Fano: Roman Heritage and Maritime Culture

Fano can be explored from two different perspectives: its Roman history and its maritime traditions. The historic center is easy to explore on foot, with short distances between the squares. There is also a guided tour, sailing courses and local specialties. When planning your stay, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Roman History at the Arch of Augustus

At the point where the Via Flaminia crossed the city’s Decumanus Maximus, the Arch of Augustus was built in 9 AD as the main gate to ancient Fano. The arch thus connects two specific aspects of the city’s Roman history: the Via Flaminia and the Decumanus Maximus.

The Museo della Via Flaminia is next to the Arch of Augustus and offers an immersive introduction to Fano’s archaeological heritage. Original digital content and sophisticated technical equipment are part of its concept. These include touchscreen stations and a large-scale depiction of Roman monuments. The museum thus complements the arch’s historical significance with a digital exploration of Roman Fano and the Via Flaminia area.

Explore the Historic Center on Foot

The short distances between the squares are a useful guide when planning to explore the historic center on foot. The city’s architectural history also offers different perspectives on Fano: the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary was rebuilt in 1140 after a fire destroyed its predecessor. The Nolfi Chapel was frescoed between 1618 and 1619 by Domenico Zampieri, known as Domenichino. The former Church of San Francesco is an open-air monument in the historic center. The rebuilding, frescoes and designation as an open-air monument illustrate different aspects of the city’s history.

Guided Tours and Visitor Experiences

A municipal visitor program dated January 29, 2026, lists the guided tour “Alla scoperta di Vitruvio” to the Basilica di Vitruvio at Piazza Andrea Costa. The tour connects the basilica with several of the city’s important archaeological sites and starts at the Museo del Palazzo Malatestiano. The experience thus brings together several archaeological sites in Fano on a guided tour.

DIDAMAR offers a separate tour for children in addition to the tour for adults, as well as hands-on activities during the visit. For anyone looking to include different types of visitor experiences in their travel plans, this is another specific option alongside the archaeological tour.

Maritime Traditions: Sailing and Local Specialties

The Club Nautico Fanese G. Viviani offers sailing courses in Fano, led by instructors qualified by the Federazione Italiana Vela. Course times may vary, so if you plan to go sailing, it is best to check the schedule in advance.

Local cuisine also reflects the maritime tradition. Brodetto alla fanese is a traditional fish dish from Adriatic seafaring cuisine and a typical specialty of Fano. Moretta fanese is a drink made with coffee, rum, anise and cognac. It originated among the sailors and fishermen of the port of Fano. The two specialties represent different culinary aspects of this tradition: a fish dish and a drink associated with the port.

When looking for hotels in Fano, you can decide what to focus on during your stay: archaeological sites and buildings reflect the city’s Roman and later history, while sailing courses and local specialties give more prominence to its maritime side. The guided Vitruvio tour also offers a visit centered on the basilica and other archaeological sites.

For the wider travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.