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History of Fano, Le Marche

Fano, Le Marche was an ancient city in Italy, previously known as Fanum Fortunae. It was famous for its temple of Fortuna which was offered to the goddess of Fortune that once stood here during 49 BC. It was held by the emperor Julius Caesar, along with Pisaurum and Ancona. Later with the succession of Caesar Augustus, built an arch (which is still standing) at the entrance to the town. The Roman Army defeated the Alamanni in the Battle of Fano that took place on the banks of the Metauro river just inland of Fano in 271AD. During the Roman era Fano, Le Marche was both an important port and crossroad where the Via Flaminia from Rome met the main coastal route. Today it is a charming small seaside resort that doubles as a busy fishing port with an attractive old centre.

Fano was destroyed by Vitiges' Ostrogoths in AD 538. It was rebuilt by the Byzantines, becoming the capital of the maritime Pentapolis ('Five Cities') that included also Rimini, Pesaro, Senigallia and Ancona. In 754 it was donated to the Popes by the Frank kings. The Malatesta became lords of the city in 1356 with Galeotto I Malatesta, who was nominally only a vicar of the Popes. During the Napoleonic Wars, it suffered heavy spoliations; the city had an active role in the Risorgimento. In World War I Fano was several times bombed by the Austro-Hungarian Navy. During World War II the Castle of Fano or the high watchtower was destroyed.

The best way and the best time to visit Le Marche

Through the nearest airport is the Raffaello Sanzio Airport near Ancona or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. However many people prefer travelling by car, bus or train. In addition, one can travel in boats or ferries from the Port of Ancona.

May and June and September and October can be great months to travel in this region to best avoid the heat, rain, and crowds. But it will depend on the reason for your visit to Le Marche and what type of things you are planning. The winter can be quite cold and snow can fall, especially in the mountain areas, and the months of July and August can be quite hot.

Tourists can travel with bicycles and horse-drawn carriages due to the ban on motorized traffic inside the city. Or you can simply walk through the coloured houses in the narrow streets of Fano.

Important places to explore around Fano

The Arco di Augusto

Enter the town via one of the main sights the Arco di Augusto. A splendid Roman triumphal arch (below), provides a fitting gateway to the town. It was erected in 2 AD under orders of the Roman Emperor Augustus.

Recently it was restored in the early 20th century with the addition of the two entrances, a driveway and a pedestrian entrance. From here the main Via Arco di Augusto sets a course through the old centre. Or else your visit to Fano can start from the Porta Maggiore which is opposite the Arch of Augustus.

Fano Cathedral

The origins of Fano Cathedral probably date back to the 10th century but the current construction is from 1140. The cathedral was designed by Magister Rainerus with a typical Romanesque style façade of brick and sandstone while the interior has three naves with low vaulted ceilings and massive pillars. Among the sculptures in the church note in particular so-called 'Chitarist sarcophagus'.

Court of Malatesta

Among the other notable buildings of Fano, the Court of Malatesta stands out. The building comprising a series of structures built and converted by Galeotto I, in 1357. Later they became the residences of the Governors and the General Court. It has links to the late gothic style of the Milan School with wide portico having slender stone columns and capitals with the characteristic pink Malatesta four petals, four light windows.