Ancona
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Latest page update: 20 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Ancona?
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Ancona is at once the capital of its own province and on a wider scale, regional capital of Marche.
Located on Italy's Adriatic coast it's an important port city with commercial ferries constantly crossing back and forth to Croatia, Albania and the Greek islands. As with all the major ports of the Adriatic, Ancona has seen more than its fair share of political turmoil, war and conquest throughout its history. |
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Comune di Ancona
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Province: Ancona
Region: Marche Population: 99,239 (in 2024 - source) Size: 123 km² Highlights: Piazza del Plebiscito, Lazzaretto, Ancona Cathedral Close by: Conero Peninsula, Portonovo, Sirolo, Numana, Marcelli Main train station: Stazione Ancona (2 km from centre) Fly to: Marche Airport (20 km from city centre) Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network Recommended accommodation: Ego Hotel |
What People Ask About Ancona, Marche
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Discover Ancona
Adriatic Port City
In more recent times the city became part of the Italian Republic in 1860 and an important theatre of battle in both World War 1 and World War 2 where it was the scene of the Battle of Ancona.
Aside from the international and domestic ferry links, Ancona is also a stop for cruise ships. Most passengers take advantage of the stop to visit the city's sights with highlights including the pretty Piazza del Plebiscito; the narrow piazza is lined with bars and restaurants as well as the Museo della Città (City Museum) which tells the story of the city's history. The most prominent building in the piazza is the Chiesa delle Scale which sits in an elevated position at one end of the square.
Leaving Piazza del Plebiscito you can take a walk to Ancona Cathedral which is around 10 minutes away, passing the impressive Teatro delle Muse along the way. After visiting the cathedral you can enjoy one of the best views of the city, looking down on to the port before heading back to the city centre where you'll find the main shopping street of Corso Garibaldi which leads up to the large open spaces of Piazza Cavour. Perhaps Ancona's most iconic building lies in the port area: the Lazzaretto (also known as Mole Vanvitelliana) is a pentagon-shaped building that was once used as a quarantine for new arrivals to the city.
Aside from the international and domestic ferry links, Ancona is also a stop for cruise ships. Most passengers take advantage of the stop to visit the city's sights with highlights including the pretty Piazza del Plebiscito; the narrow piazza is lined with bars and restaurants as well as the Museo della Città (City Museum) which tells the story of the city's history. The most prominent building in the piazza is the Chiesa delle Scale which sits in an elevated position at one end of the square.
Leaving Piazza del Plebiscito you can take a walk to Ancona Cathedral which is around 10 minutes away, passing the impressive Teatro delle Muse along the way. After visiting the cathedral you can enjoy one of the best views of the city, looking down on to the port before heading back to the city centre where you'll find the main shopping street of Corso Garibaldi which leads up to the large open spaces of Piazza Cavour. Perhaps Ancona's most iconic building lies in the port area: the Lazzaretto (also known as Mole Vanvitelliana) is a pentagon-shaped building that was once used as a quarantine for new arrivals to the city.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Ancona
- Cattedrale di San Ciriaco stands on the Guasco Hill overlooking the port, blending Romanesque and Byzantine elements. Built on the site of a Greek temple, the cathedral features a domed roof, a richly carved façade, and panoramic views over the Adriatic. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and remains an active place of worship.
- Arco di Traiano is a Roman triumphal arch constructed in the 1st century AD to honour Emperor Trajan, located at the edge of the old harbour. Made from white marble, it stands as a symbol of Ancona’s ancient role as a port city. The area around the arch is part of a historic dockyard and offers views of ships entering the port.
- Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche is housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Ferretti and contains artefacts from prehistoric to Roman times. The museum’s highlights include Picene tombs, Etruscan bronzes, and Roman mosaics. Informative displays trace the history of the Marche region through well-preserved collections.
- Passetto Monument and Beach includes a monumental World War I memorial atop a long staircase that descends to a rocky stretch of coastline. At the bottom are carved fishermen’s caves and a small beach used by locals for swimming. The Passetto area is also known for its sea views and green parkland above the cliffs.
- Guided boat tour of the Conero Riviera from Ancona departs from the city’s marina and explores the dramatic coastline south of the city. Tours often include views of Monte Conero, hidden coves, and white limestone cliffs. Some include stops for swimming or snorkelling in clear waters along the protected coastline.
Ancona Tours and Activities
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Ancona
- Hotel Dorico (Located in Ancona centre, 1 km from the beach.) Set in a central location, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the town and the surrounding hills. The property features a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, a bar, and a wellness area. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and proximity to local attractions. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
- B&B La Terrazza (Located 2 km from Ancona centre.) This charming B&B offers a peaceful stay with views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. The property includes well-appointed rooms, a garden, and a terrace where guests can unwind. Visitors often mention the warm hospitality, the tranquil environment, and the delicious homemade breakfast. Price Guide: €€ (affordable)
- Hotel Concorde (Located 3 km from Ancona centre, near the beach.) Set in a quiet location near the coast, this hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant with local dishes, and a wellness centre. Guests enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, excellent service, and the proximity to nature reserves and outdoor activities. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Casale dei Fiori (Located 5 km from Ancona centre.) Located in the countryside, this agriturismo offers an authentic rural experience with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Adriatic Sea. The property features rustic rooms, a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes, and a large garden. Guests appreciate the peaceful surroundings, fresh produce, and the welcoming hosts. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
- Residenza Ancona Centro (Located 4 km from Ancona centre.) This residence offers self-catering apartments with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. The property includes a garden, an outdoor pool, and a terrace for guests to relax. Visitors enjoy the privacy and comfort of the apartments, the peaceful setting, and the ideal location for exploring the region. Price Guide: €€€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Ancona
- Ristorante Gino: Tucked behind the train station, this long-established spot is loved for its authentic Marche cuisine and warm, unpretentious service. Dishes include vincisgrassi (regional lasagne), roasted rabbit, and fresh tagliatelle with meat sauce. It’s simple, traditional, and consistently popular. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria Teatro Strabacco: Located in the heart of the old town, this osteria blends rustic charm with carefully prepared local dishes. Expect seafood specialities, truffle-infused pastas, and homemade desserts. The intimate setting, with stone walls and candlelight, makes it ideal for a relaxed evening. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria Ulderico: A family-run trattoria near the harbour, Ulderico serves hearty regional fare with a focus on fish. Highlights include brodetto all’anconetana (fish stew), grilled cuttlefish, and anchovy antipasti. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with indoor and outdoor seating. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Passetto: Situated close to the seafront, this lively pizzeria offers classic thin-crust pizzas and simple pasta dishes in a casual setting. It’s a good option for families or a quick meal after a walk along the coastal promenade. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Gelateria Alaska: Centrally located, Alaska is one of Ancona’s most popular gelaterias, offering handmade ice cream with a focus on natural ingredients. Flavours like pistachio, dark chocolate, and fruit sorbets are firm favourites. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Photo Gallery
Ancona Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Ancona
Lying around 15 kilometres to the south of Ancona is the Conero Riviera with its beautiful beaches and seaside towns like Sirolo and Numana. By car from the city centre to the peninsula's Portonovo takes around 25 minutes but you can also take buses with a slightly longer journey time: around 40 minutes.
Other places of interest close to Ancona
Other places of interest close to Ancona
- Osimo (approx. 15 km southwest of Ancona): A historic town known for its medieval architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, Osimo offers visitors the chance to explore its charming streets and landmarks like the Chiesa di San Giuseppe. The town is also famous for its underground caves, which can be visited for a unique look at the area’s history. Osimo is perfect for those seeking both history and tranquillity.
- Senigallia (approx. 30 km north of Ancona): A coastal town known for its long sandy beaches and vibrant Rocca Roveresca, Senigallia is a popular summer destination. Visitors can enjoy the town's lively seafront promenade, explore the historic centre, or relax on the beach. The town is also home to the Rotonda a Mare, an iconic circular pier that offers stunning sea views.
- Fabriano (approx. 45 km southeast of Ancona): A town famous for its paper-making history, Fabriano offers visitors a chance to explore the Museo della Carta e della Filigrana, where they can learn about the traditional craft. The town also features beautiful medieval architecture, including the Duomo di San Venanzo and several charming squares, perfect for leisurely exploration.
- Jesi (approx. 25 km west of Ancona): Known for its historic centre and Renaissance buildings, Jesi is a town rich in culture and art. The Teatro Pergolesi and Palazzo della Signoria are key attractions, along with the Piazza della Repubblica, which is the heart of the town. Jesi is also famous for being the birthplace of composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, and visitors can explore his heritage through local museums.
- Loreto (approx. 30 km south of Ancona): A town famous for the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, a major pilgrimage site, Loreto offers a blend of religious significance and historical charm. Visitors can admire the stunning Basilica della Santa Casa, explore the town’s quaint streets, and enjoy breathtaking views over the Marche countryside. Loreto is a must-visit for those interested in religious history and Italian culture.
Marche Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Ancona
By Rail: Ancona has its own main train station, Ancona Centrale, located on the Adriatic railway line. Trenitalia operates frequent regional, Intercity, and high-speed services connecting the city with Bologna, Rimini, Pescara, and Rome. Journey times are around 1 hour and 30 minutes to Rimini, 2 hours to Bologna, and just under 4 hours to Rome. The station is located near the city centre and the port area, with local buses and taxis providing connections throughout the city.
By Road: Ancona is situated on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region and is easily accessed via the A14 motorway, which runs along the eastern seaboard. The drive from Bologna takes about 2 hours, from Rome around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and from Pescara approximately 2 hours. Public parking is available near the city centre, the port, and Ancona Centrale station.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
By Road: Ancona is situated on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region and is easily accessed via the A14 motorway, which runs along the eastern seaboard. The drive from Bologna takes about 2 hours, from Rome around 3 hours and 30 minutes, and from Pescara approximately 2 hours. Public parking is available near the city centre, the port, and Ancona Centrale station.
Nearest International Airports:
- Ancona Airport (Aeroporto di Ancona-Falconara): Located about 18 kilometres west of the city, with a drive time of approximately 20 minutes. It handles a mix of domestic and limited international flights.
- Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi): Around 220 kilometres north, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It offers frequent services across Europe and beyond.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci): Situated roughly 300 kilometres south-west, with a drive time of around 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Ferry Connections:
- Ancona is one of Italy’s most important Adriatic ferry ports, offering regular international services to Croatia, Greece, and Albania.
- Ferries to Split and Zadar (Croatia), Igoumenitsa and Patras (Greece), and Durrës (Albania) operate year-round, with increased frequency in summer.
- Operators include Minoan Lines, SNAV, Jadrolinija, and Adria Ferries. Crossings vary from 8 to 22 hours depending on the route and vessel.
- The ferry terminal is located close to the city centre and Ancona Centrale station, with facilities for foot passengers and vehicles.
