A N C O N A

An hour's drive from the house lies Ancona, the capital of Le Marche. It's a city you might not immediately put on your list. But once you're there, you'll understand why it's worth it. It's a real city, where ordinary Italian life continues, with sea views and a generous dose of history.

Start your visit at Piazza del Plebiscito, where the terraces fill up early and are perfect for people-watching. From here, stroll through the old town, past boutiques, ancient squares, and those typical Italian shops where everything from shoemakers to delicatessen is still available.

An absolute must-see is a stroll along Viale della Vittoria, the long tree-lined avenue that runs from the town center all the way to the coast. At the end awaits the imposing Monumento ai Caduti, which overlooks the Adriatic Sea from the cliffs. The location itself is impressive, but the view is truly magnificent, especially around sunset.

From that monument, you descend a long staircase to Passetto, Ancona's unique swimming spot. Here you won't find a typical beach, but a rocky coastline with small fishing huts carved into the rocks. Locals also call it the Grotte del Passetto. It's a place where Ancona residents have spent their summers for generations. No sunbeds or beach tents, just a towel on the rocks, a cooler full of food, and the chance to relax and swim all day.

In Ancona, you can eat well everywhere, especially if you love fish. Definitely try the brodetto all'anconetana, or grab something simple but delicious, like pasta with mussels or a piece of focaccia. And if you feel like shopping afterward, stroll along Corso Garibaldi.