Pesaro Tourist Attractions
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SituationPesaro, capital of the province of Pesaro e Urbino and a very popular seaside resort, lies at the mouth of the River Foglia, on the northwest Adriatic coast between Rimini and Ancona.In the 16th and 17th centuries Pesaro was the residence of the Della Rovere family, dukes of Urbino, and a center of art and literature, famous for its majolica factories. The composer Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) was born here.
Ducal Palace
The life of Pesaro centers on the Piazza del Popolo, in which are the Town Hall and the Palazzo Ducale (begun about 1461 for the Sforzas, completed in the 16th century for the Della Rovere). A little way southeast is the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, known as San Francesco, with a beautiful Gothic doorway. Farther along are the spacious Piazza Matteotti and the adjoining Giardino Cialdini, a public park, with a 15th century fortress, the Rocca Constanza, now used as a prison. In Via Rossini, which runs from the Piazza del Popolo to the seafront, is Rossini's birthplace (Casa di Rossini, No. 34, on the right), containing a number of pictures and caricatures. From here it is only a short distance to the 13th century cathedral.
Municipal Museum
To the west of the cathedral, in the Palazzo Toschi-Mosca, are the Musei Civici, with a notable collection of pictures (works by Bellini, "Coronation of the Virgin", and Marco Zoppo) and an outstanding collection of majolica, the finest in Italy.
Oliveriano Museum
The Oliveriano Museum in Pesaro has a collection of archeological items from Italic, Greek, Etruscan and Roman eras on display.
Rossini House
The composer, Gioacchino Rossini, was born in Pesaro. His house is now a museum.
Surroundings
Villa Imperiale
6km/4 mi north of Pesaro, on the road to Gabbice, lies the Villa Imperiale, an impressive Renaissance building (1486) surrounded by a park (guided tours only).
Gradara
Gradara, 15km/9.5mi northwest of Pesaro, is a pretty little medieval town with a 13th century castle. It is said to be the scene for Dante's tragedy of the lovers Francesca and Paolo.
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