The city of Ancona, whose symbol is certainly the port, is the regional capital, it is a city full of picturesque spots, natural landscapes, churches and historic buildings, so it is the right mix of art, culture and nature.

Among all city destinations we suggest to visit the Lazzaretto (where passengers and goods from distant countries were quarantined because they may be contaminated), also known as the Mole Vanvitelliana, this is an impressive pentagonal building designed by the Dutch architect Luigi Vanvitelli, in the Mole center there is a small temple of St. Rocco, the structure is placed inside the port and today it is an important multipurpose center where there are a lots of events and cultural festivals.

The second stop must be a visit to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, patron of the city, the church dominates a hill allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views, I recommend a daytime visit to the cathedral and even a night visit to enjoy the sunset and the sea views. The church stands on the Guasco hill where the ancient Greek Acropolis stood. The cathedral itself was built on the ruins of a greek temple, the Church holds within it many treasures, including the remains of the Temple of Venus Euplea.

Next to the port we find Piazza della Repubblica where the Theater delle Muse dominates and just ahead there is the Loggia dei Mercanti which it is perhaps the greater symbol of Ancona and its sumptuous businesses, an indelible witness of the Maritime Republic of Ancona period. Near the port there is the Arch of Trajan, the oldest Roman monument in the Marche region and also one of the best preserved, it was built in honor of Emperor Trajan who had made improvements and expansions to the harbor at his own expenses.

In your Ancona tour you cannot certainly miss a stop at the Church of Santa Maria di Portonovo, in a charming location, practically on the seashore, you can enjoy a remarkable natural glimpse in a mystical and spiritual atmosphere. The Romanesque church is located in the picturesque bay of Portonovo, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Adriatic sea.

While among the museums in Ancona you should not miss:

The Tactile Museum Omero is one of the few museums in the world where they try to bring the art world to blind people, replacing the view with the touch, so that all reproductions of the world’s great sculptures in the museum they can be discovered through the use of the hands. Entrance to the museum is free.

The National Archaeological Museum of the Marche which is located in the famous Ferretti palace it has various artifacts from prehistoric times to the Iron Age, with particular attention to the findings from the Piceni and the Gauls.

The latest place not to be missed in Ancona is the Cardeto Park, it is a vast urban park near the center of Ancona that combines nature (large green spaces overlooking thesea) with the culture and history ( the Jewish cemetery, the old nineteenth-century lighthouse, the English cemetery, the fortifications, etc …). The entrance to the park is free with different timetables in autumn – winter and spring – summer, while visiting the lighthouse, always free, it is possible every Sunday thanks to the volunteers of Legambiente.

But Ancona is not only culture, art and architecture, it is above all nature and the sea, here you can find unexpected little corners of paradise like the beach of Mezzavalle, you come to this white beach through a shaded path, the marine and flora landscape is rich of colors and luxuriant. Mezzavalle is part of the Regional Park of Monte Conero, a protected Mediterranean oasis with 18 typical paths overlooking the sea. Among the most popular path there is undoubtedly the il Passo del Lupo/Delle due Sorelle, a difficult walk lasting 4 hours, which they are largely repaid by vivid and intense landscapes until you reach the beach of white stones. Finally, in the province of Ancona you can find some of the most renowned and exclusive seaside resorts, beaches and unexpected landscapes, we suggest a trip to Portonovo, Sirolo, Numana, Marcelli e Porto Recanati.

There are also many typical food that can be tasted in this area, particularly the mussels that are found exclusively in the Conero tract moscioli, roasted or marinated mussels, always with a glass of good wine Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. We can not forget the famous brodetto all’Anconetana, the stockfish all’Anconetana and the grilled sardines. For those who love meat, they cannot miss a visit to the Belvedere Bar, where you can enjoy fantastic barbecue and the delicious sandwich with sausage and roasted tomato together with a spectacular view!

Ancona offers also the opportunity to practice many outdoor sports from trekking to mountain biking up to horse riding, not to mention the Golf and the Conero Golf Club,a reference point for lovers of this elegant sport. Otherwise if the sea is your passion you can practice sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving.

Around Ancona

Here the cities we recommend:

Recanati, became famous because Giacomo Leopardi was born here, important to visit the eighteenth century Palazzo Leopardi overlooking the square of “Sabato del Villaggio” and the gardens all around until you reach the “colle dell’infinito” from which to enjoy a panoramic view.

The Frasassi Caves, the most impressive underground complex in Europe, 18 kilometers of water shaped caves with surprising stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are inside the wonderful Regional Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi.

The Camerano caves, are an intricate maze of underground tunnels, caves can be visited and you can discover environments that suggest that they were shelters and hiding against malicious or during wars.

Castelfidardo, internationally known as the birthplace of the accordion (the first prototype was born here and one of the first manufacturing company), here you can indeed admire the Accordion Museum where there are more than 150 accordions and some ancient instruments.

Cantinone caves in Osimo, are considered among the most mysterious caves in Italy there are numerous tunnels under the historical center of Osimo rich of architectural details and carvings, the Order of the Templars went often to this place.

Among the most important events in the Marche region, you should not miss the Summer Jamboree, the biggest international festival about the 40s and 50s American Culture every year in the city of Senigallia during the first 10 days of August. All the people coming from all over the world celebrate twenty years of American music and culture with dances, concerts, stalls, burlesque shows and much more!