SIROLO
The Historical Centre
Sirolo is a welcoming tourist resort 20 km south of Ancona standing right in the middle of the Marche coastline. Sitting on the slopes of Monte Conero, with its suggestive landscape, stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and the iconic sea stacks of Due Sorelle beach, the hamlet overlooks the Conero Riviera and the Adriatic Sea.
Strategically located at an altitude of 125 mt above sea level, Sirolo features breathtaking views of the southern Riviera and the charming rolling hills of the inner Marche region.
Among the best-known Italian tourist resorts in terms of environmental, historical, and archaeological heritage, not to mention an outstanding commitment to protecting the natural environment, Sirolo is regarded as “the Adriatic Pearl”.
THE HISTORICAL CENTRE
The historical center retains most of the ancient structure of the castle. Starting from the bell tower (former defense tower) walking along Via Italia visitors can marvel at the medieval urban layout and its ancient noble palaces. The walk continues down the alleys up to the pointed arch (14th century, ancient southern access to the castle) and Torrione (14th-15th century, the only surviving fortalice of the bastion). Dating back to the late medieval period, the Castle walls still extend along the southern side of the hamlet up to Via Grilli. The Sirolo Castle was built around one thousand years ago for defense purposes against barbarian invasions and pirate raids (later it joined the defensive system of the Ancona).
Located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the formerChiesa del S.S. Sacramento (Church of the Holy Sacrament) features a facade with a 16th-century portal surmounted by a low relief depicting a Virgin and Child.
An avenue of holm oaks will walk you to the Punta: from this suggestive lookout, visitors can marvel at the Conero Riviera.
HISTORY OF SIROLO
Few people know that researchers found evidence of human presence dating back to a hundred thousand years ago. The Lower-Middle Paleolithic deposit found at Monte Conero proves the presence of settlements since prehistoric times.
Furthermore, multiple necropolises dating back to the Iron Age testify different development stages of the Picene civilization (9th-3rd century b.C.)
Dating back to the beginning of the 11th century, the Sirolo Castle was probably built by Cortesi Counts over some existing establishments. Thanks to its particular half-timbered road system, alleys, towers, and imposing outer walls, Sirolo became a prominent impregnable stronghold.
During the Middle Ages, Sirolo was one of the most important shelters for several monastic orders who escaped persecution.
