Best Things to do in Ancona | Must-see attractions 2025

Parco del Cardeto

Open all day

Museum

Via Cardeto

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Parco del Cardeto in Ancona, Italy, covers 35 hectares of parkland featuring a lighthouse, historical fortifications, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. No additional fees for access; special events may require paid entry.

Pinacoteca civica "Francesco Podesti"

Tu-Fr 10:00-13:00,16:00-19:00; PH,Sa,Su 10:00-19:00; Mo off

Museum

Via Ciriaco Pizzecolli 17 Ingresso in Vicolo Foschi

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Pinacoteca civica 'Francesco Podesti' in Ancona houses Le Marche's leading art collection, spanning 16th- to 17th-century masterpieces up to contemporary works.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Certain special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Palazzo degli Anziani

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Architectural Building

Piazza Benvenuto Stracca n. 2

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Palazzo degli Anziani is a significant historical site in Ancona, Italy. It serves as a rich cultural beacon showcasing the city's heritage and architecture.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Ancona Lighthouse

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Lighthouse

Sul Colle dei Cappuccini

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Ancona Lighthouse, located on Colle dei Cappuccini, oversees the Adriatic Sea and is a key navigational aid, deactivating the previous lighthouse in 1965.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free for public access. Special tours may have fees.

Belvedere Park Posatora

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Via Martin Luther King 4

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Belvedere Park Posatora in Ancona offers scenic views, lush greenery, and recreational spaces, making it a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated costs.

Chiesa dei Santi Pellegrino e Teresa

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Piazza del Senato

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Chiesa dei Santi Pellegrino e Teresa is a notable church in Ancona, Italy, recognized for its architectural simplicity and spiritual significance.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Government Hall

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

Via ciriaco pizzecolli (Piazza del plebiscito)

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Government Hall in Ancona, Italy, is a historic palace serving as a symbol of local governance with impressive architecture and rich cultural significance.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

San Francesco alle Scale

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Piazza San Francesco (Scale San Francesco)

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San Francesco alle Scale is a Franciscan church in Ancona, Italy, known for its ornate facade and valuable Renaissance artworks.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free entry. Some special events may require a ticket.

Parco del Fornetto

Open 24 hours

Park

Via del Fornetto

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Parco del Fornetto, located in Ancona, Italy, offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths, greenery, and views over the Conero coastline.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Chiesa Santa Maria della Piazza

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Piazza Santa Maria (Largo Dogana)

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Chiesa Santa Maria della Piazza in Ancona, Italy, is an ancient Romanesque church known for its subterranean relics and mosaics showcasing rich historical significance.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

State Tactile Museum Omero

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

Mole Vanvitelliana (Banchina Giovanni da Chio

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State Tactile Museum Omero in Ancona, Italy, promotes multi-sensory art experiences. It features a diverse collection of sculptures from various periods with a focus on accessibility.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free admission. Some thematic exhibitions may have a special ticket price.

Fontana dei Due Soli di Enzo Cucchi

Open 24 hours

Monument

Molo Nord (Porto Antico)

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Fontana dei Due Soli di Enzo Cucchi in Ancona features striking modern art, symbolizing the sun and human existence, set in a vibrant public square.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free.

National Archaeological Museum of the Marche Region

Tu-Th 08:30-13:30; Fr-Su 14:00-19:30

Museum

6 Via Gabriele Ferretti

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The National Archaeological Museum of the Marche Region in Ancona features artifacts from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages, housed in the historic Palazzo Ferretti.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Ancona city museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

Piazza del Plebiscito 3

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Ancona City Museum features a vast collection of historical artifacts, showcasing Ancona's rich past from prehistoric to modern times within a historical building.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Lanterna rossa

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Lighthouse

Scalo Molo Nord

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Lanterna rossa is a significant tourist attraction in Ancona, Italy, recognized for its historic lighthouse and maritime heritage that draws visitors from around the globe.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Access is without charge, enhancing visitor experience without financial barriers.

Teatro sperimentale "Lirio Arena"

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

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Teatro sperimentale 'Lirio Arena' in Ancona, Italy, is a cultural venue known for innovative performances and unique architectural design.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Tickets range from €10 to €25, with discounts for students and seniors.

Cappella della Stazione

Open 24 hours

Church

Stazione di Ancona

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Cappella della Stazione is a chapel in Ancona, Italy, known for its serene architecture and artistic heritage, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free entry. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Parrocchia di Santa Maria Liberatrice

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

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Parrocchia di Santa Maria Liberatrice in Ancona is a notable church known for its rich history and unique architectural features dating back to the 19th century.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No ticket required for regular entry.

Chiesa di Maria Santissima Madre di Dio

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Via Metauro 19 Rione Torrette

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Chiesa di Maria Santissima Madre di Dio is a significant 18th-century church in Ancona, Italy, known for its remarkable architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free.

Centro Commerciale Conero

Mo-Sa 08:30-21:00; Su 09:00-20:30

Mall

Via Franco Scataglini 6

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Centro Commerciale Conero in Ancona features over 100 shops, a large food court, and entertainment facilities, catering to all shopping needs in a modern setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Shopping and dining costs vary.

Teatro Panettone

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

Via Maestri del Lavoro

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Teatro Panettone in Ancona, Italy, is renowned for its rich theatrical heritage, hosting diverse performances and cultural events since its establishment in 1801.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Varies by event. Adults: €15, Children: €10, discounts available for seniors and students.

Santa Maria di Portonovo

Sa 15:30-17:30; Su 10:30-12:30

Church

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Santa Maria di Portonovo in Ancona, Italy, is a historic church dating back to the 11th century, known for its unique Romanesque architecture and scenic coastal views.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto al Pozzetto

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Via Benedetto Croce 36

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Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto al Pozzetto, located in Ancona, Italy, is an early 18th-century Baroque church known for its intricate architecture and historical significance.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Special events may incur a fee.

S.Maria Liberatrice

9:00 AM–5:30 PM

Church

Italy

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S.Maria Liberatrice is a historic church in Ancona, Italy, founded in 1571. Notable for its Baroque architecture and serene surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Ancona Cathedral

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Piazzale del Duomo

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Ancona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Ancona, Italy, dedicated to Saint Cyriacus. It showcases a mix of Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require tickets.

Lazzaretto of Ancona

10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Architectural Building

Banchina Giovanni da Chio 28

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The Lazzaretto of Ancona, also known as the Mole Vanvitelliana, is a unique pentagonal building built in the 18th century on an artificial island. It started as a quarantine station but now hosts cultural events and the Museo Tattile Statale Omero, which allows visitors to explore art through touch.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Piazza del Plebiscito

Open 24 hours

Square

Piazza del Plebiscito

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Piazza del Plebiscito is a square located in Ancona, Italy. It features beautiful architecture and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors.

duration: approx. 1 hour

free

Portonovo Beach

9:00 AM-7:00 PM

Beach

Località Portonovo

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Portonovo Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand located near Ancona. It offers clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs, making it a great spot for relaxation and swimming.

Duration: approx. 2-4 hours

Free

Arch of Trajan

Open 24 hours

Monument

Banchina Nazario Sauro

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The Arch of Trajan in Ancona is a Roman Triumphal arch built between AD 110 and 116. It honors Emperor Trajan for expanding the port and is made from beautiful Turkish marble.

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Free

Riviera del Conero

8:00 AM-8:00 PM

Sights

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Riviera del Conero is a beautiful stretch of coastline near Ancona. It features stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and clear waters, making it a great place for hiking and swimming.

Duration: approx. 2-3 hours

Free