It is the
Ancona Cathedral, consecrated to the town's patron saint, Saint Cyriacus. A medieval building of great value where Byzantine style perfectly blends with the Romanesque one. The Cathedral rises on top of the Guasco hill overlooking the whole gulf and harbour of Ancona.
The Cathedral was built over the ancient Acropolis, it is believed it lays exactly over the rests of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite. The first building - a paleochristian basilica consecrated to St Lorence - dates back to the 7th century then the architecture changed in time to finally assume the present style when it was consecrated to St Ciriaco, between the 13th and the 14th century.
The Cathedral treasures a Madonna painting which is very dear to locals since, according to tradition, it was the protagonist of a miraculous event on the 25th of June 1796. The icon would suddenly animate, the Madonna would smile and open her eyes to a group of faithful gathered for the evening pray.
Next to the Cathedral, inside the Old Episcopio Palace there is the
Diocesan Museum, admittance is free of charge, check the opening time on
www.museodiocesanoancona.it .
More info:
Ancona Tourist Information Office (IAT Ancona)
Via Gramsci, 2A
Tel: (+39) 320 0196321
Marche Tourist Information Office (IAT Marche)
Toll free number 800 222 111
Ancona City Council (Tourist Department)
Via Podesti, 21 – 60121 ANCONA
Tel +39 071 222 5065 / 5066 / 5067