The best road cycling routes around Polverigi

The Church of Santa Maria della Piazza is an example of particular significance both for its architectural value and for its testimonial value regarding the origins of Christianity in the city of Ancona. Built at the end of the 12th century on the remains of the church dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr whose relic is preserved in the Diocesan Museum, it represents the historical continuity of the Christian religion expressed through the monuments that have come down to us and is at the same time a document of the evolving history of the city. The Church is a jewel of Romanesque architecture: it has a rectangular plan, a Latin cross layout, and is divided into three naves. The bell tower originally had a strategic function, being a tower attached to the fortification that connected to the hill behind. The richly ornamented portal strikes with the movement and fine interweaving of the small arches and pilasters. After the consolidation work initiated following the earthquake of 1972, it seems possible to connect the history of this church to the most ancient memories of Christian worship in Ancona between the 2nd and 4th centuries, identifying its title with that of the very ancient basilica dedicated to the protomartyr Stephen, built on the ruins of imperial buildings from the Trajanic era.

The Lazzaretto of Ancona, also known as the Mole Vanvitelliana, is an 18th-century monumental complex designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli. It stands on a specially constructed artificial island in the southern part of the port basin. Originally completely isolated from the mainland, over the two centuries following its construction, it was connected to the shore by three bridges. Covering a surface area of 20,000 m², it was originally a multipurpose medical and military facility and has been a national monument since 1909. Today, it is a cultural center, home to the Omero Tactile Museum, an auditorium, and events and art exhibitions. The canal separating it from the mainland is called the Mandracchio, and houses the city's fishing fleet. The main building consists of two pentagonal structures, both designed by Vanvitelli; the two structures are adjacent, one inside the other, sharing a perimeter wall. The building occupying the ravelin dates back to the early decades of the 20th century. The main portal is made entirely of Istrian stone and is located on the side facing Porta Pia. A second, simpler, masonry portal still faces the Mandracchio side, and is therefore known as the "Water Gate." The gate remained closed for decades and opens onto a short dock that once housed clam traps. At the center of the courtyard stands the Temple of San Rocco, a small Doric-style sacred building, also built of Istrian stone, with transitional forms between Baroque and Neoclassicism. https://anconatourism.it/arte-e-cultura/monumenti/mole-vanvitelliana/

The Cathedral of Ancona, dedicated to Saint Cyriacus, is the metropolitan cathedral of the Archdiocese of Ancona-Osimo. It is a medieval church blending Romanesque and Byzantine styles, evident in its Greek cross plan and in the many works of art housed within. It stands in a scenic location atop Colle Guasco, formerly occupied by the acropolis of the Greco-Doric city, overlooking the entire city of Ancona and its gulf. It was designated a basilica in May 1926 by Pope Pius XI, and has been a national monument since 1940. Inside is the painting of Our Lady Queen of All Saints, the subject of an event considered "miraculous" by Catholic tradition, known as the Marian Miracle of Saint Cyriacus. The building has a history of over 2,000 years, during which five major events can be distinguished: - 4th-2nd century BC - Construction of the Temple of Aphrodite, whose perimeter corresponds exactly to the transept and the left wing of the current church; - 6th century AD - Construction of the early Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo, built on the ruins of the ancient temple; - 11th century AD - The Basilica of San Lorenzo became a cathedral and was expanded. With the translation of the body of Saint Cyriacus, it changed its name and took on its current title; - 12th century AD - Transformation of the plan into a Greek cross, giving the church an oriental layout, its main characteristic. - 13th century AD - Construction of the dome and porch, interventions that gave the building its current appearance.

Great places you must see

A station is a station. It's okay. If there's no strike and something's running, it's okay 😉

Beautiful view of the Ancona hills and the port

Definitely worth a visit

Church with a stunning facade and interiors that are worth a visit