Welcome to Ancona
Often brushed aside as being just another of Italy's bolshie, gritty port towns, Ancona is no beauty at first glance from the ferry, it's true. But there's more to Ancona than meets the superficial eye, and to simply bypass it is to miss much. In the old town, crowned by the duomo, you can peel back layers of history of the city founded by Greek settlers from Syracuse around 387 BC, admiring Roman ruins, the rich stash of its archaeological museum and its Renaissance palazzi, which glow softly in the evening light. Linger long enough in its hilltop parks overlooking the Adriatic and lively boulevards and cafe-rimmed piazzas and you'll see a more likeable side to Le Marche's seafront capital, promise.
Top experiences in Ancona
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Ancona activities
Monte Conero, Riviera del Conero trek
The Conero Natural Park is a park full of facets, on a peak overlooking the sea and a hill that wedges into the hinterland. Here there are some points from where you can enjoy breath-taking panoramas stretching on the whole Conero Coast, but also visit historical sites very charming. The trek will start in the parking of "Piazza Brodolini". Difficulty E (Easy). Distance: 8 km Drop: 200mt Time: 3.30h Materials: waterproof cape, hiking boots or shoes with sculpted sole, layered clothing, anorak, hat. Front lamp or flashlight (in case of night excursion). Water 1.5 liters, fruit, dried fruit or energizing bars, packed lunch. Transfers: on own The program is subject to change at the discretion of the guides.
Private guide Jesi and Frederick II museum, Holy Roman Emperor, here where it all began
Highlights:Discover the ancient "Royal town" in the heart of the Marche region Follow the ancient alleyways bordered by huge walls and noble palaces Explore the interactive museum dedicated to Frederick II of Swabia, an unmissable jewelTour details:Jesi is an ancient city, founded by the Greeks and has become important under Roman and medieval rule. Jesi became "Royal town" at the behest of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia who was born here in 1194 by Costanza D'Altavilla who gave birth in the public forum (today Piazza Federico II).Our tour will go to discover the beauties of the city starting from the walls, the best preserved in the Marche region. The route will continue in the historic center and you will visit the main churches: San Pietro Apostolo, sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, San Giovanni Battista, San Nicolò church and the Duomo dedicated to San Settimio. You will also visit the many noble palaces of which Jesi is rich: Palazzo della Signoria, Balleani, Ripanti, Ricci and the Pergolesi theater.The second part of the tour will be dedicated exclusively to Frederick II, going to visit the bronze monument next to the Bersaglieri gate and finally Piazza Federico II, the most important historical square, former Roman forum, where the day of St. Stephen in 1194 was born " Stupor Mundi ". On one side of the square a round bench that recalls this event, as well as the longitudinal stone paving on the floor. At the center of the square is a large fountain with an obelisk.The visit continues inside the Museum dedicated to the Emperor, a real unmissable jewel for all fans, The Federico II Museum is an absolute unicum that recalls the life and works of Emperor Stupor Mundi, 16 rooms where you can see , interact and relive the life of the Emperor "Puer Apuliae" through interactive installations, three-dimensional animations, multimedia contents, architectural and sartorial reconstructions. A multi-sensory experience that will really let you experience the history that has changed history.
Ancona private walking tour with a local guide
Join this private walking tour led by a local guide to discover the - still partially unknown - city of Ancona. The capital of the Marche region, situated on the central coast of the Adriatic Sea, hides some very interesting monuments and attractions, remarkable both from an historic and an architectural point of view. During this 2.5-hour guided tour your professional guide will take you to see the most important sites in the city. You'll walk up the hill of San Ciriaco Cathedral, from where you can admire the Arch of Trajan, whose construction dates back to 115 BC during the Roman time, and the "Mole Vanvitelliana", designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in 1732 for Pope Clementine. You'll also visit the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Piazza. You wil walk through the central Piazza del Plebiscito and then Corso Mazzini to see the 16th-century Fontana del Calamo, its 13 masked spouts supposedly representing effigies of those who have been beheaded! Just one tip: don't forget to bring your camera with you!
Italy to Croatia Highlights
Spend an unforgettable 14 days among some of the most beautiful cities and landscapes anywhere. Begin in Italy with loads of free time for walking the perfectly old-world streets of Florence and drinking espresso in Venice's Piazza San Marco. Explore the stately ruins, temples, and churches of times past in Rome, before catching a ferry to the stunning Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy a boat trip and some much-needed beach time before heading on to Split and Dubrovnik. All this and some of the finest food you'll ever eat, too!