Ancona: Discover Culture, History and Coast

Ancona combines an impressive history with cultural experiences and a distinctive coastal landscape. Anyone looking for a mix of museums, historic sites, theatre and outdoor activities for a family holiday will find many different options here. When searching for a holiday apartment in Ancona, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to discover the city’s culture or also plan longer routes on foot and by bicycle.

History and art in special locations

One of the city’s distinctive landmarks is the Mole Vanvitelliana. Luigi Vanvitelli built the 18th-century lazaretto between 1733 and 1743 on a five-sided artificial island in the port of Ancona. Since 1993, the Mole has permanently housed the Museo Tattile Statale Omero. Architectural history and a special form of art education therefore come together in this location.

The Pinacoteca Civica Francesco Podesti also places a clear focus on art for interested visitors. Its collection includes Titian’s Pala Gozzi, considered the first signed and dated work by the Venetian master. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche also displays the most extensive collection of archaeological finds in the entire region. The period covered ranges from the Palaeolithic to classical antiquity.

You can also encounter historical traces in Ancona’s Roman amphitheatre. It was built during the Augustan period, between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Campo degli Ebrei is located in Parco del Cardeto and has been used as a Jewish cemetery since the 15th century. The first documents identifying the site as a cemetery for Ancona’s Jewish community date from 1428. These different eras make it possible to organise a city day around a theme rather than simply moving from one sight to the next.

Coast, routes and unusual discoveries

The Grotte del Passetto give Ancona its own distinctive character. They comprise more than 500 structures carved into the rock along the coast and are considered a rare example of spontaneously created architecture harmoniously integrated into a natural setting. The grottos were carved into the rock from the mid-19th century until the 1960s. Originally, they served as shelters for small fishing boats, especially lances and batanes. For your travel planning, this site offers a vivid contrast to museums and ancient buildings.

If you prefer a more active day, the Ciclopedonale Ancona-Portonovo is a practical option. The route is 11 kilometres long, begins in Vallemiano and runs via Pietralacroce, La Vedova and the Trave to the car park above Portonovo. It is accessible on foot and by bicycle. Take this route into account when planning your day. Poggio di Ancona is also an important access point to the trails of Parco del Conero.

Music, theatre and underground tours

The Teatro delle Muse F. Corelli was built in 1827 to a design by Pietro Ghinelli in the neoclassical style. Its programme includes opera and ballet performances, symphonic music, concerts, drama and a jazz series. In addition, the Ancona Sotterranea association offers three themed tours. Depending on your interests, you can therefore incorporate a cultural evening, a historical focus or a themed exploration into your trip.

This creates a varied selection for families and other travel groups: one day can be devoted to art and archaeology, and another to the coast and cycle path. A holiday apartment in Ancona is a suitable search perspective for travellers who want to include these different themes in their stay. What matters is less a uniform programme than which combination of urban history, coast, theatre and outdoor activities suits you.

More places for your travel planning

If you would also like to compare other location ideas, you can include Monte San Vito, Mergo, Villaggio Taunus, San Paolo Di Jesi, Rosora, Ostra, Pianello Vallesina and Campodiegoli in your research.

For the overarching travel overview: Ancona.