Urban vision between modernity and the seaside
Heritage of twentieth-century architecture
Ancona preserves a remarkable heritage of twentieth-century architecture that unfolds as an urban system along Viale della Vitoria, an axis that links the historic center with the seaside. The boulevard was developed between the 1920s and 1930s and became one of the period’s defining urban structures, with public buildings, tree-lined spaces, and scenic views merging into a precise composition.
Its culminating point is the Monumento ai Caduti del Passetto. The circular layout, articulated by columns opening toward the sea, creates a powerful commemorative dimension. Classical references and literary echoes connected to the tradition of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi enhance its symbolic value, making the monument one of Ancona’s most iconic landmarks.
Along the boulevard there are several important public buildings built during the fascist regime: The Palazzo del Popolo (originally: Palazzo del Littorio) today houses the Municipality and is caracterised by its formal clarity and institutional presence. Nearby, the Palazzo delle Poste e Telegrafi, blends functional efficiency with refined architectural detail, helping shape the city’s modern identity. Within the same urban context rise the Stadio Dorico, Ancona’s main sports facility of the era, and the Casa del Mutilato, enriched with sculptural reliefs that stress its commemorative purpose.
Participatory heritage-making
All these sites outline an urban vision oriented toward modernity and a direct relationship with the sea. Today they represent an important cultural and historical landscape to be reflected upon and interpreted critically by involving citizens on a local and European level.