Matt C
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I have lived in Ancona for the past six years. There are many sights to take in, however it could more be characterised as a traditional Italian sea port city, unblemished by most tourism. On the hill over the port you can see the Duomo (main cathedral) along with separate bell tower to the right. They are both constructed from white colored stones. From that location you can see the port and the Italian coast moving north. Back down from the Duomo you can see the recently restored Teatro delle Muse (Theater of the Muses) where you can catch a concert if you have planned ahead well enough. Down the several pedestrian only streets you can venture into the main center of town (via Garibaldi, Mazzini, Piazza della Papa). If you following along Corso Mazzini, you'll pass many outdoor shops and cafes, then arriving at the thirteen spouts (tredici cannelle - http://www.fabiofava.it/ancona/ierioggi/otredici.htm). It is also known as the Fountain of the Calamus, which refers to the thirteen faces with "reed" (latin=calamus) protruding from their mouths, from where the water pours. In the proceeding piazza, Piazza Roma, there is the Fountain of the Four Horses. Continuing along Mazzini, you'll find market stands with clothes, shoes and other gifts. At the end of Mazzini there is a large open piazza called Piazza Cavour. There, in the middle, you'll see the imposing statue of Camillo Benso, the count of Cavour. He was a leading figure in the movement toward Italian unification in the mid to late 1800's. From Cavour's statue if you continue in the same direction you'll come upon the Viale della Vittoria (The Road of Victory), renamed for inspiration during World War II. At the end of this beautiful tree lined avenue is monument that is dedicated to fallen sailors. It is in the classical round "temple" type structure, which you can actually go up stairs the the floor level. The "Monument to the Fallen", sits at the top of a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Just beyond the monument, you can go look at the edge and follow the many steps down to the sea. The view is breathtaking from this vantage, to the right you see the beautiful and stark Mount Conero, which is fabled to be the mountain of inspiration for the Pinocchio story, during which the protagonist jumps into the sea and is swallowed by a whale. To the left, you'll see the modern blue elevator structure which houses a nightclub with live music like Jazz. Also, down to the sea you can see the "Pope's seat" which is a large white rocky structure protruding out of the water, where during the summer people flock to recline, tan and enjoy swimming.
There are other things to see in Ancona, including the old Napoleanic Fort converted into a pizzeria, the Cittadella (an old walled fort turned into a public park), the ancient Jewish cemetary (with old hebrew headstones), the 150 year old Lighthouse (that has underground adjacent buildings for storing gunpowder underneath where the protective cannons sat), the recently excavated roman arena and more.
Good places to eat - Desiderio, Mangiare Bene Uomo Donna, Cantinetta, Pizzeria Centrale.
Good Cafes - Caffe Roma (across from the Fountain of the Four Horses), Caffe Garibaldi (Via Garibaldi), Caffe Del Conte (Piazza Cavour).
Good Ice Cream (Gelaterie) - Gelateria San Martino (Piazza Pertini), Caffe Rosa (Corso Mazzini, down from the thirteen spouts) |
Travel
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Italy 
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Adult 
Gambling
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Deception
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Not English
