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 distinct Romanesque form, which comprises a fine marble facade and elaborate arched portal, dates from the 13th century when it was built over an earlier paleo-Christian basilica. Remains of this early basilica can still be seen beneath the main church – particularly striking are the mosaic floors and traces of 4th- to 6th-century frescoes.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza
Ancona
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.37 MILES
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Nearby Ancona attractions
1. Pinacoteca Comunale di Ancona
0.04 MILES
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…
0.09 MILES
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,…
0.1 MILES
Overlooking Piazza dell Repubblica, Ancona's ornate theatre has been a city landmark since 1826. Its columned neoclassical facade is capped by Greek-style…
0.14 MILES
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…
0.19 MILES
Head along Corso Mazzini to see the Fontana del Calamo, a 16th-century fountain featuring 13 masked spouts representing mythical fauns and satyrs…
6. Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche
0.21 MILES
Housed in the beautiful 16th-century Palazzo Ferretti, whose ceilings are covered with original frescoes and bas-reliefs, this museum presents a…
0.23 MILES
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…
0.33 MILES
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…