Ancona is the capital of the Italian region called the Marches and an important port city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
A part of its medieval center was bombed during World War II, but it is still full of ancient monuments and squares. Its medieval cathedral is set on the mountain overlooking at the gulf of Ancona and it is well worth a look. The ancient Roman Trajan Arch is on the docks of the port. There is also a loved Memorial of the First World War (built during Fascism) on the waterfront. The city offers glorious vistas, on a coastline that extends from Pesaro, with mainly flat sandy beaches, to Mount Conero, with its rocky coast. The popular resort of Portonovo is at the Mount's base. Many ferries link Ancona, and therefore Italy, to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.
Conerobus. Bus service in and around Ancona is provided by Conerobus. Bus 1/4 runs from the train station to the centre of town a few times an hour. Bus 12 runs from the train station to the ferry ticket office, but only once daily, at 14:05h. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at some stations, or usually on the bus itself for €2. The machines accept card (some) or coins, but do not give change. (updated Apr 2022) Line 20 Ferry shuttle. During the summer months, the Dorica Port Services company runs a shuttle bus between the Ticket Office and the ferry docks. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes or so.
1 Ancona Cathedral. Attractive Ancona Cathedral stands on the Guasco hill overlooking the city's port and offers amazing views of Ancona and the Adriatic coast. The wooden roof of the 11th century Cathedral is actually in the shape of an upside-down boat and its most obvious feature is the 12-sided cupola. The Cathedral was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus and you can still see some of the ruins underneath the church. 2 Anfiteatro Romano (Roman Amphitheatre). Ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre; it is also visible from the adjacent park of the old lighthouse. (updated Apr 2022) 3 Museo archeologico nazionale delle Marche (Archaeology Museum).
1 Pinacoteca Comunale. Ancona's Pinacoteca Comunale (art gallery) is located in Palazzo Bosdari and houses over 100 works by 14th-19th century artists from the Marches and Veneto regions, including Titian and Andrea del Sarto. The top floor of the museum is occupied by the Gallery of Modern Art which contains a large number of works by the late Francesco Podesti and various other contemporary Italian artists. (updated Mar 2022) 2 Mount Conero & Beaches. Beautiful coastline and beaches lying at the foot of Mount Conero If you want to quickly go to the rocky beach, you can take, from the train station, bus 1/4 to go to the "Passetto" (€1.20, one way).
1 La Cantineta, Via Antonio Gramsci, 1. It has a characteristic Marches-style food and drink. (updated May 2022) 2 Pizzeria Del Papa, Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 600. (updated May 2022) 3 La Piadineria, Piazza Stamira, 4. (updated May 2022) 4 La Mezza Luna Ristorante Pizzeria, Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 29. (updated May 2022) 5 Una Conchiglia Negozio Ristorante, Via S. Martino, 2/4. A makrobiotic restaurant (updated May 2022) 6 WokAway, Via S. Biagio, 7. (updated May 2022) 7 Trattoria Ulderico, Via Terenzio Mamiani, 9. on the waterfront, close to the Mole Vanvitelliana is claimed by some as an excellent as well as budget place to eat fish, but expect relaxed service.
Raval, on the Piazza del Plebiscito, is a good place to meet people, drink a great, freshly made cocktail or to eat delicious Italian tapas. +39 071 2320951 Free Wi-Fi. 'Bar Torino (corso Garibaldi), Tazza d'Oro (corso Mazzini) and Caffè Giuliani (corso Garibaldi) are great for driks and appetizers.
Marche ranked as one of the safest region in Italy. Walking around Ancona even in the night wouldn't be a problem. However, caution has to be exercised moreover in area outside of the centro. Tourist scam is uncommon, as Ancona itself is merely a transit point for the ferry passengers.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Ancona typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 8 rainy days.
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