My husband and I will be in Italy this April and have one night between Venice and Ascoli Piceno. We were thinking of stopping in either Bologna or Ancona. Can anyone tell me which they prefer? Couple of things- we are not real foodies (I'm a vegetarian) and we appreciate history more than anything. We would also consider any other recommendations but we will not have a car and would prefer to stay close to train routes. We know one night isn't enough to appreciate either city fully but would love your opinions.
Have you considered stopping in Ravenna? By train, it would require a change in Ferrara, but you would still get to Ravenna in time to enjoy some of the city if you left Venice early. It has much more to offer than Ancona and is more manageable than Bologna.
Posts: 303 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 24 April 2003
Ravenna, once capital of the Roman Empire and later a Byzantine center, is known for its awe-inspiring mosaics. Early Christian (5th, 6th century) monuments such as the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleo di Galla Placida, and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo are glittering examples of this. The town itself is very pleasant and pedestrian-friendly. It is possible to walk between most of the important sites. Exception: Sant' Apollinare in Classe, which is just out of town, but reachable by bus.
Posts: 303 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 24 April 2003
Originally posted by JeanneM: Ravenna, once capital of the Roman Empire and later a Byzantine center, is known for its awe-inspiring mosaics. Early Christian (5th, 6th century) monuments such as the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleo di Galla Placida, and the Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo are glittering examples of this. The town itself is very pleasant and pedestrian-friendly. It is possible to walk between most of the important sites. Exception: Sant' Apollinare in Classe, which is just out of town, but reachable by bus.
Highly recommend Ravenna! Short of going to Istanbul, the Byzantine mosaics really are awe-inspiring! Agree that it is a lovely walking town too! Ancona doesn't have much to offer in comparison. Ravenna is a great suggestion :-)
Ravenna ... have heard from everybody it is really beautiful, but I have not been there.
Have been in Bologno and Ancona, but do absolutely prefer Bologna. I like the city a lot, nive to walk around in, lot's to see. Ancona is much smaller and did not strike me as very friendly. Many take the ferry from Ancona.
We enjoyed a 24-hour stop in Rimini ... seaside resort, harbour, Roman bridge, old town with excellent art gallery (an unforgettable Bellini) and one of the great renaissance churches (complete with great Piero della Francesca fresco).
Posts: 962 | Location: West Sussex, England | Registered: 08 February 2007
We have also been to both cities and Bologna has far more attractions. I believe Ancona was bombed during the Second World War, although the historic docks area survived and is worth a look.
Further south than Ancona is Civitanova Marche, known for its fashionable shops and classy seafront. Many IC and regional train services stop here on the way south, but it might be a bit close to AP for your liking.
We have been to all three, and would recommend Bologna first (it has many interesting things), then Ravenna (it has mosaics). But it would depend on what you like, or what you're willing to settle for.
Posts: 401 | Location: Northern VA | Registered: 13 October 2004
I have not been to Ancona, mostly because my understanding is that much of the area was bombed during WWII as pjdscott mentions.
I have been to Bologna many, many times and I absolutely love it. I also love Ravenna for different reasons. I think Ravenna is a great suggestion since you will only have one night. I think Bologna can be difficult to wrap your head around for such a short visit. I also think Ravenna will certainly address your shared interest in history.
And Ascoli Piceno? Ever since our first visit in 2001 or '02, it was my idea of the perfect small Italian city.
You're going to *love* Ascoli Piceno! If you haven't already seen my travel guide, you may want to check it out. If you have questions about the area, let me know.
Ravenna is a good choice. Ancona is more of an industrial town without too much of interest for the traveler. The nearby Conero coast is gorgeous, however. It's the "in" spot for Italian glitterati. Inland towns like Jesi, Tolentino, and Recanati are charming. (For future reference! )
Bologna without any doubt. As alternative stops I would suggest Ferrara or Ravenna which are in smaller but in my opinion also more interesting than Bologna
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