The Arch of Trajan
Perched at the entrance of Ancona’s bustling harbor, the Arch of Trajan tells a story of ancient grandeur and civic pride that has stood the test of time. This impressive Roman structure dates back to 115 AD, built to honor Emperor Trajan—a ruler who left a lasting mark on Ancona, especially by transforming it into a thriving port city.
The arch itself was crafted by Apollodorus of Damascus, one of Rome’s most famous architects, known for designing architectural wonders like Trajan’s Column in Rome. He chose the marble carefully, sourcing it from nearby Mount Conero, ensuring the arch would gleam with elegance under the Mediterranean sun. Standing about 18 meters high, this single-passageway arch was topped with bronze statues that would have been dazzling in their day—a proud Trajan on horseback, flanked by statues of his wife Plotina and sister Marciana. While the bronze statues are long gone, their memory still lends a sense of regal mystery to the arch, hinting at the splendor that once adorned it.
Beyond its beauty, the Arch of Trajan served as a symbol of Ancona’s strategic importance in the Roman Empire. Trajan’s investment in the city’s port transformed Ancona into a key hub for military campaigns and Mediterranean trade, opening up prosperous routes across the Adriatic. The detailed carvings and inscriptions on the arch praise Trajan for his leadership and the wealth he brought to Ancona, immortalizing the city’s sense of pride in its role in the empire.
What’s remarkable is how well-preserved this ancient arch remains, almost as if untouched by time. Today, it still watches over Ancona’s harbor, a quiet yet powerful reminder of the city’s legacy as a bridge between Italy and the Eastern Mediterranean. Visitors come not only to admire its architectural beauty but also to step into the story it tells—of emperors and architects, of marble and bronze, and of a city forever linked to its ancient past.
In a city that has seen centuries come and go, the Arch of Trajan stands as a timeless link, connecting Ancona’s past glories to its present charm, and reminding everyone who visits that history, like the tides it overlooks, is always part of the journey.
