Luggage Storage Ancona

More about Ancona

About Ancona

Located 170 miles northeast of Rome, Ancona doesn't show up in most tourist itineraries of Italy. However, it is the capital of the Marche region and is one of the most important ports on Italy's Adriatic coast. As such, the history of this town goes back a long way.

The city was first founded by Greek settlers back in 387 BC. They used Ancona’s natural harbor as a trading post and manufactured a famous purple dye here. However, with the growing power of Rome reaching northward, Ancona became a Roman settlement around the 2nd century BC. Ancona's port grew in importance as the Roman Empire grew, and it became an important sea link to the province of Dalmatia, which is now Croatia.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Ancona became occupied by the Byzantines. By the medieval period, though, Ancona had become its own independent republic. It retained its independence until 1532 when it became part of the papal states.

In 1860, Ancona became part of the new Kingdom of Italy. During the First World War, the port was bombarded by Austro-Hungarian battleships. During the Second World War, the important port was captured by Polish troops and used to supply troops advancing through Italy.

Ancona still retains its importance as a commercial port. But in recent decades, it has opened up to tourism and is a regular stop for Adriatic cruise ships. Tourism and shipping remain the driving factors of the economy of the town.

Things to do in Ancona

Ancona may not be as well-known as other Italian cities, but that doesn't mean it's short on attractions. Like just about anywhere in Italy, you'll find excellent food and fascinating historic buildings here. You'll also find stunning coastal scenery and some unusual places to visit.

• Start your exploration in the heart of the city at San Ciriaco Cathedral. Located on the site of a former temple to Aphrodite, the current Cathedral dates back to 1017, although it has been extensively modified since then. The multiple phases of construction of this ancient building tell the story of Ancona's shifting fortunes through time.

• See the economic engine of the town at Ancona Harbor. Just across the street from the center of town, the port of Ancona is a busy place. While much of it is still devoted to commercial shipping, you'll also find plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, and it's a great place to stroll and enjoy the ocean views.

• Explore ancient tunnels beneath the city at Ancona Underground. Thought to date back to the 15th century, this huge network of tunnels was built to bring fresh water into Ancona. Now, guided tours take you through the maze beneath the city and explain this medieval engineering project's history.

• Enjoy sun and sand at Passetto Beach and Caves. This is the main beach within the city of Ancona, but it's a great place to enjoy the startlingly clear water of the Adriatic. Plus, the caves are fun to explore and make for great photo opportunities.

• Feel your way through Italy's only Tactile Museum. Designed to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the blind, this museum actively encourages you to touch and feel its artwork. It's a unique and thought-provoking place that gives you a new perspective on art.

Transit options in Ancona

• Ancona has its own small airport that flies to the UK, Germany, and Belgium. For a large airport, Bologna can be reached by train in around two hours. The even larger airport Milan is about three and a half hours away by high-speed train.

• Ancona's ferry terminal connects the city with other ports throughout Croatia and Greece. The line to Split in Croatia is especially popular.

• Within the city, you can get around by trolley bus. The previous two lines, 1 and 4, have since been amalgamated into a single route. However, the route connects many of the major sites in the city.

Luggage storage in Ancona

Ancona is a relatively small city, making it perfect to explore on foot. Part of the charm of this coastal town is taking in the atmosphere of the lively streets and piazzas and seeing what you can discover for yourself.

Make things easier on yourself by dropping off heavy bags at a luggage storage locker in Ancona. Bounce can help you find a place to store any size of bags for as long as you need so you can see everything this underrated town has to offer.

Activities and attractions near Ancona

• Portonovo Bay: A short drive from Ancona, you'll find yourself in a place that feels a million miles away. Portonovo Bay is known for its dazzling blue water and stunning cliffs surrounding the beach. It's a perfect place to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the rays of the sun on the pebble beach. The astounding clarity of the water makes this bay a must-visit for any nature lovers. Leave your extra bags at a luggage storage shop in Ancona before you visit so you can make the most of a beach day.

• Monte Conero: See more of Marche’s stunning Adriatic coastline at Monte Conero. This 1800 foot mountain is the highest point for miles around and offers unsurpassed views over the bright Adriatic Sea. Part of a state park, the mountain and the area surrounding it are full of hiking trails and unspoiled beaches where you can get in touch with the wild side of Italy.

• Altavilla Fort: Step back in time at Altavilla Fort. Built shortly after the unification of Italy to protect Ancona's port, this impressive fort remains in great condition with its cannons pointing out over the city. The view from the walls is impressive, and if you visit around Christmas, you'll also get to see the living nativity scene that takes place every year. It's not a great place to lug bulky bags, so make sure you leave them at an Ancona luggage storage shop before you make the journey to the Fort.