Things to Do in Ancona

Massive pentagonal 18th-century quarantine island connected by a causeway. Now hosts temporary exhibitions and events. The interior courtyard and stone arches are striking.

🕐 Grounds open daily 7:00-20:00; exhibition hours vary

💡 Check the schedule online first—most exhibitions are free, but the building itself is always open to wander during daylight hours. Go early to avoid cruise ship crowds.

Partly excavated Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century AD, set against greenery. You can walk along its perimeter and see the original limestone seating. Free to view from outside the fence.

🕐 Always visible from the street; interior access limited to occasional guided tours (check tourist office)

💡 The best view is from the footpath above on Via Birarelli. It's a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, so combine both.

Romanesque cathedral perched on Monte Guasco with panoramic views of the Adriatic. The mosaic floors and crypt date from the 4th century.

🕐 Mon-Sat 8:00-12:30 and 15:30-19:00; Sun and holidays 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00

💡 Go at sunset for golden light over the port. The climb from the old town takes 15 minutes.

Large coastal park with two historic lighthouses, remnants of WWII bunkers, and walking trails along cliffs above the sea. Quiet and uncrowded even in summer.

🕐 Daily 6:30-20:00 (closes later in summer)

💡 Enter near the old slaughterhouse for the best path down to the lower lighthouse with a small beach below.

Major archaeological museum in a Renaissance palace with artefacts from the Piceni, Greek colonisation, and Roman era. The Iron Age jewellery collection is exceptional.

🕐 Tue-Sun 8:30-19:30; closed Mon

💡 First Sunday of each month entry is free. Budget at least 1.5 hours. The ticket includes the museum shop with good local history books.