Ancona is the Marche's capital spread out on hills that form a natural amphitheatre around the restless seaport. First settled by the ancient Greeks, Ancona was later conquered by the Romans and in 115 AD under the emperor Trajan the present harbor walls were built: a proof of this is the ceremonial roman marble arch at the end of the docks. Not to miss, to the south of Ancona is the Conero Riviera with its different landscapes where white and sandy beaches are interrupted by rocky cliffs diving into the deep torquoise sea. Definitely one of the most beautiful seashore areas of the entire Adriatic coast.
Places to visit in Ancona
Trajan Marble Arch in the port.
Cathedral of San Ciriaco on the hill above the port - Ancona's finest church, a mix of Roman and Gothic architecture.
Loggia dei Mercanti - late Venetian gothic in Via della Loggia.
Santa Maria della Piazza - delightful small church in Via della Loggia
Piazza del Plebiscito walking up from Via della Loggia
Pinacoteca Comunale - painting gallery that houses painting from the major artists such as Crivelli, Titian and Lotto.
Museo Archeologico delle Marche - collection of antique findings including the Bronzi Dorati di Cartoceto, a group of bronze statues dating back to 1st century AD.
Fontana del Calamo - gorgeous fountain with a row of 13 masked sputs in Corso Mazzini.
Ascoli Piceno is the southern Marche’s largest center with its outstanding
sights and its historic center that can be easily visited by foot. The spectacular
main square, Piazza del Popolo, is marble-paved and is the elegant location
where the annual medieval tournament, the Quintana, takes place.
Places to visit in Ascoli Piceno - Le Marche Italy
Piazza del Popolo (main photo)
San Francesco- stunning gothic church.
Piazza Arringo flanked by the Cathedral and the town hall inside which
you will find the Pinacoteca Civica, Ascoli Piceno’s art gallery hosting
some works by major artists (e.g. Crivelli)
La Quintana – on the first
Sunday of august this jousting tournament takes place in the city’s
main square.
