Marche
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

After Trajan expanded the port of Ancona at his own expense, it was decided to honour him with a triumphal arch. Built by the influential architect Apollodorus of Damascus at the beginning of the 2nd century, the impressive arch remains one of the most important monuments of the Roman Empire in the Marche region. And is today one of the symbols of Ancona. It consists of a single archway with three inscriptions on the front. On the top were 6 bronze statues: 3 facing the sea represented the protective deities of navigation; the other 3 depicted Trajan with his wife and sister facing land.

In 1150 the powerful De Griffo family decided to build a castle on top of a hill to become a focal point for the passage of goods and men. Two walls surround it: one encircles the fort, while the other protects the village. In 1920 it was purchased by the Zanvettori family, who undertook the restoration of the entire structure. It was the site of the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, narrated by Dante in his Divine Comedy. The medieval complex is one of Italy’s most impressive and best preserved fortified villages. You can walk on its crenelated walls, cross the drawbridge, and visit the fortress’s interior while also exploring the beautiful village of Gradara.