Ancona has had no fewer than three different town halls throughout its history. Some of the historic buildings that the city has are now being used as museums or exhibition spaces.
Historic Buildings Ancona
Loggia dei Mercanti
The Loggia dei Mercanti is a historic building in Ancona. It is here that the merchants displayed their wares and came to agreements. Today it is a cultural center. Pellegrino Tibaldi was responsible for most of the paintings.
Palazzo degli Anziani
The Palazzo degli Anziani (“Palace of the Elders”) is a historic building in Ancona and the present town hall of the city. It dates back to the 13th century. The spacious halls of the palace first housed the Pinacoteca Civile and then the Faculty of Economics and Commerce.
Palazzo Bosdari
The Palazzo Bosdari is a historic building in the oldest district of the city. Today it is the seat of a pinacotheque with a modern art gallery. It was built in the Middle Ages and restored in 1560, probably by Pellegrino Tibaldi.
Palazzo Ferretti
Palazzo Ferretti is a historic building in Ancona and also the seat of the city’s Archaeological Museum. It is named after the commissioner for its construction and designed by Pellegrino Tibaldi, who is ubiquitous in the city (with some help from Vanvitelli).
Palazzo del Senato
The Palazzo del Senato stands opposite the Palazzo Ferretti. It was the first town hall of the city and stands in the square of the same name. It is also called the Palazzo dei Pilastri (“Palace of the Pillars”). It was built in the 13th century on the site of the former Roman Forum of Ancona.
Palazzo del Governo
The Palazzo del Governo is one of three buildings in Ancona that have served as the city’s town hall over the centuries. It was built in the 15th century. After the Second World War it had to be restored. The bell tower dates back to the 16th century.
Teatro delle Muse
The Teatro delle Muse is a 19th century opera house. After being closed for more than 50 years, it reopened in 2002. Of the original neo-classical style building, actually only the façade, with six columns, remains.