Upon arriving in Ancona, the first thing that strikes you is the stark contrast between the large port cranes and ferries that overlap, almost touching, the remains of the Roman Empire and Gothic facades. This dual soul makes the capital of the Marche region a city profoundly different from the classic Italian postcard destinations.
In this article, we will explain what to see in Ancona, guiding you through the city’s 20 iconic landmarks, and revealing the details, flavors, and secrets that only those who experience Ancona daily can know. And if you only have a weekend? No worries: at the end of the article, you’ll find a tried-and-tested itinerary to experience the best of the city in just 24 hours.
What to See in Ancona: Historical and Cultural Attractions
Walking through Ancona means traversing millennia of history enclosed in a few square kilometers. From the splendors of the imperial era to the flourishes of Flowery Gothic, every corner reveals the extraordinary stratification of a city that was for centuries the “Gateway to the East” on the Adriatic.
Let’s explore the monuments that have shaped the Doric identity of this splendid town.
1. Church of Santa Maria della Piazza
Tucked away in the alleys of the Porto district, the Church of Santa Maria della Piazza is a time machine. What from the outside appears to be a “simple” (though beautiful) 11th-century Romanesque jewel hides a great surprise inside. Walking along the nave, you can step on a glass floor from which you can admire the splendid mosaics of the earlier early-Christian basilica dating back to the 4th century.
The church is closed on Mondays. In winter, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00 PM-6:00 PM). During the tourist season, the hours are extended: from late May to early September, it is open continuously (8:30 AM-6:30 PM), while in other summer periods, continuous opening is guaranteed from Friday to Sunday and on cruise ship disembarkation days.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
2. Church of St. Francis of the Stairs
To reach this church, you’ll have to face a fairly challenging climb starting from Piazza del Plebiscito. The effort, however, is well worth it: once at the top, you will find yourself before a Gothic-Renaissance jewel that often goes unnoticed because it is squeezed between the surrounding buildings.
The highlight is the portal from 1454, a work by Giorgio Orsini, which you almost have to hunt for among the alleys. Our advice is to visit the church in the morning, when the natural light enters best and allows for a clear view of ‘The Assumption’ by Lorenzo Lotto located behind the main altar.
In summer, the church is open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while in winter the hours are 8:00 AM-7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 8:00 AM-12:00 PM on Sunday. Since opening is managed by volunteers, the hours may not always be precise. We remind you to avoid visiting during religious services or, alternatively, to maintain absolute silence.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
3. Plebiscite Square – Also known as Pope’s Square
No local from Ancona calls it “Piazza del Plebiscito”: for everyone, it’s simply “Piazza del Papa”, dominated by the statue of Clement XII. This long, sloping square is the city’s true living room. The best time to enjoy it is in the late afternoon: sit at one of the outdoor tables of the historic cafés, order a Verdicchio, and watch the golden light illuminate the pale stone of the Palazzo del Governo (Government Palace) and the church of San Domenico, designed by Carlo Marchionni.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
4. Republic Square – also known as Piazza del teatro or delle Muse
Republic Square is the main connection point between the port and the city center streets, dominated by the grand facade of the Teatro delle Muse (Theater of the Muses). A particular detail not to be missed, looking up, is the bell tower of the Church of the Santissimo Sacramento (Most Holy Sacrament): its spiral dome, inspired by the style of Borromini, is one of the most curious and photographed elements in the area. It is the ideal place to stop for a coffee at one of the many outdoor bars, where the sea air begins to mix with the liveliness of the city center.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
5. Cavour Square
Piazza Cavour is the main meeting point for the people of Ancona, a sort of bridge between the nineteenth-century center and the tree-lined avenues leading to the sea. Recently renovated, the square offers large pedestrian areas and several shaded benches, perfect for a break after walking the entire length of Corso Garibaldi.
In the center stands the statue of Cavour, a historical landmark that now serves as a backdrop to the city’s daily life, constantly animated by passersby and students who gather here for a moment of relaxation.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
6. Rome Square
Dominated by the former Palazzo della Provincia (Province Palace, now the Rectorate) and the Palazzo dell’Orologio (Clock Tower Palace), Piazza Roma is the true center of city life. The best time to visit is on weekdays (Monday to Saturday), when the square fills with the stalls of the local market. Strolling among clothes, flowers, and typical products is an excellent opportunity to observe the daily life of Ancona’s residents up close and listen to the local dialect in a lively atmosphere.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
7. Arch of Clementino
Walking along the old port, you will come across this monumental triumphal entrance made of light Istrian stone, designed in the 18th century by the great Luigi Vanvitelli. The most fascinating aspect of the Arco Clementino, dedicated to Pope Clement XII, is its evident incompleteness.
Due to the architect’s death and a lack of funds, the statues and crowning elements that were supposed to adorn it are missing. Today it stands bare and proud on the pier: the best time to photograph it is at sunset, when the Istrian stone is tinged with pink and orange.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
8. Arch of Trajan
The Arch of Trajan is a 2nd-century AD monument whose uniqueness is largely due to its location: it stands just a few meters from the docks where large modern ferries moor. The visual contrast between the ancient marble sculpted by Apollodorus of Damascus and the enormous ships heading towards the Balkans is truly special and perfectly represents the identity of Ancona. For two thousand years, this arch has symbolized the city’s role as the main Adriatic ‘Gateway to the East’.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
9. Cathedral of San Ciriaco
Ancona’s Cathedral requires a bit of effort to reach, as it is located on top of Guasco Hill, where the Greek temple of Aphrodite once stood. The walk up is amply rewarded by the panoramic view of the gulf from the churchyard, but there are more convenient alternatives: the top of the hill can also be reached by car (there is a parking lot right in front of the entrance) or by bus.
Inside the building, the architecture blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, creating an atmosphere of great charm under the Greek-cross dome. Before entering, try to find the two red marble lions that support the portal: they are the historic symbol of the city and have been watching over the sea for centuries.
Pay attention to the opening hours as the church closes for a break in the early afternoon. In winter, it is open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while on Saturdays and Sundays it closes between 12:00 PM/1:00 PM and reopens from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open Access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
10. Roman Amphitheater
Descending from Guasco Hill, just below the Cathedral, an unexpected glimpse into the city’s imperial past opens up. The Roman Amphitheater of Ancona (1st century AD) takes advantage of the natural slope of the hill to overlook the sea directly.
Imagining that two thousand years ago, up to ten thousand spectators sat here while the sea breeze swept across the tiers is quite an effect. Unlike many other amphitheaters, this one literally merges with the city’s steep topography. If you look closely among the adjacent ruins, you can also spot the magnificent floor mosaics of an ancient adjoining thermal building.
The area is visitable only through guided tours held on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM or on Fridays and Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
| TICKET PRICE | Full price €8.00
Reduced (18-25 years) €2.00 Free (minors and legal categories) |
| HOW TO BOOK | tel. +39 071-202602 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
11. Mole Vanvitelliana also known as the Lazzaretto of Ancona
Vanvitellian Lazzaretto or Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona
If you look at Ancona from above, you will notice an immense pentagon floating on the port’s waters. This is the Mole Vanvitelliana, an artificial island designed in 1732 by Vanvitelli. Reaching it on foot, by crossing one of the three bridges connecting it to the mainland, gives the feeling of entering a fortified citadel.
Originally built to quarantine goods and passengers suspected of carrying diseases (the Lazzaretto), today its immense inner courtyard and its halls regularly host nationally renowned cultural events.
| TICKET PRICE | Free access to the courtyard; internal exhibitions are paid. |
| HOW TO BOOK | +39 071 925 7388 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
12. National Archaeological Museum of the Marche Region
Housed in the magnificent Palazzo Ferretti (Ferretti Palace, worth a visit for its terraces and 16th-century frescoes alone), this museum is the home of the Piceni civilization. Forget boring, dusty exhibitions: here you can come face to face with surprising artifacts, such as large bronze fibulae, Celtic helmets, and funerary objects that tell the stories of warriors and princesses from the 9th century BC. It is an essential piece for understanding who inhabited these lands before the arrival of the Romans.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Opening hours vary during the week: on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it is open only in the morning (8:30 AM – 1:30 PM), while from Thursday to Saturday, it is open continuously until the evening (8:30 AM – 7:30 PM). On Sundays, however, it is open only in the afternoon (2:00 PM – 7:30 PM).
| TICKET PRICE | Full price ticket €5
Reduced €2 Free ticket: EU citizens under 18 years |
| HOW TO BOOK | https://museinazionalimarche.cultura.gov.it/museo/museo-archeologico-nazionale-delle-marche/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
13. Museo Tattile Statale Omero (Omero State Tactile Museum)
Housed inside the Mole Vanvitelliana, the Omero Museum offers an experience that subverts every rule of art: here, the “Do not touch” sign does not exist. Born from the idea of two blind founders, this space allows you to explore plaster casts of masterpieces with your hands, such as the Nike of Samothrace or Michelangelo’s Pietà. Whether you have a visual impairment or not, closing your eyes and “reading” the cold perfection of a Renaissance statue using only your fingertips is a sensory experience you will hardly forget.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.museoomero.it/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the Route |
14. “Francesco Podesti” Civic Art Gallery
Inside the historic Palazzo Bosdari (Bosdari Palace) is the Civic Art Gallery, an essential stop for art lovers. After a major restoration, the gallery now offers a modern layout that best enhances works of great value, such as the famous ‘Altarpiece of the Halberd’ by Lorenzo Lotto and the works of Carlo Crivelli. It is a quiet and well-kept environment, ideal for a cultural break while exploring the heart of the historic center.
The Art Gallery is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday, it is open only in the afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM), while from Friday to Sunday, the gallery is open in both the morning and afternoon (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
| TICKET PRICE | Full price ticket €8
Reduced €5 Free: under 16, journalists with a press card, licensed national tourist guides, guests staying at least 2 nights in Ancona accommodation facilities, disabled persons and their companions. |
| HOW TO BOOK | +39 0712226625–6626
pinacoteca@comune.ancona.it |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
15. Theater of the Muses
The neoclassical facade on Piazza della Repubblica hides a surprise: once inside the Teatro delle Muse, you will find yourself in a modern hall with impeccable acoustics. The building, rebuilt after the bombings of the Second World War and reopened in 2002, is now the center of the region’s cultural life. If you spend an evening in the city, we recommend checking if there are any events. Attending an opera or a play in this setting is a truly unique experience.
| TICKET PRICE | Varies depending on the show |
| HOW TO BOOK | marcheteatro.it |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
Ancona’s Beaches and Unmissable Experiences
After discovering the history and art enclosed within the city center’s walls, it is necessary to turn your gaze towards the Adriatic to complete the picture. Ancona is indeed a promontory that lives in symbiosis with the sea, and its beauty extends beyond the monuments, along the coastline where the Conero Riviera begins. Let’s explore the area’s most fascinating beaches together.
16. Portonovo Beach
The bay of Portonovo, in the heart of the Conero Park, is a corner of wild nature far from the classic idea of a sandy beach. Here the sea is clear and deep, with a seabed of white pebbles for which water shoes are highly recommended. The typical experience here is to have lunch at one of the trattorias on the beach to taste the famous moscioli, the local wild mussels caught right among these rocks and served “alla marinara” (mariner’s style).
After lunch, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the little church of Santa Maria di Portonovo: a small Romanesque masterpiece from the year 1034, built of white stone just a few meters from the shore.
This beach is very crowded in the summer and parking spots fill up quickly. It’s best to leave your car in the “upstream” park-and-ride lot and take the shuttle down, or use the buses that depart directly from the center of Ancona.
| BEACH ACCESS | Free beaches and paid beach clubs |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route (Shuttle service active in summer) |
17. Passetto Beach
If you ask an Ancona local where they go to the beach after work, the answer is always the same: Passetto. Located in a fully urban setting, at the end of the scenic Viale della Vittoria (Victory Avenue) and at the foot of the imposing Monumento ai Caduti (War Memorial), it is accessed via a large and iconic white staircase.
Here you won’t find sand, but a rocky coast. The most famous meeting point is “il Quadrato” (the Square), a large slab of natural, smooth rock that turns into a very popular sundeck in the summer, just a few steps from the unmistakable armchair-shaped rock called “Seggiola del Papa” (Pope’s Chair).
For those who prefer to avoid the many steps, a panoramic elevator is available, usually active during the summer season. We recommend checking if it is open before you go down, especially during the low season.
| BEACH ACCESS | Free |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
18. Cardeto Park
Cardeto Park is a 35-hectare oasis just a short walk from the center, ideal for those who want to go trekking with a view of the Adriatic. The trails follow the profile of the cliffs overlooking the sea, amidst the scent of broom and spectacular panoramas that embrace the entire gulf of Ancona.
The real gem of the park is the Campo degli Ebrei (Jewish Field), one of the oldest and most evocative Jewish cemeteries in Europe. It is a place where silence reigns: walking among the centuries-old tombstones and wild orchids, with the blue of the sea as a backdrop, is an experience that provides a feeling of absolute peace.
Within the park, you will also find the former Castelfidardo Powder Magazine and an old air-raid shelter. We recommend checking their opening times in advance, as these historical sites are often accessible only through guided tours or on specific event days.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
19. The Caves of Passetto
Along the Passetto cliff, there are over 500 caves carved directly into the rock, famous for their characteristic red, blue, and green wooden doors. Originally created in the early twentieth century as shelters for small fishing boats (the “batane”), today they have become small summer hideaways where the local “grottaroli” (cave users) gather to cook and socialize.
Although these are private concessions, walking along the path in front of the entrances is an experience not to be missed: you can observe these micro-homes filled with nets and kitchenettes up close, immersing yourself in one of the most authentic and vibrant traditions of the city.
| TICKET PRICE | Free access to the outer walkway (the caves are private) |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
20. Herb Market (Corso Mazzini)
To complete the list of must-see physical places, step away from the museum trails and enter the Mercato delle Erbe on Corso Mazzini.
This covered structure, with its Art Nouveau iron and cast-iron architecture (built with scrap metal recovered from Austrian ships of the First World War), is a hymn to everyday gastronomy. Amidst the shouts of fishmongers praising the fresh catch from the Adriatic and the vegetable stalls, you can buy authentic paccasassi (rock samphire in oil) or olives to prepare the perfect aperitif.
| TICKET PRICE | Free access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
The Cuisine of Ancona: What and Where to Eat
You cannot understand Ancona without sitting down at the table. Forget standardized tourist menus: Ancona’s cuisine is made of bold flavors, long cooking times, and ingredients linked to the sea and the land.
The undisputed king is stoccafisso all’anconitana (Ancona-style stockfish), so sacred that it has a dedicated Academy. The pieces of stockfish are cooked slowly, almost braised, with plenty of potatoes, tomatoes, olives, and a generous amount of oil and wine. Mopping up the sauce with bread is a must.
On the coast, however, the wild mosciolo of Portonovo (a Slow Food presidium) reigns supreme, inimitable for its fleshiness and iodine flavor. Less known but exquisite are the bombetti (small sea snails) cooked “in porchetta” (with wild fennel and garlic) and the very rich brodetto all’anconetana, a fish stew that requires at least 13 varieties of local catch.
As an accompaniment, you will always find paccasassi (a succulent plant that literally grows by “breaking stones” on the cliffs, marinated and excellent on toast or with mortadella) and, in your glass, the sharp minerality of a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or the spicy robustness of a Rosso Conero.
To taste true tradition, you can book at historic establishments like the osteria O Acqua O Vino (perfect for its rustic atmosphere), at Fricchiò, or at La Tavola del Carmine (excellent for savoring local products in an agriturismo setting).
What to Do in Ancona in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
If you have limited time, perhaps while waiting for a ferry or for a quick weekend, here is an itinerary designed to discover the best of Ancona on foot:
- Morning (Views and History): Start early by climbing up to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco to enjoy the morning light over the port. Walking down towards the center, stop at the Roman Amphitheater, pass by the Arch of Trajan, and wander into the alleys to discover the glass floor of Santa Maria della Piazza. Continue towards Corso Mazzini for a dip into the colors of the Mercato delle Erbe.
- Lunch: Stop at Piazza del Plebiscito (Piazza del Papa). It’s the perfect time for a platter of local cold cuts, paccasassi, and a glass of wine at one of the many bistros that liven up the square.
- Afternoon (Art and Sea): Walk towards the sea in the direction of the Mole Vanvitelliana to visit the Lazzaretto (and the Omero Museum, if you have an hour to spare). From here, take a bus or enjoy a long walk along Viale della Vittoria until you reach the other side of the promontory.
- Sunset and Evening: End the day by descending the grand staircase of the Passetto. Admire the colorful doors of the fishermen’s caves as the sky turns pink. Have dinner in a restaurant in the historic center, ordering a plate of stoccafisso all’anconitana.
Remember that spring and early autumn (September/October) are by far the best times to visit the city. The light is clear, you can visit the Conero Park without the summer crowds, and the temperatures allow you to enjoy the tiring (but wonderful) climbs of the historic center. If you have more days, use Ancona as a base to discover the nearby villages; read our article on what to see in the province of Ancona.
Where to Stay in Ancona
To fully experience the soul of this city, our advice is to choose the freedom of a villa with a private pool. Staying in a villa allows you to completely disconnect from the city hustle and immerse yourself in tranquility, with spacious rooms, large gardens for outdoor dining, and a fully equipped kitchen to experiment with local flavors.
We at Anita Villas specialize in renting high-quality properties throughout Italy, but it is right here in the Marche region that we have the widest selection. Whether you wish to stay close to Ancona and the beaches of Sirolo and Senigallia, or prefer to move towards the historic villages of Urbino and Recanati, with us you will find carefully selected solutions equipped with every comfort.
Choose your ideal villa in the Marche region now and get ready to experience this region in the most authentic and comfortable way possible.