Pesaro, Italy is a fascinating coastal city situated in the south of the Marche region. Famous for being a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Pesaro is the native city of Gioacchino Rossini, composer of The Barber of Seville and William Tell, some of the greatest masterpieces of the history of opera in the world.
However, Pesaro is not only the symbol of Music in Le Marche: Pesaro has just been called the Italian Capital of Culture for 2024. The jury’s motivation for the selection said Pesaro offers Italy an excellent bid based on a cultural project which, valorizing a territory already extremely rich in historic sites and environmental-landscape treasures, proposes actions with which to also favor innovation, integration, and social and economic development.
If Pesaro has greatly contributed to shaping the history of opera and won the important “cultural” title, don’t be surprised if I say that we’re just at the beginning of the story. This gorgeous Italian seaside city is also well-known for its art, ceramic, motorcycles, and its furniture manufacturing.
As you can see, it’s not easy to select a list of the best things to do in Pesaro Italy.
Best things to do in Pesaro Italy
1. Discover the history of Gioacchino Rossini
It’s impressive how the identity of Rossini can be felt in each corner of the city. Gioacchino Rossini was a brilliant composer of the 18th century who gained fame for his 39 operas, although he also wrote many songs, like piano pieces and sacred music. He set new standards for both comic and serious opera before retiring from large-scale composition while still at the height of his popularity. Even if you are not an opera or classical music expert, just search online “The Barber of Seville” and “William Tell” to recognize it immediately.
Don’t miss the Rossini National Museum and the Rossini’s House to “hear” and understand the city.
Experience a unique atmosphere at the Rossini Theatre, one of the greatest assets of the Italian cultural heritage. Rossini Opera Festival is an international opera festival entirely devoted to Gioacchino Rossini, usually held in Pesaro during the summer.
2.Pesaro Cathedral (Duomo di Pesaro)
This incredible religious structure is one of the most important churches in the city, dated back to the 5th century and it was within the perimeter of the ancient Roman city.
This impressive cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is situated some minutes walking from Piazza del Popolo (People’s square).
During restructuring processes, a large mosaic that covers the entire cathedral floor was discovered. It’s possible to identify mosaics and other details dating back to distinct periods: the parts changed during the Middle Ages date back to the 6th century B.C.
The interior contrasts greatly with the exterior and features notable frescos on the basilica. Here you can admire “Our Lady with the Child – Madonna col Bambino e i Santi Pietro e Girolamo”, attributed to the famous Italian painter Raffaello Sanzio while he was just fourteen years old.
3. Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square)
Piazza del Popolo is the main square of Pesaro and located in the center of the historic old town, and was originally the forum of the Ancient Roman city. It features some of the city’s most admired architecture and fantastic buildings.
The fountain at the center that contains a series of stone statues and water nymphs is a faithful 1960 reconstruction of the 17th-century fountain destroyed in 1944.
The square is delimited by several magnificent buildings including the Palazzo Ducale, the old Post Office and the Comune Di Pesaro.
4. Piazzale Della Libertà (Liberty Square)
On the coast, facing the Adriatic Sea, this square is one of the most important areas in Pesaro.
In the center of the square, you will find “La Sfera Grande”, a modern sculpture placed on a fountain, made by the artist Arnaldo Pomodoro in the late 90s. This memorable piece of art is also a symbol of Pesaro Italy and an unmistakable meeting point.
This area of beachfront is perfect for a very pleasant walk, dinner or a great aperitif.
5. Discover the sandy beaches of Pesaro
Pesaro is an excellent starting point for those who want to combine a cultural trip with a beach holiday. The sandy beaches in Pesaro are quite nice and wide. On the beachfront, there is a wide range of restaurants, bars and services.
Pesaro Italy is blessed with a beautiful stretch of beach and its Lido is one of the best spots in the city: it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, and warm swimming.
6. Ruggeri’s House
Ruggeri’s House is a Liberty-style villa with an intriguing flower façade constructed in the early 1900s for the pharmaceutical industrialist Oreste Ruggeri and his family as a retreat. Eccentric and far-sighted, Ruggeri was one of the famous people of Pesaro Italy.
7. Museo Diocesano (Museum of the Diocese)
The collections of Museo Diocesano are of archaeological finds, paintings, sculptures and fabrics forming part of the valuable artistic and liturgical possessions of the cathedral.
8. Take a picture near the famous “walls of books”
In a wall of Palazzo Mosca, you can find a famous scenography conceived by Stefano Lazaridis for the “Moïse et Pharaon”, an opera that went on stage at Rossini Opera Festival in 1997.
9. Take a break in the historical café Casa Vaccaj
During a walk in the city center, don’t miss a stop in Casetta Vaccaj, an ancient historical building that is now a café, just on the side of Museo Diocesano.
It’s just worth the experience to sit and sip a coffee in the beautiful interior with many vintage objects.
On request, it’s also possible to visit the cellar and walk in an underground path which was in the past a passageway from the former church to other parts of the city.
10. Benelli Museum
Motorcycle enthusiasts, don’t miss this fantastic museum in Pesaro, dedicated to the legendary Benelli motorcycles and the story of the brothers Benelli. Starting as a mechanics shop in 1911, these famous brothers quickly took their business on the road to fame.
Benelli is the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in Italy. The classic motorcycles have a loyal following, and vintage bikes fetch high prices. The Benelli Museum displays more than 150 special motorcycles.
The museum includes a library and bookshop and is housed in the historic buildings where the factory is located.
Ph. credits Facebook page Moto Club Tonino Benelli di Pesaro
11. Wine Tasting in a local winery or between the vineyards
Don’t miss a wine tasting with delicious products in a local winery, like De Leyva. They also produce olive oil, delicious marmalades, and cosmetics prepared with olive oil!
Ph Credits Azienda agricolo De Leyva
In this winery you can also visit a Second World War bunker found in their land.
If you visit Pesaro during the summer, don’t miss this unique experience: a wine tasting between the vineyards at the peak, during the sunset. Fattoria Mancini is a local winery that organizes it: one image can say more than many words!
Ph Credits Facebook Page Fattoria Mancini
12. Visit the surroundings
Urbino is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the most important Renaissance cities in Italy. Just 20 min from the city of Pesaro, you can reach the stunning Gradara Castle, an impressive medieval fortress at the peak.
13. Discover the Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo and the wild beach Vallugola
Monte San Bartolo is a gorgeous natural park located to the east of Pesaro, perfect for outdoors and nature lovers!
With a dramatic combination of wild coastline and amazingly green hills, this park has a myriad of footpaths, trails and wild beaches.
The Vallugula beach is a stunning wild beach, reachable by a steep path, but its beauty deserves any effort!
14. Fiorenzuola di Focara: a beautiful medieval village at the peak
Fiorenzuola di Focara is a small hamlet situated on a rocky peak of the Regional Nature Park of San Bartolo and surrounded by glorious nature.
Walk between the narrow streets of the village that wind through the semi-circular concentric outline of the town to reach the top of the cliff and the old church.
With unique panoramas and a dramatic setting, don’t miss this magic village!
What to eat in Pesaro Italy: local dishes
There’s no better way to taste the local life than through its food and local specialties.
Pizza Rossini is a pizza with eggs and mayonnaise, typical of aperitifs. Pasticciata pesarese is prepared with veal cut into slices and seasoned with a sauce made up of tomato, lard, celery, bacon, thyme, carrot and white wine.
Another must-east is prosciutto di Carpegna. Named after the town of Carpegna (settled in the province of Pesaro e Urbino), this variety of an Italian dry-cured ham is famous in the whole region. Delicious!
How to get to Pesaro Italy
The nearest airports to Pesaro are Bologna and Ancona. However, there are other options for getting to Pesaro. Trenitalia Frecce operates a train from Bologna Centrale to Pesaro hourly. Pesaro is a city that can be easily visited without a car, but if you would like to visit other areas in the Marche region, I suggest you to rent a car.
Pesaro is special! I would like to thank Daniela, Loretta, Elena and the APAhotels association for the great Educational Tour “Ciao, ti presento Rossini…e non solo!” and for the warm hospitality.
To book a local guide and have more information, you can visit the APA hotels website.
Special thanks to the great guides Patrizia and Simone. They brilliantly transport our group inside the history of Pesaro through an amazing theatrical performance, bringing to life the most famous protagonists of its past: Rossini, Dante, Benelli and Ruggeri.
Thanks also to Hotel Des Bains, situated just some minutes from the Liberty Square for the great hospitality, and great local dishes.
The strong collaboration between all the protagonists of this great initiative is an example of the amazing local spirit: this is also Pesaro!
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Where to stay in Pesaro
Il Pignocco
Discover Il Pignocco a traditional Marche country house overlooking Pesaro
Nestled atop the serene hills of Pesaro, Il Pignocco stands as a beacon of Italy’s rich history and architectural charm. Overlooking the picturesque seaside town below, this 18th-century farmhouse has been meticulously restored to offer its guests a harmonious blend of classic Italian aesthetics and contemporary comforts. Charming rooms and apartments, this country house with pool is a perfect option to relax and discover the Pesaro Urbino area.
Villa Cattani
Discover Villa Cattani Stuart Hotel: an outstanding hotel with a fabulous 17th-century mansion that recalls the golden age of nobility.
Villa Cattani Stuart Hotel includes one of the most beautiful villas in the Pesaro area, adorned with original furniture, baroque paintings, frescoed salons, and antique objects.
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Are you searching for a property for sale in Pesaro and Urbino, Italy? Just check our Real Estate section!
About Juliana de Brito, the author
