A city with a very important historical and cultural heritage, it is located in the heart of the Marche region, a geographically strategic area. In addition to having all the advantages of a seaside city, it boasts a verdant hinterland and a nature in which to immerse yourself in bucolic experiences, without forgetting the many important historical and architectural elements that characterize it.
Fanum Fortunae: the third city in le Marche Region
The origins of Fano go back a long way, from when the ancient Romans settled here giving it the name of "Fanum Fortunae" first, due to the presence of a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Fortune, and then "Colonia Julia Fanestris". For the center of the city it is possible to breathe these ancient origins evident in the many still intact remains that date back to the period of the Roman Empire, a city with which there has always been a direct connection thanks to the Via Flaminia.
Over time the city has been able to develop managing to expand its borders while maintaining the strong territorial identity anchored to its maritime origins. Today Fano is the third largest city in the Marches by population, with more than 60,000 inhabitants and a thriving tourism sector, with visitors from all over Italy and Europe who choose Fano for the natural and cultural beauties that distinguish it and also to participate in the many events qualities that animate it throughout the year.
The most beautiful attractions of Fano
Fano is not just the sea, it is also history and tradition. Two aspects that are clearly visible from the moment you arrive in the city. From the remains of Roman civilization, to the Port area, passing through historic buildings and much more.
Here is a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Fano.
The Roman Fano
One of the best known aspects of the city is its ancient origin. The solid infrastructure and monuments built by the Romans were built to last and can still be admired in all their glory today.
Arch of August and the Pincio
The Pincio area, recently renovated, is one of the most characteristic places in the city. Within a radius of a few tens of meters it is possible to admire the imposing Arch of Augustus, dating back to 9 AD, which served as the main entrance to the city and from where it was possible to enter the decumanus maximus. In this area the Church of San Michele is located and can be visited, right next to the Arch where today the Museum of the Via Flaminia is located, and Porta Maggiore, as well as the Statue of Cesare Ottaviano Augusto donated to the city in the year of the celebration of the Augustan bimillennium.
It is certainly one of the areas of greatest historical interest, among the most visited in the city.
Augustan walls
If you are a lover of history and ancient finds, then during your stay you cannot miss a visit to the Augustan Walls, with the original remains of the walls that protected the city in ancient times.
Built precisely at the request of the emperor Augustus in 9 AD, they extended from the Arch to the area where the Rocca Malatestiana was later built. Today it is possible to admire the remains for two thirds of the original length. An ideal attraction to enjoy a nice walk in the city center, also passing through the Porta della Mandria, a place of transit for flocks in ancient times.
If you are a lover of history and ancient finds, then during your stay you cannot miss a visit to the Augustan Walls, with the original remains of the walls that protected the city in ancient times.
Built precisely at the request of the emperor Augustus in 9 AD, they extended from the Arch to the area where the Rocca Malatestiana was later built. Today it is possible to admire the remains for two thirds of the original length. An ideal attraction to enjoy a nice walk in the city center, also passing through the Porta della Mandria, a place of transit for flocks in ancient times.
Underground Fano
The Fano Underground is a guided tour accessible from the Montanari Media Library, among tunnels and hidden streets dating back to over two thousand years ago, to visit unusual and evocative places and stimulate the imagination about the activities that were carried out inside them.
The Fano Underground is a guided tour accessible from the Montanari Media Library, among tunnels and hidden streets dating back to over two thousand years ago, to visit unusual and evocative places and stimulate the imagination about the activities that were carried out inside them.
Church of San Francesco
According to many, one of the most beautiful places in the city, the former Church of San Francesco is located in the center next to the Town Hall. Built starting from the thirteenth century, at the behest of the Malatestas, it was their chosen church, so much so that they used it to house the tombs of some of the most important members of the family. The complex was completed in 1336, the date on which it was also consecrated
The Port of Fano
The Port of Fano is the holder of the seafaring culture of the city. Divided into two parts, the old port and the Marina dei Cesari, it is a very characteristic district, with some valuable attractions that make it even more magical.
Lisippo's walk
Recently renovated, the Walk of Lisippo is an elevated path a few meters from the sea, next to the cliffs that protect the Marina dei Cesari. With one kilometer in length it is one of the longest in the Adriatic. Open all year round and easily reachable on foot, especially during a walk by the sea.
The origins of the name of this attraction are very particular.
At the end of the promenade there is an imitation of a bronze statue sculpted by the Greek artist Lysippus, which depicts an athlete crowning himself. The original find, found by chance in 1964 at sea by some sailors from Fano, was later purchased by the Getty Museum in Malibu where it is still on display.
Lo Squero
Lo Squero is the ancient sailors' quarter, "portolotti" in the Fanese dialect, which extends from the bases of the Rocca Malatestiana to the port. With its small houses it runs along the entire final part of the canal, starting from the Darsena Borghese to the sea. A few steps from the northernmost bank, you can access the neighborhood called "El Gugul", with the old nets used by fishermen and the bright colors that characterized the sailors' sails that decorate the small alleys.
A suggestive place to say the least, it is definitely worth a visit. Describing its uniqueness and authenticity in words is not an easy task. Better go see it for yourself!
I Quadri
The latest seafaring attraction of Fano are the Quadri, located on the pier that separates the Lido from the Port area. These are four small structures that rest on the bottom of the sea and on the rocks. Rebuilt in the early 2000s, they aim to preserve the memory of tradition.
In the past, the original constructions were fixed positions for fishing from land, from which a net was lowered to facilitate the capture of fish without the need to enter the sea. Similar structures are present throughout the Adriatic coast, changing names according to the area to which they belong. Today the Paintings are one of the most photographed attractions by tourists.
Piazza XX Settembre
Let's now move on to the heart of Fano and some of the most beautiful places in the historic centre, starting from Piazza XX Settembre.
Located about halfway down the main street of the Centre, Corso Giacomo Matteotti, the square is characterized by the meeting of many architectural elements belonging to different historical eras. Among the most characteristic attractions we find the Fontana della Fortuna, built in the Renaissance period. A building decorated with four lions sculpted at the corners of the statue above it depicting the Goddess of Fortune, a deity to whom a temple was dedicated in ancient times and who gave the city its name: Fanum Fortunae.
Full of bars and restaurants, it is one of the beating hearts of the city. On Wednesdays and Saturdays it hosts the city market, where you can wander around the stalls in search of the best deal.
Corte Malatestiana, Museo Archeologico e Pinacoteca
In a corner of Piazza XX Settembre, passing through the Borgia-Cybo Arch built in the Renaissance period, one can enter the Corte Malatestiana, a large courtyard overlooked by various buildings, partly already present at the time of the passage of Fano under the power of the Malatesta Lords and in part wanted by the Rimini family who governed the city for over a century. After the departure of the Malatestas, the Court has played various roles while remaining one of the most typical places in the city. Since 1898 it has housed the Civic Museum and the San Domenico Art Gallery.
Theater of Fortune
Originally called Palazzo del Podestà and built in 1299, the most impressive building in Piazza XX Settembre is what we know today as the Teatro della Fortuna. A place of entertainment for centuries, the Theater was the victim of a bombing in 1944. Following a renovation, it reopened its doors in 1998 and since that day it has been able to once again host the public who occupy the stalls for events of various kinds.
Rocca Malatestiana
Built in the 15th century at the behest of Sigismondo Malatesta, the Rocca Malatestiana is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Located at the end of the Roman city wall, it has a structure that consists of a large internal courtyard protected by high walls that extend along four sides and a moat. In front of the entrance it is also possible to park in the adjacent park. Even today, the Rocca maintains its original form, despite the fact that time has made some modifications necessary, with the exception of the rocchetta and the keep, destroyed by Nazi soldiers during their retreat.
Today the structure is used for the most varied purposes. In addition to a lively bar, inside it is possible to attend cultural events and appointments of all kinds.
Sangallo Bastion
Starting from the Rocca, walking along the walls, you arrive in a few minutes at Bastione Sangallo, a small fortress built between 1532 and 1552 at the behest of Antonio da San Gallo the Younger to defend the city walls. Once you enter the beautiful internal garden, you can admire its remains and enjoy a beautiful panorama.
Today it is managed by an association that manages the reception and enhances the place through the organization of cultural events and concerts.
Monte Giove Hermitage
Located a few kilometers inland from the city, the Hermitage of Monte Giove, built in the 17th century, is the right place for anyone who loves walking in the countryside and enjoying some country air. Once you reach the site and cross the staircase leading to the entrance, you will enter a large monastery, still inhabited today. Destination for many Sunday trips, the Hermitage consists of a large garden and various buildings among which the Ancient Library and the Old Pharmacy also stand out, as well as the belvedere from which it is possible to enjoy a unique panorama that ranges from the sea to the forwarded campaign.
Religious places
Among the many places to visit in Fano, the most beautiful and representative places of worship in the city could not be missing. Here are some.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is located in Via Arco d'Augusto, in the historic center, and is one of the most prestigious churches in the area, the mother church of the dioceses of Fano, Cagli, Fossombrone and Pergola. The current building was built on the remains of an older building, destroyed by fire in 1124. The facade is typically Romanesque and inside it is possible to admire several important works, such as the seventeenth-century Nolfi Chapel, "The Virgin with the Saints Bear and Eusebio" by Ludovico Carracci and "The Virgin of the Assumption" by Sebastiano Ceccarini.
San Paterniano Church
Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, the Church of San Paterniano was consecrated in 1558. The facade was never completely finished, but it is distinguished by the portal created by the Venetian artist Jacopo Bambagiani, inspired by Michelangelo. Walking through the three naves of the Church you can admire paintings and frescoes of exquisite workmanship. A small cloister was also built to the side of the structure, surrounded by a large colonnade, still used for various types of events.
Other Churches
In addition to the Cathedral and San Paterniano, Fano is home to many other churches that are worth a visit. From the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ponte, located a few meters from the mouth of the Metauro, to that of Santa Maria Nuova, passing through the Church of San Pietro in Valle and many other prestigious religious buildings scattered throughout the city.
Not only sea, also history and art
With a vast offer, able to cover the most diverse interests, Fano is the ideal destination for a peaceful and pleasant holiday, in which to wander between nature and history. A journey that starts from Ancient Rome and winds through crucial periods, such as that of the Malatestas, and maritime traditions handed down from generation to generation, for a holiday to remember.
