Piazza del Plebiscito, built in the 15th century, is the oldest urban piazza in Ancona. Back in the day it was the main meeting point for citizens, and still serves this purpose to this day.
The distinguishing feature of this piazza is its spectacular appearance, due first and foremost to its narrow and elongated rectangle shape. Accentuating the shape is its layout: indeed, the piazza has two levels. The upper level can be accessed via two side ramps or the steps in the centre. After the steps we leave the Renaissance part of the piazza and enter the 18th-century part. At the end of the piazza, on higher ground, is the neoclassical Church of San Domenico. In the middle of the steps, on the other hand, is the statue of Clement XII, the Pope who gave the city its Frankish port, extending and modernising the existing port with the help of Luigi Vanvitelli, who worked wonders with the Lazzaretto of Ancona, the Clementine Arch and the Church of Jesus.
This is why Piazza del Plebiscito is more commonly known as Piazza del Papa (lit. ‘Pope’s Piazza’). As well as the Church of San Domenico, another significant building looking out over the piazza is Palazzo del Governo with its tower. There are also two fountains: the 15th-century Fonte dei Decapitati, in one corner, and the 19th-century Fontana di Piazza (the Fontana Emiciclica), at the base of the steps. Furthermore, the Museum of the City’s entrance is here, and most of its spaces lie under the piazza.
Marche Film Commission — Fondazione Marche Cultura
Piazza Cavour 23 — 60121 Ancona
Phone: +39 071 9951 623/624/625
Email: silvia.pincini@fondazionemarchecultura.it
