Our ferry for Greece was due to leave at 17:30 so we decided
to take the coastal road and enjoy the views on the way. A short while into the
journey, we received a message from Minoan to say that the ferry was delayed
and the departure would be 22:30. We continued to the port and booked in very
early but this meant that we had some time to explore Ancona and have a meal
before we boarded the ferry.
We had wandered around the port on other occasions but we now had time to go a
little further afield and set our sights on the cathedral high on the hill
above the port. There was plenty to discover and the first place of interest
was the church of Santa Maria della Piazza built in the 11th – 12th
centuries. Jane thought that she had managed to get away from mosaics having
left Ravenna but the church had been built over an early Christian basilica and
building work had exposed Roman walls and 4th and 6th
century mosaics.
We climbed steadily passed elegant buildings and faded elegance of houses that
needed some tender loving care. Roman remains were in evidence too, including
an amphitheatre close to the cathedral. The views from the cathedral were very
good looking over the port and out to sea.
Descending along narrow streets we came to the lively piazza with many bars and
restaurants and chose the busiest bar to have an aperitif. Unfortunately, the
bar was called The King Edward Royal Pub but, apart from serving Guinness, it
was very Italian serving an excellent Aperol spritz together with an impressive
selection of free snacks.
Back then to Cara and the wait for boarding but at least we left slightly
before the appointed time and were able to watch the lights of Ancona as they
faded from view.
Photos: The leaving of Ancona.
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