Port Ancona
Ancona is an unjustly overlooked gem of central Italy, sprawling in an amphitheater of mountains above the azure Adriatic Sea. Upon disembarking from the ocean liner you find yourself in a vibrant port hub, from where the main city arteries, such as the elegant Corso Garibaldi, lead to historic squares filled with cafes. A walk to the very top of Guasco Hill to the monumental Cathedral of San Ciriaco offers breathtaking views of the entire bay, the harbor pier, and the ancient Trajan's Arch, creating an unforgettable Mediterranean atmosphere.
The local lifestyle is deeply intertwined with the sea, fishing, and typical Italian hospitality without mass tourism. In the alleys of the old town, you will encounter traditional wine cellars and renowned restaurants, focusing on fresh catches and regional specialties. The local cuisine is primarily driven by the rich fish soup stoccafisso all'anconetana and the renowned white wine Verdicchio. Passengers can easily taste authentic Italy, shop for local olives, cheeses, or simply relax on nearby wild beaches under the protected Conero promontory.
History
The history of Ancona began in the year 387 BC, when it was founded by Greek colonists from Syracuse, who named the city after its specific elbow shape (Ankon). A significant milestone that forever changed the face of the entire area was the flourishing during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan, who transformed Ancona into a strategic military and trading port for voyages to the east. In the medieval period, the city became an independent and powerful maritime republic, successfully competing with Venice itself.
The modern history of the 20th and 21st centuries transformed Ancona into a key administrative and economic center of the entire region of Marche. The city proudly overcame the heavy damage caused by bombing during World War II and the devastating earthquake in 1972, with the historic core being carefully restored. Today, Ancona is a dynamic seaside metropolis, expertly preserving its rich cultural heritage and providing ocean liner passengers with an ideal transit point for discovering the hidden beauties of central Italy.
Excursion tips in Ancona
Historical gems of Ancona and the cathedral on the hill: A guided walking tour of the most beautiful landmarks of the city. You will visit the ancient Trajan's Arch, the ancient Roman amphitheater, and ascend to the Romanesque Cathedral of San Ciriaco, which proudly dominates the entire harbor.
Emerald Coast of Conero and the pilgrimage site of Loreto: An excursion along the dramatic cliffs of the protected Conero coast to the picturesque town of Sirolo with panoramic views. The journey continues to the famous pilgrimage site Loreto, where you will visit the impressive basilica with the Holy House (Santa Casa).
The underground world and the Frasassi caves: A magnificent trip into the interior of the Marche region, where you will visit the Frasassi caves (Grotte di Frasassi). This is one of the largest and most stunning karst cave systems in all of Europe, filled with gigantic stalactites and stalagmites.
