Happy TravellerWelcome to Pesaro, a stunning city located in the Marche region of Italy. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it is the capital of the Province of Pesaro e Urbino and is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 95,011, it is the second most populous city in the Marche, after Ancona. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible destination.
One of the most famous things about Pesaro is that it is the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, one of the greatest composers in the history of music. The city is also known as the Cycling City (Città della bicicletta) due to its extensive network of bicycle paths and promotion of cycling. In 2015, the Italian Government applied for Pesaro to be declared a Creative City in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, and in 2017, Pesaro received the European City of Sport award, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts.
Pesaro has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman times when it was established as Pisaurum in 184 BC. The city was a hub across the Via Flaminia and became an important center of trading and craftsmanship under Roman administration. It was occupied by the Ostrogoths and was destroyed by Vitigis in the course of the Gothic War, but it was quickly rebuilt after the Byzantine reconquest. Pesaro then became part of the Papal States during the Lombard and Frankish conquests of Ravenna. During the Renaissance, it was ruled by the houses of Montefeltro, Sforza, and Della Rovere. Pesaro saw its most flourishing age under the last family, who selected it as the capital of their duchy. Numerous public and private palaces were constructed, and a new line of walls, the Mura Roveresche, was erected.
There are numerous sights to see in Pesaro. The Ducal Palace, commissioned by Alessandro Sforza, has a portico with six arcades supported by six heavy pilasters and an upper floor with five windows crowned by coats of arms, festoons, and puttoes. The Rocca Costanza is a massive castle built by Costanzo I Sforza, with a square plan and four cylindrical corner towers and a wide dry moat. Villa Imperiale of Pesaro is a suburban palace with gardens designed by Girolamo Genga for Duke Francesco Maria Della Rovere and his duchess Eleanora and built from c. 1530 onwards, stands atop the San Bartolo hill. Its sunken court is the direct precedent for the more famous one at the Roman Villa Giulia. There are also numerous churches and other religious buildings to visit, such as the Pesaro Cathedral, the Romanesque-Gothic Basilica built over remains of a late Roman edifice and dedicated to St Terence during the Middle Ages, and the Church of the Maternità Santissima Annunziata.
If you’re a fan of cultural events, Pesaro has plenty to offer. The Pesaro film festival (Mostra Internazionale del Nuovo Cinema) has taken place in Pesaro since 1965, and the Rossini Opera Festival has taken place every summer since 1980 in Pesaro, home as well as the Conservatorio Statale di Musica Gioachino Rossini founded with a legacy from the composer. Pesaro also hosts the home games of Victoria Libertas basketball team, better known across Europe as Scavolini Pesaro, and the Adriatic Arena, the third biggest Italian indoor arena behind Mediolanum Forum in Milan and PalaLottomatica in Rome.
In terms of food, Pesaro is known for its seafood and fish dishes, which are prepared in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular dishes include brodetto, a fish soup that is cooked with tomato, garlic, and chili, and cacciucco, a type of fish stew that originates from Tuscany. Of course, you can also find plenty of other Italian dishes in Pesaro, including pizza, pasta, and gelato, as well as local wines and spirits.
In conclusion, Pesaro is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city. Whether you’re a fan of music, sports, or simply exploring new places, Pesaro is sure to captivate you with its charm and beauty. So why not start planning your trip today and discover all that this incredible destination has to offer?
