Piazza del Plebiscito

Ancona


Crowned by the baroque Chiesa di San Domenico, this sloping cafe-lined square has been Ancona's favourite meeting spot since medieval times. At its head, set in a grand staircase, sits a gigantic statue of Pope Clement XII, the 18th-century pontiff who was honoured by the city for giving it free port status – hence the square's alternative name, Piazza del Papa.

The nearby fountain is a more recent addition, dating from the 19th century.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ancona attractions

1. Chiesa di San Domenico

0.06 MILES

With its two-tone brick and marble facade, this 18th-century baroque church sits at the head of Piazza del Plebiscito. Its prize possessions are two…

2. Teatro delle Muse

0.08 MILES

Overlooking Piazza dell Repubblica, Ancona's ornate theatre has been a city landmark since 1826. Its columned neoclassical facade is capped by Greek-style…

3. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza

0.09 MILES

Contrasting sharply with the industrial scenery of the nearby port, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza is one of Ancona's showpiece churches. Its…

4. Fontana del Calamo

0.1 MILES

Head along Corso Mazzini to see the Fontana del Calamo, a 16th-century fountain featuring 13 masked spouts representing mythical fauns and satyrs…

5. Pinacoteca Comunale di Ancona

0.11 MILES

Ancona's fascinating civic art gallery houses Le Marche's most important art collection. Spread over two 16th- to 17th-century palazzi, the museum traces…

6. Parco del Cardeto

0.27 MILES

The din of central Ancona fades to a distant hum at this 35-hectare park north of the centre. Straddling two hills – the Colle dei Cappuccini and Monte…

8. Cattedrale di San Ciriaco

0.41 MILES

A stiff but scenic climb up from the old town, Ancona's domed cathedral dominates the city skyline. Guarded by two marble lions, it commands sweeping…