Ancona
We just got back from Ancona. This port city is the capital of the Le Marche region, part of the Riviera del Conero.
Along this part of the Adriatic coast there are many beautiful beaches. We took a local bus up to Porto Novo, for coastal views. and walked through the old port area, to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco.
In Ancona’s ‘Centro storico’ we found the Fontana del Calamo, a fountain with bronze masks of mythical figures.
And every day on our long passagieta we would pass though the ancient Arch of Trajan by the Mole Vanvitelliana, an impressive 18th-century pentagonal quarantine building, set on its own island.
The Mole now hosts events and exhibits contemporary art work.
On our arrival in Ancona we made a beeline for Zucchero a Velo, a vegetarian cafe in our neighbourhood. There was a great vibe at this quirky, outdoor cafe, serving healthy and delicious vegan and veggie food.
We feasted at ‘Rice and Curry Sri Lankan ristorante’, tastes that took us back to our Honeymoon and several trips to Sri Lanka; milk rice, curries, sambols and Lion lager.
We made a daily visit to Panetteria Rionale, on Via Guglielmo Marconi, for Davide and Sofia’s amazing focaccia, pizza and sweet treats.
And we quaffed at Baccà, an enoteca over-looking the Mole Vanvitelliana. The friendly old man at the bar, will talk wine with you and pour glasses of chilled local Verdicchio.
Where were the crowds? There were none.
And we’re very O.K with that.
We chose a place off the tourist trail. We really enjoyed spending several days looking around this port city, with lovely long conversations with local people about food, wine and life in other places.
Where would you chose to linger, where most might just pass through?