Ancona

Ancona is a city and a seaport in the Marche region of central Italy, located on the Adriatic Sea. It is the capital of both the province of Ancona and the region of Marche.

History: Ancona was founded in the 4th century BC by Greek Syracusans who named it Ankon, meaning "elbow" in Greek, due to the shape of the promontory on which the city sits. It was later occupied by the Romans and became a significant naval base. Throughout the Middle Ages, Ancona was an independent maritime republic, rivaling Venice and Genoa. It was annexed to the Papal States in 1532 and later became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Ancona suffered significant damage during both World War I and World War II.

Geography: The city is situated on a promontory, Monte Conero, on the Adriatic coast, giving it a strategic position for maritime activity. The terrain is hilly and includes coastal cliffs and beaches.

Economy: Ancona's economy is largely based on its port, which serves as a major transportation hub for passengers and freight. Key industries include shipbuilding, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism.

Culture and Landmarks:

• Arch of Trajan: A well-preserved Roman arch erected in 115 AD to honor Emperor Trajan.
• Ancona Cathedral (Duomo di Ancona): A Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral dedicated to Saint Cyriacus, situated on the site of a former temple.
• Mole Vanvitelliana (Lazzaretto of Ancona): An 18th-century pentagonal building designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, originally used as a quarantine station. It now serves as a cultural center.
• National Archaeological Museum of Marche: Houses a collection of archaeological finds from the Marche region.
• Passetto Beach: A popular beach known for its distinctive limestone cliffs and caves.

Transportation: Ancona is well-connected by road, rail, and sea. The port provides ferry connections to various destinations in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The city is also served by Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI).

Demographics: As of recent estimates, the population of Ancona is around 100,000 people.