Making the most of Ancona
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels berth at XXIX Settembre Pier, immediately across the road from Ancona's town centre.
Ancona takes its name from the Greek Ankon, meaning "elbow". Originally, the harbour east of town was protected only by the elbow-shaped northern promontory.
After severe bombing in the 2nd World War, Ancona was devastated again by a powerful earthquake in 1972.
The historic hill town rewards a visit with old architecture and superb sea views, and can be explored readily on foot, by bicycle or by bus. Its Cathedral, completed in 1189, has an elegant entrance guarded by lions, numerous fine artworks and ten columns believed to have once formed part of the Temple of Venus. Reaching the upper viewpoint requires a climb, but the panorama is exceptional.
Further landmarks include the well-preserved Arch of Trajan, once an entrance above the harbour wall; the extensive historic Lazzaretto; and the architecturally impressive Episcopal Palace.
Within town, a historic palazzo houses the art gallery, while the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Delle Marche presents the region's archaeological collection, including notable Roman bronze statues. A bus from the railway station also reaches beaches beyond the town.
Getting around
Sunday, the sole day on which a large cruise ship visits, brings a hop-on, hop-off service priced at only 3 Euro per passenger. It begins at the cruise terminal at 9.30 AM and then runs every 45 minutes, with the final departure at 13.10. Leave the bus at the Duomo for dramatic views, or at Passeto for equally impressive sea vistas on the opposite side of town. The elbow-like form of Ancona reflects Ankon, its old Greek name.
Although the bus has no commentary, easy-to-follow maps are handed out at the cruise terminal.
The railway station is close to the port as well.
Nearby places
From Ancona's port, regional possibilities include the historic monuments of Urbino and San Marino, cultural events such as Pesaro's Rossini Opera Festival and Macerata's Opera Season, and ceremonies at the Holy House of Loreto.
Urbino is a World Heritage site in the Marche region, recognised for the importance of its Renaissance culture. This small, picturesque city occupies two hills at an elevation of about 900 feet between the valleys of the Metauro and Foglia rivers. Most of its architecture dates from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Urbino was also the birthplace of painter Raphael, whose childhood home is now a museum, and of architect Bramante.
Just inland from the Adriatic, the dramatic hill town of Loreto is among the world's foremost shrines devoted to the Virgin Mary. Much of the town serves the thousands of pilgrims arriving from across the globe.
Food and shopping
Ancona's main shopping districts are Corso Mazzini, Corso Garibaldi, Corso Stamira, Piazza Roma, Piazza Erbe and Piazza del Plebiscito. They sell every kind of “Made in Italy” item, including clothing, bags, footwear and jewellery, alongside antique dealers and art galleries. Traditional pottery and lace shops can also be found with a little searching. Food boutiques stock regional specialities such as ciauscolo, a spreadable salami, Fossa cheese, olive ascolane and pasta Latini, a dry handmade pasta.
Money
The currency is the euro.
Staying connected
People speak Italian.
Many pavement cafés provide Wi-Fi, although a purchase is required.
The emergency telephone number is 112.
Opening Hours and
Most Italian shops and businesses open Monday to Saturday, generally from 8am to 1pm and then from 4pm to 7pm, although many shut on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings. In Ancona, Sunday trading is becoming increasingly frequent: a good number of upmarket stores open until 1 PM, then resume business at about 4 PM.