Car Hire Ancona - Mini guide to Ancona

Built on two hills around a harbour, Ancona has been a busy and lively city since Roman times and forms a great base for exploring the beaches and sights of the Marche.

The old town is situated on and around Colle Guasco, the hill above the port and on the summit is based its most famous landmark, the medieval cathedral of San Ciriaco. Its interior is bedecked with Byzantine art and contains a pagan temple in its crypt. Other notable sights located below the summit include the newly restored 19th century Teatro delle Muse and the art gallery in the Palazzo Bosdari.

An energetic walking tour takes in all Ancona’s main sights and culminates outside the cathedral at the top of Colle Guasco - giving sweeping views over the city. The walk begins at the bottom of Corso Stamira near the docks and passes the Teatro, art gallery, the 13 spouts of the 16th century Calamo Fountain, the Archeological Museum and the ruined Roman amphitheatre, before finishing at the summit.

Tourist gifts and antiques can be bought in the old town, while the designer shops are centred in the newer areas. People in this region are big meat eaters and many of Ancona’s restaurants specialize in grilled dishes; however, there are many kiosks which offer fresh shellfish and sparkling wine.

Just south of Ancona is Mount Conero, which harbours three resort towns, including the pretty seaside village of Sirolo with its medieval centre, Roman ruins and spotless beach.

The airport is serviced regularly from Milan and Rome and also by daily flights from London Stansted. Trains run frequently from Rome, Bologna and Milan. If arriving by car from the north or south of Italy, take the A14 motorway.