Must-see attractions in Ancona

  • ITALY - CIRCA 2002: Martyrdom of St Barbara and the Madonna of Loreto, detail from the stories of St Barbara, Our Lady of Loreto and St Anthony, 1449, by Bartolomeo di Tommaso (born between ca 1408 and 1411-1454), detached fresco. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images); Foligno, Pinacoteca Comunale (Art Museum, Frescoes). (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

    Pinacoteca Comunale di Ancona

    Ancona

    Ancona's fascinating civic art gallery houses Le Marche's most important art collection. Spread over two 16th- to 17th-century palazzi, the museum traces…

  • Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza

    Ancona

    Contrasting sharply with the industrial scenery of the nearby port, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza is one of Ancona's showpiece churches. Its…

  • Arco di Traiano

    Ancona

    At the northern end of the port, the Arco di Traiano is one of Ancona's treasured ancient relics. Built between AD 110 and 116 by a Syrian architect known…

  • Cattedrale di San Ciriaco

    Ancona

    A stiff but scenic climb up from the old town, Ancona's domed cathedral dominates the city skyline. Guarded by two marble lions, it commands sweeping…

  • Mole Vanvitelliana

    Ancona

    With its distinct pentagonal form, the waterfront Mole Vanvitelliana (also knownas the Lazzaretto) is one of Ancona's signature buildings. Designed and…

  • Piazza del Plebiscito

    Ancona

    Crowned by the baroque Chiesa di San Domenico, this sloping cafe-lined square has been Ancona's favourite meeting spot since medieval times. At its head,…

  • Parco del Cardeto

    Ancona

    The din of central Ancona fades to a distant hum at this 35-hectare park north of the centre. Straddling two hills – the Colle dei Cappuccini and Monte…

  • Chiesa di San Domenico

    Ancona

    With its two-tone brick and marble facade, this 18th-century baroque church sits at the head of Piazza del Plebiscito. Its prize possessions are two…

  • Arco Clementino

    Ancona

    Built by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1738, this portside arch takes its name from Pope Clement XII who boosted Ancona's fortunes by declaring the city a free port…

  • Fontana del Calamo

    Ancona

    Head along Corso Mazzini to see the Fontana del Calamo, a 16th-century fountain featuring 13 masked spouts representing mythical fauns and satyrs…

  • Teatro delle Muse

    Ancona

    Overlooking Piazza dell Repubblica, Ancona's ornate theatre has been a city landmark since 1826. Its columned neoclassical facade is capped by Greek-style…

  • Porta Pia

    Ancona

    At the southern end of the port, the baroque Porta Pia was built as a monumental entrance to the town in the late 18th century at the request of Pope Pius…