Falconara Marittima: History, Art and FalComics

Falconara Marittima offers several distinct reasons to visit: historic castles and churches, contemporary art, a zoo and the recurring FalComics festival. If you’re looking for a hotel, the purpose of your trip may be the deciding factor: would you like to explore local history, include art, see animals or plan your stay around a festival? The following topics will help you identify the highlights.

Castles and local history

According to tradition, the Castello di Falconara Alta was built in several phases by the Counts Cortesi between the 11th and 12th centuries. From the castle, the view stretches from the Apennines to the sea; musical and theatrical performances are also associated with the castle. If a performance is the deciding factor for your trip, check the date of the event.

The Castello di Castelferretti still retains its square layout and defensive walls. Four towers, battlements, a drawbridge and a courtyard have also been preserved. An accessible tour is available for people with motor disabilities. The Ferretti family ruled the Castelferretti area from the 13th century until well into the 18th century. Taken together, the layout, towers, battlements and drawbridge illustrate the castle’s defensive architecture.

Church, art and historic names

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Misericordia was built between 1450 and 1455 and is part of a valuable fresco cycle in the cemetery chapel of Castelferretti. This links the church to a specific art-historical subject that extends beyond its date of construction.

The Centro Cultura Piero Pergoli permanently displays works by Valerio Trubbiani relating to Giacomo Leopardi, as well as sinopie from the frescoes of Santa Maria della Misericordia. Sinopie are preparatory drawings for frescoes; here, they relate to the frescoes in the aforementioned church. CART is a permanent documentation center for contemporary art in Palazzo Pergoli in Falconara Marittima. The two subjects offer different perspectives, from artworks and preparatory fresco drawings to contemporary art.

The name Rocca Priora also has a historical connection: the place has been known as “Rocca di Fiumesino” since the early Middle Ages. According to a historian, Rocca Priora was built at the mouth of the Esino River on its left bank to protect Falconara’s borders from attacks from Ancona.

Zoo and festival

At Parco Zoo Falconara, visitors can see around 200 animals from 40 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

FalComics is a recurring festival of comics and pop culture in the center of Falconara Marittima. If FalComics is the reason for your trip, check the dates of that year’s edition before planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bettolelle, Monsano, Poggio San Marcello, Precicchie, Scapezzano, Moie, Mergo, Villa Romana

For the broader travel overview: Ancona.