cathedral Basilica of St. Cyriacus 🇮🇹

Perched atop Guasco hill on the site of an ancient Greek temple, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Cyriacus overlooks Ancona and its gulf. As the seat of the Archbishop of Ancona, this striking Roman Catholic cathedral blends Romanesque-Byzantine and Gothic architecture. Your journey into its deep history begins at the façade, constructed from Mount Conero white stone.

Here, a 13th-century Romanesque portal features four columns resting on simple pedestals and Veronese red marble lions—one fighting a basilisk and the other holding a ram. Inside, you will find a Greek cross plan framed by re-used Roman columns, Byzantine capitals, and 15th-century hull-shaped wooden vaults. Don't miss the 13th-century ogival dome overhead, featuring Byzantine-style praying angels. In the south transept, step into the Chapel of the Crucifix to admire 12th-century Byzantine sgraffito tiles depicting figures like King David and various animals.

Below, in the Crypt of Tears, you can observe the archaeological area of the ancient Greek temple. Explore the northern transept's Madonna Chapel to see Luigi Vanvitelli’s monumental 1739 niche housing a venerated 17th-century painting, with crypts beneath holding saintly relics. It is a captivating site rich in sacred art and history.

What to see at cathedral Basilica of St. Cyriacus

• 13th-century portal flanked by Veronese red marble lions
• One of Italy's oldest ogival domes with Byzantine-style praying angels
• Chapel of the Crucifix featuring 1189 Byzantine sgraffito tiles
• Crypt of Tears containing archaeological remains of a Greek temple
• Madonna Chapel with Vanvitelli's 1739 pulpit and saintly relics

Visiting tips

Look beneath the Chapel of the Crucifix inside the Crypt of Tears to view the ancient Greek temple's archaeological site.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

cathedral Basilica of St. Cyriacus is easy to reach on Ancona’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ancona travel guide.