The little Church, the De Bosis Tower, the Napoleonic Fortress, the ponds. History and wildlife in Portonovo bay.
Portonovo Bay is not only beachlife, sun, good food and relaxation. Art, history, nature and tradition blend togheter to create an unforgettable experience, in the enchanting setting of the Conero Park.
The church of Santa Maria in Portonovo
The church of Santa Maria in Portonovo stands in a charming spot on the Marche coast. The building rises almost precipitously from the sea and is illuminated with its white stone walls contrasting brilliantly against the turquoise of the Adriatic and the deep green Mediterranean pines that surround it, a perfect balance between man and nature.
The church of Santa Maria is a fascinating combination of classic Romanesque architecture. It is known that the origins of this holy site go back to the first half of the XI century when was erected also a Benedictine monastery.
Around 1500 during an invasion by the Turks the monastery was razed to the ground but the church miraculously stood firm due to its strong Conero stone walls. At first sight the style of the church seems have an oriental influence, given the plan of the structure - a Greek cross with a dome that overtops the transept. In 1988 the Regional Department of the Environment and Architectural Heritage of the Marche undertook a project for the scientific and preservative restoration of the church.
The church was restored in the 80s and public access is granted on designated days and times during the year:
Visiting times 2021:
Timetable
The Watchtower (De Bosis Tower)
The Watchtower, called Torre De Bosis, is one of the most distinguished properties of the Portonovo Bay. Built in 1716 by Pope Clement XI Albani, as defensive garrison in the period of the Spanish Succession, was purchased at the end of the nineteenth century by the poet Adolfo De Bosis and later on became the summer residence of his son Lauro. Today it is the seat of a cultural association.
The Napoleonic Fort
The Napoleonic Fort is located in the north of the Portonovo Bay, near the ancient port in the Bay. Built in 1810 by order of Napoleon, was intended to apply the continental blockade against the British, but also to protect the city of Ancona, strategically very important. The fort, fully restored in the '60s, is now home to the
Hotel Fortino Napoleonico, one of the hotel facilities in Portonovo Bay.
The Lago Grande (Big Lake) and the Lago Profondo (Deep Lake): wildlife and birdwatching
Particularly interesting are the small lakes we found near the pier and along the road leading to the Church of St. Mary of Portonovo - two brackish ponds named Lago Grande and Lago Profondo, offering steady shelter to some nonmigratory birds like coots and swamp chickens or occasional one to migrant flocks of grebes and herons. Birdwatching lovers will not be disappointed by these typical ponds.
Church of St. Lucia and Arts and Crafts Museum
The church of St Lucia is located in the hamlet of Poggio nearby Ancona, just above the Portonovo bay. Retaining its medieval origins, it is now home to a collection of objects that tell the rural life and the traditions of the surrounding area.
Afternoon visit on reservation by calling Ms. Rosaria at +39 335 5415106.