Ancona — The Doric city
Province of Ancona
Ancona was founded in 387 BC by Greek colonists from Syracuse. The Duomo di San Ciriaco, a masterpiece of Romanesque-Byzantine art (11th century), dominates Guasco hill with its dodecagonal dome. The Arch of Trajan (115 AD), erected in honor of the emperor who expanded the port, is one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Italy. The Mole Vanvitelliana is a pentagonal fortress built by Vanvitelli in 1733. The Lanterna Rossa is the historic lighthouse of the port.
Foundation
387 BC, Greek colony
Arch of Trajan
115 A.D.
Other places in Ancona
Jesi — Homeland of Frederick II and Pergolesi
Birthplace of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia and the composer Pergolesi.
Fabriano — City of Paper
Papermaking tradition since the 13th century. UNESCO Creative City.
Loreto — Marian sanctuary
The Basilica della Santa Casa is one of the most important Marian shrines in the world.
Related stories
Marche looked far beyond its shores: stories of ancient ports
From Picene Numana to Roman Ancona, objects and monuments reveal an Adriatic of contacts, exchange and power.
Ancona was founded by Greeks: its name means elbow
Greek settlers from Syracuse recognised the shape of an elbow in the headland: the city’s name comes from Ἀγκών, Ankon.
The Arco di Traiano Was Not a Gate: It Was a Monument Greeting the Sea
One of Ancona’s Roman landmarks celebrates the emperor who expanded the harbour. Even today, it seems designed for those arriving from the Adriatic.
The Mole Vanvitelliana Began as a Quarantine Island
Before becoming a cultural venue, Vanvitelli's pentagon isolated potentially infected people and goods to protect Ancona from epidemics.