On my way down south to visit my family, I figured I would stop in Ancona and add another region (Le Marche – #17) to my list. I didn’t know what to expect. Every single person I had talked to, and there had been many, told me not to go to Ancona. I wasn’t really sure what they meant…until I arrived in Ancona.

Now, I’m not trying to hate on this city because I did enjoy my time there. However, if you are going to Ancona just to visit Le Marche as I was – pick another city. Seriously. There was nothing wrong with Ancona, there just wasn’t anything special about it. It has a beach, some museums, lots of churches: many typical features of an Italian city. Except there was no spark of life in this city. People seemed to be just going through the motions, the city looked old and unappreciated, and the center of the city was lackluster.

I had fully intended to go to Urbino (a city north of Ancona) to visit Le Marche. Unfortunately, I missed my train to head there which I took as a sign that I should explore Ancona instead. As I set out to see the center of Ancona, I remembered why I hated traveling by myself: it gets really lonely, really quick. I think it would be fine if it wasn’t for meal times. Italy is not a country where is is normal (or easy) to eat alone. Food is such an important part of their life and without fast food restaurants everywhere, it can be difficult to find a place to eat quickly or alone (without feeling awkward).

Apparently for me though, I wasn’t destined to eat alone. 15 minutes after arriving in the city center I found a bench and sat down. An older man came up to me and asked if he could sit next to me. We started conversing and after a while he suggested that we go for an appertivo (drinks and munchies before dinner).

After drinking and eating some, Fabio and I went on a walk around the city. I learned so many random things about Ancona. During the First World War (or maybe the second..) Ancona was the first city in Italy to be bombed. I also apparently chose a GREAT year to come to Ancona…2013 is Ancona’s 2,400 year anniversary (makes the 100th anniversary of the Arena seems pitiful haha). After finding this out I felt like I should cut Ancona some slack for looking old…I mean for a city founded in 387 BC its looking pretty spiffy huh?

Even with the slightly antique feel, Ancona did have some pretty sights. A lot of the churches were gorgeous (unfortunately, no pictures were allowed inside). I also saw the Fountain of the 13 Spouts which I know I learned about in one of my Italian classes at JMU. Don’t ask me which class or why we talked about it, I just remember thinking a fountain with thirteen heads sticking out was a little strange. haha

The Duomo was by far the best thing to see in Ancona. Located on top of a hill, it was not only beautiful but there was a spectacular view overlooking the Port of Ancona. We were able to watch part of the sunset here! As Fabio put it, Ancona is one of the only cities in the world where both the sunset and sunrise occur over the water. Thats cool.

After our walking tour Fabio and I went for a nice dinner of seafood at a restaurant on the water.

It was such a treat to spend time with Fabio. Not only was he a lovely companion but he was a great tour guide and saved me from hours of potential boredom.

To be honest, I probably would not go back to Ancona. It was not awful like I originally thought, but I think there are so many better cities in Italy and Le Marche which are worth the time.