SENIGALLIA
The sea and local culture
Some holiday resorts offer nature trails, others historical celebrities or even invent incredible shows.
The great thing about Senigallia is that it does not have to promote one single element to be remembered or to rely on tourist potential.
It is like a meal that is so rich and nourishing that it would be impossible to pin point it to one single ingredient.
Of course, you can talk about the beautiful coastline, the lovely beach and the clean sea. However stopping there would not do justice to the other features of our town, which are not less attractive or stunning.
It would mean forgetting the splendour of our piazzas and monuments , the innate hospitality of our people, the wealth of the museums and the excellent cooking .
In other words , it would mean not fully recognizing the quality of life, in the shadow of the Rotonda, which is actually the most important aspect of a holiday made in Senigallia.
So, if we do really have to advise tourists who choose to spend their holidays on the velvet beach , we would recommend to allow plenty of time.
Because a holiday in Senigallia needs to be savoured leisurely, with the people you love most and allowing yourself to be wrapped in soft colours, just like a walk on the seafront at sunset.
Then you can really say “ What a wonderful holiday ”
Welcome to “ MARCHEshire ”! …Tuscany’s Italian Twin sister
Starting on from Senigallia, the heart of Marche-shire, you will discover our treasures from an enchanting territory with his picturesque landscape; with the blonde “ Velvet Beaches ”; with historical architecture of hamlets and castles; with fine and precious arts; with excellent wine cellars and factories with wholesome products, typical savoury slow food - and last but not least with his world known fashion label “ Made in Italy ”.
Many fascinating thematic itineraries wind out from Senigallia , and only in a few minutes you reach famous towns like Urbino , native country of Italian Renaissance and also Raffaello’s ; Ascoli Piceno , the “Stone Town” with his hundred bell-towers; Gubbio and Assisi , San Francisco’s native land and his ecumenism. You can discover less famous and chaotic unknown Middle Age centres or Renaissance ones, all with important historical and artistic value.
Gallery
THE FORTRESS “ROCCA ROVERESCA”
The focal point of the sea defences, the present day fortress is the result of layers of defensive structures built over the centuries The building as we see it today was commissioned by Giovanni Della Rovere engaging the great architects Federico da Montefeltro, Luciano Laurana and Baccio PontelliInfo : Piazza del Duca - Tel. +39 071 63258. Opening Time: Everyday 8.30am / 7.30 pm. Ticket: euro 2,00
Palazzo del Duca
THE DUKE’S RESIDENCE “PALAZZO DEL DUCA”Designed for Duke Guidubaldo II around the mid sixteenth century by Girolamo and Bartolomeo Genga, the building is adorned by its splendid panelled ceilings painted by Taddeo Zuccari
Info : Piazza del Duca - Tel. +39 071 6629350.
Palazzetto Baviera
“PALAZZETTO BAVIERA”Built at the same time as the “Rocca” as commissioned by Giovanni Giacomo Baviera. Inside you can admire beautiful stucco dating back to 1590, work of the famous stucco expert from Urbino, Federico Brandani.
Info : Piazza del Duca - Tel. +39 071 6629350. Closed for restoration works.
Piazza Roma
“PIAZZA ROMA”The piazza is dominated by the sixteenth century Town Hall “Palazzo del Governo” and adorned by the Neptune Fountain, locally known as “Monco in piazza”
Foro Annonario
"FORO ANNONARIO”A harmonious Neoclassic brick structure with a circular perspective, the “Foro Annonario” was built in 1834, designed by the architect Pietro Ghinelli. Historic site of the town’s market, in Summer it becomes the impressive backdrop to concerts and shows
Portici Ercolani
THE ARCADE “PORTICI ERCOLANI”The arcade runs along the right bank of the river Misa, a striking sequence of one hundred and twenty six arches in Istrian stone. They were built to house the many merchants who arrived in town in July , for the famous trade fair named after St. Mary Magdalene.
Chiesa della Croce
“CHIESA DELLA CROCE”The church exterior is of simple late renaissance style, in contrast with its astonishing Baroque interior. The famous “Burial of Christ” by Federico Barocci is housed here.
Info : Via Gherardi - Tel. +39 071 64977.
CHURCH AND CONVENT “SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE”
Just outside town, emerges the convent designed by Baccio Pontelli, as commissioned by Giovanni Della Rovere. The church was finished later, in 1684. Of particular significance inside the church, a splendid work by Perugino, “Madonna e Santi”(The Virgin and Saints) from around 1490.
La Rotonda
“ROTONDA A MARE”, THE PIER The Rotonda has been the symbol of Senigallia as a resort since 1933, the year of its opening. During the summer season it was the elegant meeting place for elite visitors. In July 2006 it was restored to all its original glory, with the addition of an original piece of great contemporary art work by Enzo Cucchi decorating the entrance to the pier.
Info : Piazzale della Libertà - Tel. +39 071 60322. Opening Time: Saturday 5 am / 8 pm, Sunday 10 am / 12 am.
Madonna di Senigallia by Piero Della Francesca
It is a small painting, painted on a walnut background, which came to Senigallia in the final decades of the XV century due to political events of the era.
When in 1474 Pope Sixtus IV granted the vicarage of Senigallia to his nephew, Giovanni Della Rovere, already engaged to Giovanna, Frederick of Montefeltro’s daughter, the painting was probably commissioned for the occasion of his daughter’s wedding in 1478.
For centuries critics have discussed the mystery of this intriguing figure, where Piero della Francesca manages to humanize the divine and make the human figure divine. Nowadays the painting is housed at the Ducal Palace in Urbino.
A DREAM AMID LAND AND SEA
From the 1930s and 40s Senigallia became ever more famous as a tourist resort.
The Rotonda a Mare (circular pier) represents this trend, a famous monument, a true icon shaping the town’s identity and epitomizing its ambitions.
That structure, suspended between the sky, sea and land, was not just a precious jewel attracting tourists, but also it managed to harmonize in the best possible way, the values and tastes of contemporary society.
Like the arcades " Portici Ercolani " and later the market place " Foro Annonario ", they were the ideal backgrounds for trade and commerce. In the same way, the Rotonda became the worldly haunt to show off new leisure fashions, the entertainment and physical fitness cults, loved by a growing mass culture wanting a place in the sun, even if only for a short holiday.
Since then and for several decades, the Rotonda represented many things contemporarily for the local people: a place for meeting and socializing, pleasant entertainment, the town’s symbol of cultural and artistic vitality.
It immediately became an important symbol of the town’s identity, as happens almost by magic, when modern influence manages to capture the roots and deepest feelings of a community.
In 2006 the Rotonda was reopened to the public after restoration and renovation work.
Because of its interesting architectural history and its strategic central position within Marche and Italy, the Rotonda has the chance to play an extremely important cultural role, stimulating potential artists of the area.
This venue is able to match and blend in the same space, entertainment functions, and events promoting tourism in the whole region. It is presented as a venue available to all and not just an elite group, to exhibit original proposals from all areas of contemporary culture.
Senigallia offers a launching pad, for the visual and performance arts, music, and culture in its widest sense by making the most of a location capable of sowing the seeds of talent and attracting artists from all over Italy and abroad.
So, the Rotonda is a precious witness to modern tourism, no longer based on intensive coastal development but rather on the idea of sustainable development undeniably linked to safeguarding the existing cultural and environmental heritage and quality of life.
Museums
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, INFORMATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY
This museum documents the relationship between the word and the image as its name suggests, with a particular emphasis on photography. Not to be missed the Mario Giacomelli Civic Collection, with some important works by the great photographer from Senigallia. Info: Via Pisacane, 84www.musinf-senigallia.it
8.30am - 12.30am / 3.45pm -6.30pm
closed on monday, saturday afternoon, sunday
Free entrance
+39 071/60424 fax +39 .071/60925
artemoderna@musinf-senigallia.it
THE SERGIO ANSELMI HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE MUSEUM
This museum is housed in part of the Convent “Santa Maria delle Grazie”. It traces farming history with much evidence and is one of the most important anthropological museums in Italy.Info: Piazzale delle Grazie 2 ( about 2 km from towm centre)
8.30am - 12.00am Closed on monday
Free entrance
tel. +39 071 7923127 fax +39 071 7927684
“LA FENICE” ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
In 1989, during work on the foundations of the new theatre “La Fenice” important Roman ruins were discovered along with other archaeological finds, now all exhibited in this museum.Info: Viale Leopardi "Teatro La Fenice"
Saturday 4.00pm - 8.00pm, Sunday 10.30am - 12.30am / 4.00p - 8.00 pm
During the week open on request
Free entrance
+ 39 .071.6629348
beni.culturali@comune.senigallia.an.it
THE POPE PIUS IX MUSEUM
The museum exhibits many relics and testimonies of the life of Giovanni Maria Ferretti, who became Pope in 1846 with the name Pope Pius IX and proclaimed Saint in the Jubilee Year 2000. Info: Via Mastai 14
9.00 am- 12.00am / 4.30pm - 6.30
Closed on sunday and bank holiday
Free entrance
+39. 071 60649
www.pionono.it - palazzomastai@pionono.it
DIOCESAN GALLERY OF SACRED ART
The wonderful halls house paintings by Federico Barocci, Andrea Lilli, Giovanni Andrea Donducci, Ercole Ramazzani, Camilla Guerrieri, Palma il Giovane, Giovanni Anastasi and other important art works from the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries.Info: Piazza Garibaldi 3
open on request
Free entrance
+39 071 65758 - +39 071 60498
diocesi@senigallia.chiesacattolica.it
THE ROSELLINI FOUNDATION
(…)we do not refer to popular literature to find sought after quotes, we consult it to find relief from the style pursued.Robert Barnard
A talent to deceive
The "Rosellini Foundation for popular literature" originates from its founder's private collection, who began, about thirty years ago, the patient and assiduous research of those volumes and copies of popular literature that today make up a unique and irreplaceable bibliographical heritage. The heart's desire of every collector is to make his collection independent so that it can continue beyond its natural lifespan. The most intelligent and far sighted wish, that the material so painstakingly assembled may become a treasure, accessible to everybody.
The basic idea of the Rosellini Foundation, was to find a home for all that literature, which defined by the critics, was not considered worthy of being kept as official literature.
Info : Viale Bonopera, 21
Open on request
Free entrance
+39 071 63144 / +39 071 7928350
info@fondazionerosellini.it - www.fondazionerosellini.it
The Region
the Duke's territory
In these years, there have been many cultural initiatives in this direction: from art exhibitions showing the goldsmith’s craft as inspired by the great historic tradition of the Della Rovere Dukes, to Renaissance Banquets and the publication of relative tourist guides.
Following an itinerary within the ancient Duchy of Urbino provides a unique opportunity, considering the national panorama, to visit many important centres, already capital cities of their territory, representing a kind of ideal city as conceived by the eight Montefeltro and Della Rovere Dukes , who had governed the land over time.
From the Apennines to the Adriatic sea, visiting the Duke’s Territory consents an extraordinary trip through history: from pre-historic times up to the present day in a stream of overwhelming emotions and impressions.
There are many moments to capture, immersed in unspoilt nature, characterized by the beautiful valleys of the rivers Foglia, Metauro, Cesano and Misa, and the land marked by man’s labour. There are towns still intact, rich in monuments and history, surrounded by a patchwork of cultivated countryside, offering genuine, local products, full of flavours of old.
The land is today , as it was then, just right to promote a new humanism , restoring the natural rhythms of a life time .
Among villages and castle towns
If you really want to appreciate the territory around Senigallia, we recommend a visit to the nearby hills and the little walled towns of the Misa and Nevola valleys. Take the main highway towards Pesaro. After Cesano, at the roundabout near the shopping centre, follow the signs for Monterado.
Monterado is the first stop, just a few kilometres away, on a hilltop. Visit the pine wood, and the seventeenth century stately building in the centre of town. Leave Monterado, and go towards Castel Colonna. On the left hand side you can admire the Adriatic coast from Senigallia to Pesaro.
Once you reach Castel Colonna , framed by its old town walls, stop for a breather in a medieval atmosphere, and enjoy the tiny streets and walkways.
Proceed to the next stop, Ripe. The castle embattlements bring to mind the original ancient fortified town.
Return down the valley, to Passo di Ripe and follow signs to Corinaldo. Only 5km away, on the right, a steep climb and you can admire the spectacular fortified walls of Corinaldo, probably the best kept of the whole region. In the Summer, many tourists, spending their holidays on the “velvet beach”, come for a pleasant evening walk in the old town centre. Before leaving Corinaldo, visit the birth place of Santa Maria Goretti.
The next stop is Castelleone di Suasa . On your right hand side is the valley of the river Cesano, which goes as far as Monte Catria. Before you reach the town, go and visit the archaeological site, of the ancient city of Suasa.
After Castelleone di Suasa, follow signs for Arcevia. On the way we recommend to visit Nidastore, Loretello, San Pietro and Palazzo and after many slopes and steep climbs you finally reach Arcevia, the invincible “Rocca Contrada”. Visit San Medardo Church with precious works by Luca Signorelli, Giovanni della Robbia and Ercole Ramazzani, then visit the Leopardi Gardens at the top end of the old town centre, with a spectacular view from the sea to the Apennines.
We are half way on our itinerary , now heading back towards Senigallia.
After a steep descent we recommend a trip to Avacelli, then coming back onto the main road SS360: the next stop is Piticchio, without a doubt the best kept of the castle towns of Arcevia.
Leaving Piticchio, follow signs for Serra de’ Conti . When you get there, park your car outside the old town walls and go for a relaxing walk around the alleys and narrow streets of the old town centre.
If you are interested in Verdicchio (local wine) vineyards, go up to Montecarotto (less than 4 kilometres from Serra de’ Conti), from here you can admire the blue of the Adriatic in the distance, and the green hills of Le Marche.
Next stop Barbara , founded about year 1000, its name is linked to Saint Barbara. Visit the parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with an important painting by Pomarancio.
Just 4 kilometres away is Ostra Vetere, which you can see from far away, silhouetted by its neo gothic bell tower of the Church, Santa Maria di Piazza. The town is built on terraces with streets connected by steps. The ancient archways facing the Misa Valley are of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
From Ostra Vetere , go down onto the main road again, SS360 and continue towards Senigallia, until Casine. Here turn right and take the road to Ostra. Another medieval walled town, in fact, right in the centre, is the fortified civic tower built in the fifteenth and sixteenth century and the San Francesco parish hall, containing important canvases by Ercole Ramazzani.
Senigallia is now really close, but if you still want to savour the charm of these hills, allow yourself another detour to Belvedere Ostrense, enclosed by a Renaissance town wall, and Morro d’Alba , producer of one of the most appreciated wines of the region “Lacrima” named after the town. Morro d’Alba is also enclosed by its old town wall and has exceptional architecture. Not to be missed a walk on “strada della Scarpa”, a covered walkway all round the old town with beautiful views from its pentagonal towers.
Your visit is complete. After the green hills, dive into the blue of the “velvet beach” again!
Useful information
Trenitalia - Call Center - Phone +39 89 20 21Aeroporto “R. Sanzio” Falconara M/ma - Phone +39 071 28271
Rent a car from Ancona Airport:
Avis Tel. 071 52222 - 336 269442
Europcar Tel. 203100 / 9162240 - 335 7189588
Hertz Tel. +39 071 2073798 - +39 071 41314
Maggiore Tel. +39 071 9188805 - +39 071 42624
Sixt Tel. +39 071 2868700 - +39 071 9156017
Autoeuropa Tel. +39 071 9157010
Porto di Ancona - Autorità Portuale di Ancona - Phone +39 071.20.78.91 Fax +39 071.20.78.940
Servizio autobus urbano ed extraurbano - Phone +39 071 7922737
Taxi - Phone +39 071 64946
Bike sharring - Public Relations Office - Phone +39 800 211 537
Free Time
SPORT ACITIVITIES
During your stay in Senigallia you can practice many sports: swimming, sailing, tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball, football, and track athletics. Here is some useful advice: if sailing is your passion, in Spring and throughout Summer, there are 3 sailing clubs Club Nautico, Lega Navale and Associazione Velica, which organize courses for all levels from beginners to experts. Also kitesurf and windsurf courses ara available at Centro Kite Surf Senigallia.
For you will be spoilt for choice, since every bathing establishment has their own pitch and a day does not go by without a beach tournament.
Not to be missed, the international table tennis school , in the Vivere Verde neighbourhood, in the North of Senigallia. You may chance upon a meeting with the ex world champion Massimo Costantini, who could show you a few tricks of the trade!
In recent years, Senigallia has opened a modern swimming pool , which is also open in the Summer. It is not far from the seafront, in the Saline neighbourhood, near the athletics track.
For football and cycling we recommend to get in touch with the local associations.
There is also a good choice of gyms in town, each with its own excellent facilities, so go ahead and enjoy yourselves!
Info
SAILING
Associazione Velica - Lungomare L. Da Vinci, 6 Tel. +39 071 7928085Club Nautico - Via Darsena Banchina di Ponente Tel. +39 071 7929612
Club Nautico - Via Darsena Banchina di Ponente Tel. +39 071 7929612
Lega Navale - Banchina di Ponente Tel. 071 63983 Tel. +39 071 65519
TENNIS
Tennis Centro Sportivo Saline Tel. +39 071 7927007
Tennis Centro Sportivo Vivere Verde Tel. +39 071 7924805
TABLE TENNIS
Centro Olimpico TennisTavolo Via Molinello, 32 Vivere Verde Tel. +39 071 7921719
SWIMMING POOL
Piscina Saline Tel. +39 071 7925383Piscina Molinello 2 Tel. +39 071 7923196
Pista Atletica Saline Tel. +39 071 7927007
ENJOYING TOWN LIFE
Senigallia, as always a town for shopping and pleasure. For important purchases, the best shops are in the old town centre: the high street ‘corso II Giugno’ and in the streets off the high street. On the other hand, if you prefer big shopping centres there are two to choose from ‘Il Mulino’ near the motorway exit and ‘Il Maestrale’, in Cesano on the highway, towards Pesaro. During the Summer there are many shops open along both sides of the seafront, and most shops, both in the centre and along the seafront are open until midnight.For an aperitif or a relaxing time, you can choose from dozens and dozens of bars in Senigallia, most with open air arrangements. Especially along the seafront, both in Winter and in Summer, you can find many bars open till late, with inviting music and up-to-date DJs. After a day on the beach you can spend an unforgettable evening on the beach, organized every evening by many of the bathing establishments.
READING
If you are interested in reading while on holiday in Senigallia, there is nothing better than the town library. On the first floor, above the Foro Annonario, a modern and welcoming structure awaits you, with the entrance in via O. Manni. A large reading room with the possibility to consult thousands of volumes, a newspaper library for you to flick through magazines and daily papers, and a multimedia library available for research on the Internet. The town library has been cleverly renovated by the architect Calmassi, and is worth a visit even if the purpose is not for reading.Info:
Public Library - Via Ottorino Manni Tel. +39 071 6629329
bibl05@comune.senigallia.an.it
Opening time
- monday to sunday
8.30 am 7.00 pm - saturday
8.30 am 12.30 am
Internet Point - Via Perilli, 8 Tel. +39 800211212
infg02@comune.senigallia.an.it
Opening time
- monday 10am -1pm
- tuesday 10am -1pm / 3.30 pm -5.45 pm
- wednesday 10am -1 pm
- thursday 10 am -1pm / 3.30 pm -5.45 pm
- friday 10 am -1 pm
CINEMA
TEATRO LA FENICE Via Battisti Tel. +39 071 7929509ARENA GABBIANO Via Maierini, 2 Tel. +39 071 65375
MULTIPLEX GIOMETTI Via Abbagnano Tel. +39 071 65747
Fairs and Markets
Thursday is market day in Senigallia and the old town centre is livened up by a large market covering piazza Garibaldi, Portici Ercolani, and piazza Simoncelli, with over 100 stalls. On Wednesday mornings there is a small market in Marzocca .
During the Summer sea son, there is an evening market from 4pm to midnight, every night in the Ponte Rosso area (East beach). Another Summer market is held on Monday evenings in via Carducci (town centre) and on Friday mornings in Cesano.
From 8th December until Christmas Eve , every weekend in the afternoons there is a Christmas market under the arches.
However, the most awaited yearly event is the traditional St. Augustine’s Fair , which starts on the evening 27th August and lasts until 30th August. For four days the entire old town centre is invaded by over 500 stalls, where it is possible to shop from morning to late at night. Of special interest, is the organic fair, in Piazza del Duca, an event that has taken place for over twenty years.