Mole Vanvitelliana, also known as the Lazaretto, is one of the most distinctive buildings in Ancona. Rising out of the port like a massive stone pentagon, the building has had a striking appeal for centuries. Explore the premises and learn more about why the quarantine station was built.
Note the unique placement of Mole Vanvitelliana, which sits on an artificial island in the harbor. Given Ancona’s role as a strategic port city, it was crucial that any contagious diseases brought in by ship did not infect the rest of the city. To address this, Pope Clement XII commissioned a quarantine station in the 18th century.
Famed architect Luigi Vanvitelli designed the complex to detain infected people, store goods and defend the harbor. The cross-functional structure was built between 1733 and 1743. Although it originally had no link to the mainland, today you can access Mole Vanvitelliana via three small bridges.
The structure has served many purposes throughout Ancona’s history. In the latter half of the 19th century, its primary role shifted from quarantine station to military citadel. Look for the fortifications, cannon holes and sentry boxes that bear testament to this. After that, it served as a sugar refinery and tobacco processing site. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibits.
The Lazaretto was built to house about 2,000 people at any given time. Stroll through the open courtyard inside. Note the neoclassical temple at its center, with a modest cross atop its domed roof. The temple was dedicated to St. Roch, the patron of plague victims.
Check out the Omero Tactile Museum, located inside Mole Vanvitelliana. This unique art museum is tailored toward visitors with vision impairments. Instead of relying on sight, you are invited to experience the museum’s exhibits through touch. Feel sculptures dating back to ancient Roman times up until present day. Check out the architecture section, which features scale models of many of Italy’s most famous structures.
Mole Vanvitelliana is in the heart of Ancona’s port. With its central location, you can easily walk from here to the sights, shops and restaurants in the city’s Old Town.
