing the authentic soul and maritime history of Ancona’s cuisine.

Now all you have to do is pop into a trattoria and sample the stockfish and other typical Ancona dishes, accompanied by excellent wines from the Marche region!

Piazza del Plebiscito, commonly called Piazza del Papa, is the meeting place for Ancona residents. 

This square is the place of the Movida, and cultural and musical events happen here, especially in summer.

Since 1800, the square has been a meeting place because the Mercato delle Erbe (Herb Market) was held here to sell fruit and vegetables.

Today in Piazza del Papa, we find many typical bars and restaurants fill up with young people, who gather here to have an aperitif with friends or chat outside with a glass of wine or a beer.

Enjoy an evening in Piazza del Papa, meet the “Anconetani”, and experience Ancona like a local!

The Cathedral of San Ciriaco, situated atop Guasco Hill, is the religious symbol of Ancona and an iconic landmark for those arriving by sea.

This majestic cathedral is one of the most fascinating examples of medieval architecture in the Marche region, thanks to a harmonious blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine elements.

Its thousand-year history has its roots in distant times: the building stands on the ruins of a Hellenistic temple and a later early Christian basilica. Despite the severe damage sustained during the Second World War, skilful restoration work has restored the church to the city in all its splendour.

Accessible from the town centre via scenic stairways, the churchyard offers a breathtaking view of the harbour, making it a favourite spot for Anconites to admire picturesque sunsets over the sea.

Situated on a hill 30 km from Ancona, Recanati is nicknamed the ‘balcony town’ for its extraordinary views stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine peaks.

Famous throughout the world as the birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi and the tenor Beniamino Gigli, the town offers a complete immersion in Italian art and literature amidst ancient palaces and historic walls.

The main attractions to visit include:

- Leopardi’s sites: Casa Leopardi, the garden of the Monastery of Santo Stefano, the central square and the Church of Sant’Agostino.

- Villa Colloredo Mels Museum: home to four masterpieces by the painter Lorenzo Lotto.

- Beniamino Gigli Museum: housed in the Teatro Persiani, it preserves stage costumes and memorabilia of the famous opera singer.

- Museum of Emigration from the Marche: dedicated to the history of migrants from the region.

- Cathedral of San Flaviano: an important sacred building in the town.

Located just 10 km from Ancona, Monte Conero is a majestic promontory that has been protected as a Nature Park since 1987. This stretch of the Adriatic coast enchants visitors with the contrast between the sheer white cliffs and the deep green of the Mediterranean scrub, which plunge into crystal-clear waters.

The area encompasses the villages of Ancona, Sirolo, Numana and Camerano, offering breathtaking landscapes and unspoilt nature.

Here are the main activities and attractions to discover on the Conero Riviera:

- Beaches and bays: explore wild coves accessible only by sea or via scenic footpaths.

- Hiking and outdoor activities: walk along the numerous trails nestled amongst holm oaks, pines and broom.

- Picturesque villages: visit the historic centres overlooking the sea or nestled in the hills.

- Caves and nature: discover the natural ravines along the cliffs.

Ancona is easily reached by car from the main Italian cities of northern, central and southern Italy. The reference motorway is the A14 Bologna-Bari.

The nearest airport is Ancona-Falconara. Domestic and international flights operates from here. Ancona can also be reached by train from Milan and Rome.

If you arrive at Rome airport and want to spend a few days in the Capital, check the Visit Rome pass.