Senigallia: A Long Weekend Trip

Senigallia, why?  That was my reaction 5 years ago when I heard my sister-in-law was going to Senigallia because I thought it was Senegal.  I admit I was that ignorant! So where is Senigallia?

Visualizzazione ingrandita della mappa

Senigallia is a seaside town in the Marche region.  It’s about a 3 hours drive from Rome and passing through the beautiful Abruzzo region (depends which route you take).

During the weekend before Ferragosto, we decided to join my sister-in-law as they have their summer home there.  I have been to Senigallia before and naturally,I was more excited about seeing my nieces than the town. However, this time around, I discovered a little bit more about its history.

Learning More About Senigallia

Initially, I went to several bookstores to see if they had a book on the history of Senigallia but they only had one book on Senigallia in Medieval times in Italian.  That’s a no-no for me.  We even asked a newspaper vendor and he said they don’t even have a guide of Senigallia in Italian (being sarcastic of course).

As I was about to lose hope, we saw there was tourist information office.  It was past 6pm and we thought it would be closed.  Fortunately, they were still open and guess what – they had brochures on Senigallia.  Very nice ones too with a lot of interesting information.

For your reference, the tourist information office is on Via Manni and you can reach them on +39 071 6629328 or via email infosenigallia@comune.senigallia.an.it

While most people come to Senigallia in summer for the beach, there are also a few interesting places to visit. And people do flock here in summer! We tried finding a hotel and there were no rooms available.  It’s true that it was the weekend before Ferragosto but no rooms?

In my opinion, the water is not as clear as in Positano but they have more activities such as beach volley and something similar to mini-tennis to keep you busy.

Places of Interest in Senigallia

Getting back on track, let me share some places of interest in Senigallia and if you want more information, the Senigallia Town Council has a very informative website in English.

The history of the places I share is a summary of the information that is sourced from their brochure and website.  I also share with you my thoughts of these places.

Rocca Roveresca

The Rocca is named about Duke Giovanni Della Rovere who was the first to govern the town.

This is massive structure for a relatively small town. It has not only been the town’s stronghold but also headquarters of an important artillery school, prison, hospital and finally orphanage. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Towers and bastions have been added to the original fortress over the ages up to 1478 when the present structure was designed by to architects Baccio Pontelli and Luciano Laurana.

There was an exhibition held here when we were there but unfortunately, we got there, just when they were about to close. The fees were minimal and here is a website that lists the calendar of events and exhibitions at Rocca Roveresca.

Piazza del Duca

Basically in front of Rocca Roveresca is Piazza del Duca.  This is a place where people hang out in the evenings for an aperitif or just chill after a day at the beach. In this piazza there is a fountain called Fontane Delle Anatre built in 1599 (Fountain of the Ducks) and initially, I only saw the ducks.

However, when I read the guide, it was also mentioned that this was called the Fountain of the Lions. I was thinking where are the lions? Can you spot the lions? Hint: There is a lady on one of the lions! So I guess it’s called the Fountains of Ducks and Lions!!

Palazzo del Duca

This Palazzo was commissioned in the mid-16th century for political economic reasons.  It is situated in front of the Rocca with the aim of welcoming the Ducal court guests during their visits to Senigallia.

The palace was not adequate as a permanent residence considering the constant passage of troops but it was perfect for short stays for foreign ambassadors who could enjoy the overall exceptional view and facing the square below, bear witness  to the spectacular military training.

From the windows guests could sense the frightful military power!

It was closed when we passed by here early in the evening but was opened later at night.  There was a photography exhibition which was interesting but the painted ceilings were outstanding.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me to take pictures so you have to visit this palace to see it for yourself.

Foro Annonario

This was probably my favorite place because in the morning, there is a something similar to a farmer’s market and at night, since it is now occupied by restaurants, ice cream, shops, and cafes, it’s full of energy!

As you can see, it is a circular piazza highlighted by it’s clay roof-tiles and brickwork columns supporting the arcade, housing the daily market and ancient fish market.  The Foro faces the River Misa, as if to welcome both land and sea products.

Portici Ercolani

The Portici Ercolani arcade runs along the right bank of River Misa. Houses as well as shops alternate under the 126 arches built in Istrian stone in the mid-18th century by Cardinal Giuseppe Ercolani.  Their purpose was to house the increasingly famous fair of Senigallia.

During the 18th century when the fair was at the height of its splendour, being the most imporant of the Adriatic Papal States, there were more than 100 ships moored along the river canal.

Look at this photo of the Portici Ercolani.

Look at it today.  Do you notice anything different?  The earthquake of the 1930 decapitated the top floor!

Aside from these main places to visit in Senigallia, you can take a nice stroll along Corso 2 Giugno which is lined with a lot of shops or sit down at a cafe at Piazza Roma and enjoy the laid back atmosphere of this town. Senigallia is a small town which has a lot of character!

In a future post, I will share with you one of my favorite restaurants there.  It’s very unique and a must-visit if you are in Senigallia.

Again, if you want to know more about Senigallia, please visit their website.

Source : Senigallia Tourism

Photos: Diana