Located on the top of a white staircase overlooking the Conero Riviera, the “San Ciriaco” cathedral is the symbol of Ancona and dominates the entire city. Built on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite, the cathedral hosts the remains of San Ciriaco, a bishop of Armenian origin who is the patron saint of the city.

Thanks to its location and its unique architectural Romanesque-Byzantine style, the cathedral is one of the most important treasures of the Christian heritage. You can admire the miraculous painting depicting “Maria Regina di tutti i Santi” (Mary Queen of all Saints). Legend has it that the Virgin’s eyes were seen moving on several occasions. 

In 1797, during the conquest of Ancona, Napoleon seized the painting and other sacred objects, but when after witnessing the miracle, he returned everything to the cathedral. 

The “San Ciriaco” cathedral also hosts a fourteenth century wooden crucifix that seems to have healing powers.