Passetto, War memorial in Passetto district, Ancona, Italy
The Passetto Monument is a war memorial in the Passetto district of Ancona, consisting of eight fluted columns with Doric capitals made from white Istrian stone that form a circular structure around a central altar. The memorial overlooks the coastline and sits at a distinctive vantage point of the city.
Designed by architect Guido Crilli and inaugurated in 1930, the monument later served as a military observation point during World War II operations. Its prominent white stone construction marked this strategic location in the city's defenses.
The monument features an inscription from Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi on its crown, linking the structure to the region's literary heritage. The poet's words etched into the stone remind visitors of this place's cultural importance.
You can reach the beach area using an elevator or descending the grand staircase, with public transportation available from central Ancona. The location is fairly accessible, though comfortable footwear is recommended if you choose to use the stairs.
Below the memorial, caves carved into the cliffs by fishermen in the early 1900s provided storage for boats and shelter from summer heat. These hidden spaces reveal how coastal residents lived and worked in that era.
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