The historic center of Fano is one of the richest and best-preserved in the Marche region. Two thousand years of history condensed into just a few hundred meters: Roman monuments, medieval palaces, Renaissance churches, and a harbor that’s still bustling with activity. In this guide, you’ll find everything there is to see and do in the historic center of Fano, along with a handy itinerary so you don’t miss a thing.
The Loft Verdemare, located 6 km from downtown, is the ideal base for exploring the area at your own pace, with private parking always available.
The Arch of Augustus: The Starting Point
Every visit to Fano’s historic center beginsat the Arch of Augustus, built in 9 A.D. to commemorate the completion of the Via Flaminia. It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Italy, a symbol of the city, and a must-see first stop.
The Augustan Walls
Connected to the arch, the Roman walls of Fano can be explored on foot for a considerable distance, offering views of the historic center that are hard to find elsewhere. This route illustrates the scale of the ancient Roman colony of Fanum Fortunae.
XX Settembre Square
The beating heart of the medieval historic center, featuring the Palazzo della Ragione and its 14th-century loggia. The square is a gathering place for the people of Fano, surrounded by historic bars and shops. The Wednesday and Saturday markets bring even more life to the square.
The Cathedral and the churches in the city center
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, just a short walk from Piazza XX Settembre, houses works of art from the medieval and Renaissance periods. Other historic churches in the city center, such as Santa Maria Nuova with its works by Perugino and Giovanni Santi, round out a tour of exceptional sacred art.
The Malatesta Fortress
The fortress of the Malatesta family, lords of Fano in the 14th and 15th centuries, has now been restored and is open to the public. It hosts cultural events and is one of the main venues for Fano Jazz by the Sea. The view of the historic center from the fortress makes the climb worthwhile.
The Civic Museum and the Art Gallery
Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts tell the story of the city. The art gallery houses works by Guercino and Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s father. It is a small museum, but one of surprising quality.
The Historic Harbor
The port of Fano is still an active fishing port, not just a tourist attraction. A stroll among the boats—especially in the morning when the fishermen unload their fresh catch—offers an authentic glimpse of the city. The adjacent fish market is the perfect place to buy fresh fish.
The Fountain of Fortune
A symbol of the city, the fountain in Piazza Costa, featuring a statue of Fortuna, commemorates Fano’s ancient name: Fanum Fortunae, the Temple of Fortuna. A brief but significant stop.
Where to Eat in the Historic Center
Fano’s historic center offers numerous restaurants and trattorias where you can sample Fano-style fish soup (brodetto fanese), mixed fried seafood (frittura di paranza), and spaghetti with clams. The restaurants near the harbor are often the most authentic, with fair prices and the freshest seafood.
How to Plan Your Visit
You can easily explore the historic center on foot in 2–3 hours, following the natural route: the Arch of Augustus, the city walls, Piazza XX Settembre, the Cathedral, the Malatesta Fortress, and the harbor. Park at Loft Verdemare and walk to the center in 10 minutes, or park directly in one of the areas adjacent to the historic center.
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The historic center of Fano is an open-air museum. From Loft Verdemare, you can explore it at your own pace, with parking always available. Book now.