Senigallia: Beach, History and Sea

Senigallia offers several things to consider when choosing a destination: the 13-kilometre Velvet Beach, buildings and museums with different historical connections, and cuisine by the sea. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether your trip will focus mainly on the beach, the city’s history, or both.

Beach and coastal protection

Velvet Beach stretches for 13 kilometres and has very fine, golden-coloured sand. Another aspect of the coastal landscape is the dunes of Senigallia: they are fenced off to prevent the removal of sand and plants. The beach and dunes therefore highlight different things: the nature of the sand on the one hand, and the protection of sand and plants on the other.

Portici Ercolani and weekly market

The Portici Ercolani were designed in the mid-18th century by Giuseppe Ercolani on behalf of Pope Benedict XIV. They were intended to host the annual Fiera Franca. Today, a weekly market is held beneath the porticoes every Thursday morning. If you want to plan a visit to the market, check the current date before your trip.

Buildings and city history

The defensive structures of the Rocca Roveresca span a long period of history: from the Roman founding of Senigallia, through medieval fortifications, to the fortress of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, built in 1450. The Rotonda a Mare offers a different architectural note. It was inaugurated on 18 July 1933 and is a harmonious example of seaside resort architecture.

The Teatro La Fenice also represents continuity: it is Senigallia’s historic city theatre and stands on the same site as the former Teatro La Fenice and the previous city theatre. The Foro Annonario adds a specific design date to this architectural history. It was designed in 1834 by Pietro Ghinelli, an architect from Senigallia.

Palazzo Mastai and Palazzetto Baviera

Palazzo Mastai – Museo Pio IX combines a biographical connection with museum exhibits. Giovanni Maria, the future Pope Pius IX, was born in the house on 13 May 1792. The rooms on the first floor house a museum with significant mementos from his life. The reception hall also contains a cycle of 20 biblical paintings by Giovanni Anastasi, a painter from Senigallia. The birthplace, mementos and paintings each offer a different insight into the palazzo.

At the Palazzetto Baviera, you can see five rooms with ceilings entirely decorated with stucco by Federico Brandani. The subjects range from Roman imperial and republican history to the Iliad, Hercules and the Old Testament. Those interested in art and narrative imagery will find a different focus here than at Palazzo Mastai, with its mementos and cycle of paintings.

Archaeology and seasonal tours

At the Area Archeologica La Fenice, you can see the remains of Roman buildings alongside archaeological finds discovered on site. Free guided tours are offered there in summer. If a tour is important to your plans, check the dates in advance.

Cuisine by the sea

Senigallia’s seaside cuisine includes grilled sardines, fried fish, brodetto, mussels, clams and sea snails. This selection adds a culinary perspective to the cultural and coastal themes. When planning your trip, you can also consider whether the local seafood cuisine will be part of your plans alongside the beach or the city’s history.

Discover more destinations: Montesicuro, Castelfidardo, Maiolati Spontini, Montecarotto, Serra Deʼ Conti, San Sabino, Rocca Priora, Corinaldo.

For the broader travel overview: Ancona.