Amid the very modern hustle and bustle of Ancona’s port, discover a triumphal arch that dates back to ancient Roman times.
For nearly 2,000 years, Arco di Traiano has greeted sailors arriving in Ancona’s port. Today, discover this historic monument presiding over the thoroughly modern makings of the coastal city.
Trajan, who served as the Roman Emperor from A.D. 98 to 117, had a strong interest in Ancona. He played an active role in the city’s expansion, most notably enlarging its port. To show their gratitude, the town’s citizens erected Arco di Traiano at the beginning of the 2nd century. Gaze up at this structure that is now nearly 2,000 years old.
Note how remarkably well Arco di Traiano has stood the test of time. The stately arch was designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, one of Trajan’s favorite architects. It is constructed entirely from marble, which was shipped in from the quarries on Marmara Island.
You cannot miss Arco di Traiano. Standing over 45 feet (14 meters) tall atop a podium, it dwarfs its surroundings. Admire the ornately fluted Corinthian columns, raised on pedestals, that flank the single archway. You may note that the arch resembles the Arch of Titus in Rome, which it was modeled after.
Check out the inscriptions on the arch, which praise Trajan and his contributions to Ancona. The inscriptions are still legible to this day. Originally, they were gilt in bronze, but the gilding was plundered by the Saracens in 848. The Saracens also took statues of Trajan on horseback, accompanied by his wife and sister, that once stood atop the arch.
Although Arco di Traiano sits where Ancona meets the Adriatic Sea, it is still within easy walking distance of most of the city’s other major sights. Within minutes, reach Ancona Cathedral, Piazza del Plebiscito and more.
Find Arco di Traiano inside the port of Ancona, near the north pier. Access is free and the site is open to all. The arch is lit up at night, making it a beautiful place to watch the stars come out after you enjoy the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
