Rediscovered in the 19th century and partially brought to light in 1972, the Roman Amphitheatre is, together with the Arch of Trajan, one of the most significant Roman sites in the city of Ancona. It is located between Guasco Hill and Cappuccini Hill approximately 40m above sea level, almost overlooking the sea. For centuries, even after the fall of the Roman empire, it was a focal point of the city and an important junction near all the most important places in Ancona.
Yet despite its importance, it was forgotten and, as is often the case, the building was altered. And so the amphitheatre became a site rich in historical overlaps: along the southern wall (which has been well-preserved) are houses, which were built at during the Medieval period and then restructured later on; in the northern sector is the Church of San Bartolomeo (now the Church of San Gregorio Illuminatore). It was attached to a convent until 1972, which was demolished to make room for the rest of the amphitheatre. Towards the east are the cliffs dropping down to the sea and nearby, moving up Cappuccini Hill, is Cardeto Park, where you can see the old lighthouse on the hill’s highest peak.
This hill affords a magnificent view of the amphitheatre, over the Church of San Gregorio Illuminatore and many more of the most famous buildings in Ancona, including Ancona Cathedral and the Church of Santi Pellegrino e Teresa. You can also see the sea, both the gulf and the city and the open sea to the east.
Marche Film Commission — Fondazione Marche Cultura
Piazza Cavour 23 — 60121 Ancona
Phone: +39 071 9951 623/624/625
Email: silvia.pincini@fondazionemarchecultura.it
