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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
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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.
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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).
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Via Cardeto
Opening times:
60121 Ancona
Daily 0800-1730 (Oct-Mar)
Italy
Daily 0830-2030 (Apr-Sep)
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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A budget option with dated but comfortable rooms.
Piazza Rosselli 15
Category: Cheap
60126 Ancona
Italy
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