Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Travel Guide Ancona 02 Quick view 05 Phone calls & Internet 08 Nightlife 02 Italy 05 Top 10 sights 09 Calendar of events 04 Travel etiquette 07 Shopping in Ancona 11 Hotels 04 Health 07 Restaurants © Getty Images/iStockphoto LH.com/travelguide Ancona 01/12 Travel Guide Ancona 02 Quick view Ancona – a brief overview Ancona is the capital of the Marche region, an overlooked green corner of Italy on the eastern coast. Founded by the Greeks in 387BC, it sits in the shadow of Monte Conero, the lovely old town embracing a historic port, which Hadrian expanded to take advantage of the prosperous sea trade with Greece. The town is crowned by the hilltop cathedral and is layered with history. Roman ruins sit side by side with Renaissance palazzi while lovers walk in its hilltop parks overlooking the Adriatic. Nearby you can find some lovely wild countryside and razor-sharp limestone cliffs that plunge precipitously to crescent-shaped beaches. Italy General Information Country overview Despite incessant praise, travelling in Italy remains one of those rare experiences in life – like a perfect spring day or the power of first love – that cannot be overrated. In few places do history, art, fashion, food and la dolce vita (the good life) intermingle so effortlessly. There are sunny isles and electric blue surf, glacial northern lakes and fiery southern volcanoes, rolling vineyards and an urban landscape that harbours more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world. Few places offer such variety and few visitors leave without a fervent desire to return. Geography Italy is situated in Europe, with a long coastline of approximately 7,600km (4,720 miles) stretching into the Mediterranean Sea and a mountainous northern border adjoining France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. This northern Alpine region contains some of the highest peaks in Europe and is a good area for winter sports. In central Italy, Tuscany has a diverse landscape composed of fertile rolling hills, lush river valleys, minor mountain ranges and a long sandy coastline. To the east is Umbria, known as the ‘green heart of Italy'; hilly with broad plains, olive groves and pines, and Le Marche – a region of gentle mountains, rivers and small fertile plains. Further south lies Rome, Italy's capital city. Within its precincts is the Vatican City. The south of the country is hotter, wilder and much, much drier than the north, characterised by dry sierras, rocky mountain ranges and volcanic outcrops, including three of Europe’s most active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli. Puglia, the ‘heel of the boot', is a mixed landscape of fertile plateaus, expansive olive groves and flat, ochre-coloured plains. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia lie offshore to the southwest and west respectively. General knowledge Key facts Area: 301340 sq km (116348 sq miles). LH.com/travelguide Ancona 02/12 Travel Guide Ancona 03 Population: 60.5 million (2015). Population density: 204.0 per sq km. Capital: Rome. Government: Independent kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946. Language Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German is spoken in the South Tyrol region (bordering Austria). French is spoken in all the border areas from the Riviera to the area north of Milan (border with France and Switzerland). English, French and German are also spoken in the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles. Currency Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Standard time zone UTC/GMT +1 hour Electricity 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two round-pin type. Public holidays In addition to public holidays, local feast days are held in honour of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices. These include: Turin/Genoa/Florence: 24. Jun (St John the Baptist) Milan: 7. Dec (St Ambrose) Venice: 25. Apr (St Mark) Bologna: 4. Oct (St Petronius) Naples: 19. Sep (St Gennaro) Bari: 6. Dec (St Nichola) Palermo: 15. Jul (St Rosalia) Rome: 29. Jun (St Peter) Siena: 2. Jul + 16. Aug (Palio) Trieste: 3. Nov (St Giusto) 2016 New Year's Day: 1. January 2016 Epiphany: 6. January 2016 Easter Sunday: 27. March 2016 Easter Monday: 28. March 2016 Liberation Day: 25. April 2016 Labour Day: 1. May 2016 Republic Day: 2. June 2016 Assumption: 15. August 2016 All Saints' Day: 1. November 2016 LH.com/travelguide Ancona 03/12 Travel Guide Ancona 04 Immaculate Conception: 8. December 2016 Christmas Day: 25. December 2016 St Stephen's Day: 26. December 2016 2017 New Year's Day: 1. January 2017 Epiphany: 6. January 2017 Easter Sunday: 16. April 2017 Easter Monday: 17. April 2017 Liberation Day: 25. April 2017 Labour Day: 1. May 2017 Republic Day: 2. June 2017 Assumption: 15. August 2017 All Saints' Day: 1. November 2017 Immaculate Conception: 8. December 2017 Christmas Day: 25. December 2017 St Stephen's Day: 26. December 2017 Travel etiquette How to fit in Social conventions The social structure is heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church and, generally speaking, family ties are stronger than in most other countries in Western Europe. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Dress is casual but smart in most places, and beachwear should be confined to the beach. Conservative clothes are expected when visiting religious buildings and smaller, traditional communities. Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, transport and cinemas. When visiting an Italian home for dinner, bring a small gift of sweets or chocolate, and dress well. Let your host lead when sitting and starting the meal. Take a small portion of what’s on offer as you will surely be cajoled into having another helping. If you do not want more wine, leave your glass full so it cannot be refilled. Health Health Main emergency number: 112 Food & Drink Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription 'Acqua Non Potabile' means water is not drinkable. Milk is generally pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Past outbreaks of brucellosis in southern regions means unpasteurised buffalo mozzarella is best avoided. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat. Other Risks The World Health Organisation (WHO) also recommends vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio and hepatitis B. LH.com/travelguide Ancona 04/12 Travel Guide Ancona 05 Phone calls & Internet Telephone & Internet Telephone/Mobile phones International dialling code: +39 Telephone Telephone kiosks only accept phonecards, which can be purchased at post offices, tobacconists and some newsagents. Mobile phone Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. Internet Rome, Venice, Milan and Bologna have now instituted city-wide Wi-Fi hotspots, and the majority of hotels, B&Bs and even farm stays now offer free internet access. In most towns, internet cafés also offer access at €2 to €6 per hour. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Ancona Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche Explore some of Ancona’s rich history in this frescoed museum where Neolithic daggers give way to richly decorated Attic vases, Etruscan bronzes, a Celtic gold crown and a stunning copy of the Pergola bronzes. Via Ferretti 6 Opening times: 60121 Ancona Tue-Sun 0830-1930 Italy Tel: +39 071 202 602 www.archeomarche.beniculturali.it Chiesa di San Domenico A piece of baroque theatre, this grand church sits on Ancona’s main piazza and houses two superb canvases: Crucifixion by Titian and Annunciation by Guercino. Piazza del Plebiscito Opening times: 60121 Ancona Daily 0800-1200 and 1500-1800 Italy Tel: +39 071 202 011 Parco del Cardeto Climb to this hilltop park for broad views across the tiled rooftops of the Old Town and the sweeping bay. It’s a romantic spot dotted with pines and littered with fortifications, an old lighthouse and a Napoleonic-era cemetery. LH.com/travelguide Ancona 05/12 Travel Guide Via Cardeto Opening times: 60121 Ancona Daily 0800-1730 (Oct-Mar) Italy Daily 0830-2030 (Apr-Sep) Ancona 06 Tel: +39 071 200 852 www.parcodelcardeto.it Arco di Traiano This impressive Roman triumphal arch stands at the northern end of the port, erected in 115BC by Apollodorus of Damascus in honour of the Roman Emperor. The sculpted reliefs on the arch are in excellent condition and the raised location gives a good view of the harbour. Banchina Nazario Sauro Ancona Italy Cattedrale di San Ciriaco Ancona’s grand, domed cathedral sits on top of an earlier pagan temple and is an architectural hotchpotch of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic features. Piazzale del Duomo Opening times: 60121 Ancona Daily 0800-1200 and 1500-1900 Italy Tel: +39 071 52688 www.diocesi.ancona.it Parco del Conero Minutes from Ancona, this stunning conservation area is threaded with walking trails. Some take you to the peak of Monte Conero, others take you along the limestone cliffs overlooking a cobalt blue sea. Via Peschiera 30 Opening times: 60020 Sirolo Sunrise to sunset Italy Tel: +39 071 933 1161 www.parks.it/parco.conero Fontana del Calamo An ingenious 16th-century fountain with 13 masked spouts said to represent 13 decapitated miscreants. You can peak behind the fountain at the ancient hydraulic system that once fed it from the Roman acqueduct. Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 60121 Ancona Italy Monumenti ai Caduti Situated at the end of the Viale della Vittoria is this monument to the fallen soldiers of WWI. The Fascist-style temple is raised on Doric columns while avenues extend LH.com/travelguide Ancona 06/12 Travel Guide Ancona 07 either side embracing spectacular sea views. Piazza IV Novembre 1 60124 Ancona Italy Spiaggia delle Mezzavalle An unspoilt stretch of wild beach backed by fragrant Mediterranean herbs and lapped by emerald green waters. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles and there’s a small beach bar serving refreshments. Parco del Conero 60020 Ancona Italy Mole Vanvitelliana Once adrift on an island, this vast hexagonal building was constructed in the 18th century as a quarantine station designed to house merchants and foreigners infected with leprosy. Banchina Giovanni da Chio 28 60121 Ancona Italy Shopping in Ancona Shopping in Ancona Key Areas Ancona’s key shopping streets run parallel to each other from the port and include Corso Mazzini, Corso Garibaldi and Corso Stamira. Here you can find Italian fashion, shoes and bags alongside some art galleries. Markets The best thing to buy in Ancona is food, and the best place to do it is at the daily market in Corso Mazzini. Here you can find Ciauscolo (salami), honey, Ascolane olives and local cheeses. On the last Sunday of the month there is also an antiques market in Piazza Cavour. Shopping Centres Many Italian designers have factories in Le Marche, a centre of leatherwork, and there’s a good selection of outlet malls. You can find most of them 50km south of Ancona in Civitanova Marche, Macerata and Tolentino. They include Tod’s, Prada, Byblos, Armani, Romeo Gigli, Hugo Boss and Cesare Paciotti. Restaurants Restaurants in Ancona Le Marche has a fine rustic cuisine combined with some very fresh seafood. Typical dishes include salted cod, rabbit and akind of bouillabaisse fish soup. In town, Corso Mazzini and Corso Garibaldi are lined with popular restaurants. LH.com/travelguide Ancona 07/12 Travel Guide Ancona 08 Opera Nova della Marca Traditional dishes with a contemporary twist served up in a romantic garden setting. Via Varano 127, Parco del Conero Price: Expensive 60131 Ancona Italy Saviotti Refined, artistic cuisine with a rustic heart and terrace seating with sea views. Frazione Massignano 3 Price: Expensive 60129 Ancona Italy Osteria del Pozzo A popular inn serving generous portions of shellfish pasta and fish. Via Bonda 2C Price: Moderate 60121 Ancona Italy Clandestino A gourmet beach bar serving sushi right at the water’s edge. Portonovo Bay Price: Moderate 60020 Ancona Italy Pizzeria Bontà delle Marche Thin, crispy, sizzlingly hot pizza covered in simple, traditional toppings. Via Benincasa 7 Price: Cheap 60121 Ancona Italy Nightlife Nightlife in Ancona Ancona’s nightlife is fairly tame although the aperitivo scene offers a lively burst of socialising around 6.30pm. Piazza del Plebiscito is a goodplace for alfresco drinks otherwise locals nurse glasses of wine in bars and restaurants before heading off to discos in Rimini and Riccione. LH.com/travelguide Ancona 08/12 Travel Guide Ancona 09 Enopolis Sample regional wines in this atmospheric bar in the cellars of Palazzo Jona. Via Cardeto 60121 Ancona Italy Tel: +39 071 200 852 Teatro delle Muse A 200-year-old concert hall with perfect acoustics and world-renowned performers. Piazza della Repubblica 60121 Ancona Italy Liberty Cocktail Lounge This art deco cocktail lounge oozes chic décor with its Tiffany lamps and arty crowd. Via Traffico 7-10 60122 Ancona Italy Cremeria Rosa A café, ice-cream parlour and deli, this is a great place for aperitivo. Via Cardeto 60121 Ancona Italy Tel: +39 071 200 852 Morsi & Sorsi Nibble bites of cheese and platters of charcuterie while sampling first-class Pieri wines. Via Trieste 39 60124 Ancona Italy Calendar of events Calendar of events Fish Festival Panfuls of sizzling fish are fried up over three nights to sate the appetites of thousands of foodies. Live music, shows and dancing accompany dinner, and LH.com/travelguide Ancona 09/12 Travel Guide Ancona 10 visitors can browse numerous stalls to pick up regional food specialities or local crafts. May 2016 Venue: Numana, 22km south of Ancona Summer Jamboree Dubbed ‘The Hottest Rockin’ Holiday on Earth’, Senigallia transports music lovers back to the days when rock ‘n’ roll was king. Swinging skirts and vintage cars are de rigueur, and the line-up of international artists is phenomenal, regularly featuring huge stars from the 1950s and 1960s. 30 July - 7 August 2016 www.summerjamboree.com Venue: Foro Annonario, Senigallia, 30km northwest of Ancona Ancona Sea Festival (Festa del Mare) Held on the first Sunday in September, Ancona’s sea celebration kicks off with a boat procession, where a wreath is launched to remember those lost at sea. The festivities continue with live music, art exhibitions, food and drink, and a fireworks display over the harbour. 4 September 2016 Venue: At the port of Ancona International Accordion Prize (Premio Internazionale della Fisarmonica) The town of Castelfidardo, just south of Ancona, is renowned worldwide for its accordion manufacturers. Accomplished soloists and ensembles compete to win the coveted International Accordion Prize, with junior categories for up-and-coming musicians. For audiences, it’s a chance to hear a wonderful repertoire of accordion music. 22 - 25 September 2016 www.pifcastelfidardo.it Venue: Castelfidardo, 22km south of Ancona Christmas Market Sweets, crafts, plants, decorations and jewellery are just a few of the gifts shoppers can bag at Ancona’s Christmas market, which usually runs for two to three weeks until Christmas Eve. At weekends, there are also kids’ activities, live entertainment and delicious street food. December 2016 Venue: Piazza Pertini Conero Running LH.com/travelguide Ancona 10/12 Travel Guide Ancona 11 Following the coast road from Numana, just to the south of Ancona, this race encompasses a half marathon, 10km course and 4km route for children. It’s a scenic run, with a competitive element to the longest distance, but a more laid-back feel if you participate in the shorter races. April 2017 www.conerorunning.it Venue: Starts and finishes from Numana seafront, 22km south of Ancona Hotels Hotels in Ancona Largely a transport hub, Ancona has a dearth of hotels. The options are some very cheap, budget digs inthe area around the railway station or a few mid- to high-end hotels on the periphery of the historic centre. Fortino Napoleonico A grand, 19th-century princely fort with ornate rooms and a seafront location. Via Poggio 166, Portonovo Category: Expensive 60129 Ancona Italy Grand Hotel Passetto Near Ancona’s white-shingle beach with light, white rooms and sea views. Via Thaon de Revel 1 Category: Moderate 60124 Ancona Italy Hotel Emilia An ivy-clad villa in the Parco del Conero with contemporary rooms and beautiful gardens. Frazione Massignano 3 Category: Moderate 60129 Ancona Italy NH Ancona An efficient, friendly chain hotel with a great location overlooking the port. Rupi di Via XXIX Settembre 14 Category: Moderate 60122 Ancona Italy Fortuna LH.com/travelguide Ancona 11/12 Travel Guide Ancona 12 A budget option with dated but comfortable rooms. Piazza Rosselli 15 Category: Cheap 60126 Ancona Italy LH.com/travelguide Ancona 12/12