Plan a CruiseAncona, located on Italy's Adriatic coast, offers independent cruise passengers a blend of ancient history and stunning sea views. Your cruise ship will dock directly at the XXIX Settembre Pier, placing you just steps away from the heart of the town center. The city's name, "Ankon," is Greek for "elbow," a reference to the promontory that naturally protected its original harbor. While Ancona faced significant challenges from heavy bombing during WWII and a major earthquake in 1972, it has rebuilt and preserved its historical charm, particularly in the older town situated on a hill. This elevated area provides wonderful panoramic sea views and is easily explored on foot, by bicycle, or via local bus. Key historic sites include the magnificent Cathedral, the ancient Arch of Trajan, the Lazzaretto, and the elegant Episcopal Palace. The city also features an art gallery and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Delle Marche, housing impressive Roman bronze statues.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival at the XXIX Settembre Pier, you are immediately across the street from Ancona's town center, making many attractions easily accessible on foot. Hop-on/Hop-off Bus: On Sundays, which is typically when large cruise ships are in port, Ancona offers a hop-on/hop-off tour for just 3 Euro per person. The first bus departs the cruise terminal at 9:30 AM, with subsequent buses every 45 minutes until the last departure at 1:10 PM. While there's no onboard narration, clear maps are provided at the cruise terminal. This is an excellent option for reaching the Duomo and Passeto for breathtaking sea views. Local Buses: The city's historic hill town can be navigated by bus. You can also catch a bus from the nearby railway station to reach various beaches just outside of town. The train station itself is conveniently located close to the port.
Attractions and Activities
Within Ancona (Walkable/Local Transport):
- Historic Hill Town & Cathedral: Explore the charming historic town on the hill, offering fantastic sea views. The Ancona Cathedral, completed in 1189, is a highlight, featuring lions flanking an elegant doorway, beautiful artworks, and ten columns believed to be from the ancient Temple of Venus. The climb is well rewarded by the outstanding panoramic views.
- Arch of Trajan: A well-preserved Roman monument that once served as an entrance atop the harbor wall.
- Lazzaretto & Episcopal Palace: Visit the expansive historical Lazzaretto building and the beautifully architectured Episcopal Palace.
- Museums & Galleries: Discover local art at a gallery housed in a historic palazzo or delve into regional history at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Delle Marche, known for its impressive Roman bronze statues.
- Local Beaches: For a relaxing break, take a local bus from the railway station to enjoy the beaches located just outside the city.
Regional Day Trips (Further Afield):
- Urbino: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Renaissance history. This small, picturesque city is nestled on two hills at approximately 900 feet elevation and features architecture mainly from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. It is also the birthplace of famous painter Raphael and architect Bramante.
- Loreto: A striking hill town inland from the Adriatic Sea, Loreto is one of the most significant shrines to the Virgin Mary globally. The town primarily serves the thousands of pilgrims who visit annually.
- Booking Tours: For regional excursions, consider comparing options offered by your cruise line with independent tours available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Shopping
Head to shopping areas like Corso Mazzini, Corso Garibaldi, Corso Stamira, Piazza Roma, Piazza Erbe, and Piazza del Plebiscito. Here you can find a wide array of "Made in Italy" goods, including clothing, bags, shoes, and jewelry. Look out for antique shops, art galleries, and traditional pottery and lace shops for unique souvenirs. Dining & Local Specialties: Ancona provides numerous cafes and food boutiques. Many sidewalk cafes offer Wi-Fi, often requiring a purchase. Don't miss the chance to sample local gourmet products such as ciauscolo (a spreadable salami), Fossa cheese, olive ascolane (fried stuffed olives), and traditional pasta Latini (dry homemade pasta). Opening Hours: Be aware that most shops and businesses in Italy typically open Monday to Saturday from around 8 AM to 1 PM, and again from 4 PM to 7 PM. Many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings. On Sundays, particularly when cruise ships are in port, some upscale stores may open until 1 PM and then reopen around 4 PM.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Italian is the official language. In emergencies, dial 112.