10 Best Things To Do In Loreto, Italy

1. Visit Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto

Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, otherwise known as Basilica della Santa Casa in Italian, is one of the holiest and most popular pilgrimage destinations in Loreto, making it the main reason most people visit Loreto. The Catholic pilgrimage to the Holy House of Loreto dates back to the 14th century, where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary was born and raised. The traditional belief is that angels carried this Holy House from Palestine to Italy, specifically on December 10th of 1294. Inside the sanctuary, you will find several chapels including Crucifix Chapel, French Chapel, Slavic Chapel, Polish Chapel and so much more.

Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto

Address: Piazza della Madonna, 1, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto

Opening hours: 6.15am - 7.30pm (daily)

2. Explore Camminamenti di Ronda

Camminamenti di Ronda, otherwise known as Walkways of Ronda, is one of the lesser-known spots in Basilica of Loreto, but nonetheless fascinating. The fortress was formerly used by the army to defend the basilica from the attacks of the Saracens. The walkway is characterized by medieval features and a basilica-fortress-like appearance, a contrast to the white marble features that cover the church. Today, the walkways no longer serve as a fortress but offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Basilica, and makes for a great photo op place.

Camminamenti di Ronda

Address: Corso Traiano Boccalini, 67, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Camminamenti di Ronda

3. Take Pictures at Fontana Maggiore

Fontana Maggiore is a fountain sculpture that is placed at the center of the popular Piazza della Madonna, an area that captivates many tourists visiting Loreto. The marble fountain is a great example of Baroque art that was famous in the 17th century and is decorated with large bronze sculptures, including sculptures of dragons. The fountain was initially built by Carlo Maderno and Giovanni Fontana by the instruction of the popes to serve as a place where pilgrims could quench their thirst.

Fontana Maggiore

Address: 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Fontana Maggiore

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Learn about Italian aviation at Museo Storico Aeronautico

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Museo Storico Aeronautico or Aeronautical History Museum is home to a collection of unique aviation pieces, including authentic Royal Air Force military uniforms that were purchased or donated. Although a humble exhibition, it is a gem to discover more about the Italian airforce as well as the history of aviation development, from Leonardo da Vinci to space travel. This interesting museum has free admission and is definitely worth the visit.

Museo Storico Aeronautico

Address: Corso Traiano Boccalini, 38, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Museo Storico Aeronautico

5. Tour Torrione Rotondo with your family

Torrione Rotondo is a historical landmark built in the 16th century. The construction of the round tower began around 1519, following the orders of Cristoforo Resse da Imola. It was designed by architect Guido Cirilli, who had to rebuild the tower several times because of demolishment. The base of the tower, including its surroundings, serves as a remembrance park to pay respect to the Laurentian soldiers who have died in the war. The tower makes for a great photo op while visiting Loreto, as you learn more about the history of the city itself.

Torrione Rotondo

Address: 60025 Loreto Province of Ancona, Italy

Website: Torrione Rotondo

6. Hear the bells of Campanile Vanvitelliano Loreto

Your trip to the Basilica is not complete without hearing the sound of bells coming from the bell tower known as Campanile Vanvitelliano. Standing at 75.6 meters (248 feet) high, it is the tallest bell tower in the region of Marche. The bell tower is a display of great 18th-century architecture, as it was designed by the great Italian architect Luigi Vanvitelli around 1750. It showcases Baroque architecture. The bell tower spans over five levels, and houses nine bells singing the notes of “Litany of Lauretane”.

Campanile Vanvitelliano Loreto

Address: Piazza della Madonna, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

7. Take a photo at Monumento a Papa Sisto V

Situated in the heart of the popular Piazza della Madonna, standing on the left to the Basilica of the Holy House is an elegant bronze monument of Pope Sixtus V. Born Felice Piergentille, Pope Sixtus V was a man of great culture with firm faith. It was he who reformed the Church and the Papal States. The project of making the statue was led by Antonio Calcagni together with Tiburzio Vergelli under the order of eight bishops who had Sixtus V’s cardinal hat. The statue was completed in 1587. It’s a must-see, especially if you are visiting the Holy House.

Monumento a Papa Sisto V

Address: 60025 Loreto Province of Ancona, Italy

Website: Monumento a Papa Sisto V

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Titillate your taste bud at Ristorante Andreina

Although many pilgrims come to Loreto to visit religious sites, many also visit Loreto to satiate their taste buds at Ristorante Andreina. This Michelin star restaurant serves Italian food, specifically grilled meat that attracts customers from places far from Loreto. Whether it’s lamb, partridge, suckling pig, or all other kinds of meat, expect the best grill here at Ristorante Andreina. Besides meat grills, the restaurant also serves all kinds of fine Italian pasta. It is cucina Italiana at its best, and you simply can’t miss out.

Ristorante Andreina

Address: Via Buffolareccia, 14, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Ristorante Andreina

9. Check out Villa of Beniamino Gigli

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This splendid villa, named under its first owner Bianimino Gigli, stands on top of Montarice hill, marking the border between the territories of Loreto, Recanati, and Porto Recanati. With incredible views of the Adriatic sea, the land was purchased by Gigli in the 1920s. Giuseppe Sacconi’s pupil, Guido Cirilli was entrusted to become the architect of this massive villa. A vast park surrounds the villa, with an Italian garden and an English garden inside of it. The villa itself consists of about sixty rooms spanning across two levels, including a chapel on the first floor. The property is an interesting depiction of different types of art styles, therefore making it a famous place to visit in Loreto.

Villa of Beniamino Gigli

Address: Villa Beniamino Gigli, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Villa of Beniamino Gigli

10. Appreciate art at Museo Pontificio Santa Casa Loreto

Standing in Apostolic Palace in the famous Piazza della Madonna, Museo Pontificio Santa Casa, otherwise known as Pontificial Museum of the Holy House is a museum that treasures art pieces donated to the Holy House and collected around the Sanctuary of Loreto since its beginnings. Some of the pieces you can find here include paintings, sculptures, furniture, and more. Although the Sanctuary of Loreto is known as a place of faith, it is also a place to celebrate art. Therefore, you would find that the art pieces housed here often have religious meanings to them and draws inspiration from biblical stories.

Museo Pontificio Santa Casa Loreto

Address: Sanctuary of the Holy House, Piazza della Madonna, 1, 60025 Loreto AN, Italy

Website: Museo Pontificio Santa Casa Loreto

Opening hours: 6:15am - 7:30pm (daily)

A city rich in history awaits you

Loreto, Italy, is a city with many interesting sights to see. From arts and architecture to its historical and religious appeal, there’s always something to do and something to see in this glorious city of the Marche region. Plan your itinerary accordingly.