Sirolo Travel Guide

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Allan and I found Sirolo to be a most attractive medieval center with a tree-lined piazza that serves as a balcony over the sea below. Sirolo is located in the middle of Conero. Today Sirolo is headquarters to the Regional Park.

But, when we walked these medieval streets at night, we were stunned. It takes on such a mystical aura. We had such fun walking in unknown territory with just the street lights to guide us.

The most fun came when we were walking along the "balcony" overlooking the sea on a path that was lit along our feet; thus, the light was shining on our faces. Allan stood over one of the lights and pretended to be a monster as I snapped his photo. You see that photo in #3. We were acting as though we were children and loving every minute of it.

The main photo is of the Piazzetta del Piccolo Principe: The tower that dates from the 11th century. It looks so fantastic lit up at night!

The second photo is Bell Tower of the 18th Century Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari with its tower ablaze with light.

Dress Code: The Fourth photo shows the Belvedere Square at night. I can just imagine how crowded this square must be at night in the summers. I was told that many famous people come to spend their summer here.

The last photograph is one I took while we walked in Piazza Enriquez in front of the Teatro Cortesi all lit up. Today it is called Teatro Comunale. It dates from 1879. This historic theatre is dedicated to the old Lords' family

What a grand night out when you just wander the streets of ancient Sirolo.

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On our walk around Sirolo on Sunday morning, we were surprised to find Ceramic Sirolese open for business. Inside, we discovered a wealth of choices for the perfect gift to take back home. We were looking for small items of quality. Here is where we found them.

We purchased:

small animal figurines (2 different cats and one bunny rabbit) for three different animal lovers.

We also purchased three sets of ceramic corks and saucers for wine bottles for my wine-loving friends/neighbors.

Finally, we purchased three large spoon holders to go atop a stove to keep it clean while cooking. One was of violets; another was a typical Italian design in blue and yellow; the third was of a moon and sun.

All have been received with much admiration. I made copies of the artist and included it in the gifts. Also, the artist did a fabulous job of wrapping in bubble wrap and then colorful small foil packages with his personal sticker. We carried them in our carry-on luggage, and they all survived.

What to buy: The nine gifts that we purchased amounted to about 60 Euro, which we found quite reasonable for handcrafted items.

There were many larger items that we would have loved to purchase, but did not have a way to get them back safely.

We were so surprised to learn that there was a golf course inside the Conero's Park named Conero Golf Club

It is an 18 holes championship course.
It's a par 72 Course.

Plus, there is an Executive Course!.

In addition, there is a Golf Academy, driving Range, chipping area, and putting Green..

The facilities of the golf club include:

Restaurant and Bar; a locker room, a pro Shop, swimming pool, two tennis courts, and a meeting room.

This course is open year round!

Here are the directions to the course:

By car: A14 motorway, Ancona Sud exit and then follow the provincial road to Conero (8 km)

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Favorite thing: Since our Bed and Breakfast was quite close to the church of Saint Nicholas of Bari, we were around it a good deal. On Saturday afternoon (late) when we arrived in Sirolo there was a great deal of commotion going on around the Church. Parents were picking up children of all ages. I'm not for sure if they were in actual school (Children in Italy do go to school on Saturday) or if it was a church function.

Sunday morning early, there were people outside selling flowers as a money-making situation (for the church). I also noticed, with a smile on my face, that in Sirolo, young families as well as the older people were attending church. (That has not always been true in other Italian cities that we have visited).

An interesting tidbit: Behind the Bell tower which is beside the Church of Saint Nicholas is a lower level with a very nice public restroom that is run by the church. It is actually free, but a man sits there with a basket, and the sign suggests donation which will help the church!

The 3 Photographs:
1. The Church of Saint Nicholas and the Bell Tower.

2. Fathers after church on Sunday walking with their toddlers.

3. On Saturday, children milling around the church and parents picking them up from school, I assume.

Fondest memory: The most important religious building in Sirolo is the parish church of Saint Nicholas of Bari which overlooks the main square. It was built between the 13th and 18th centuries, and the locals call it the "church of Saint Nicholas", who, by the way, is the patron saint of Sirolo.

The Church of Saint Nicholas stands between the parsonage and the bell tower. It looks as though the bell tower kind of supports the church. This bell tower is probably the most important architectual feature on this square. The facade is in Baroque style (stepped capitals and the gable above the cornice). It's built entirely in brick, and the interior has a single nave. It opens onto six side chapels and an apse with a portrait of Sain Nicholas. The inside is simple but elegant.