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)

De Agostini via Getty Images

Pinacoteca Comunale di Ancona

Top choice in 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 the development of art in the region, skilfully juxtaposing modern and medieval works with daring disregard for either tradition or expectation. Unmissable masterpieces include the Pala Gozzi (1520), the first painting signed and dated by Titian, and Carlo Crivelli's absolutely flooring Madonna col Bambino (Madonna and Child; c 1480).

Additional works by Guercino, Olivuccio di Ciccarello and Francesco Podesti top off the experience, which is supplemented with contemporary art around every surprising corner.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ancona attractions

1. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza

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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…

2. Piazza del Plebiscito

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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,…

3. Teatro delle Muse

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

4. Chiesa di San Domenico

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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…

6. Parco del Cardeto

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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…

7. Fontana del Calamo

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

8. Cattedrale di San Ciriaco

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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…