Poggio
Il Poggio di Ancona: a unique place between sea and mountain
The Poggio di Ancona, also known as El Poj or El Poi in the Gallo-Piceno dialect, is a hamlet of the municipality of Ancona, characterized by a unique location between the sea and the mountain. The Poggio is part of the medieval defensive system called Castelli di Ancona, along with Varano, Massignano, Numana, and Sirolo, to protect the southern territory of the Ancona region.
Traditional activities, forests, and sea
Located on the western slopes of Monte Conero, the Poggio is surrounded by the Conero Regional Park and its traditional activities such as cedar cutting, stone quarrying, reforestation, and charcoal production. The proximity to the forests has allowed for the birth of folklore and customs in this area. The connection with the sea makes the Poggio di Ancona one of the most majestic stretches of the high Conero coast, with the Contrada di Portonovo as one of the most famous and important tourist destinations for history and art.
Marine activities, fishing, maritime transport of materials extracted from the high coast, and tourist hospitality are the main activities that characterize Poggio life.
The three nuclei of the hamlet
The Poggio is made up of three nuclei that are very close but distinct. The oldest is the Poggio alto, which is characterized as the ancient seat of the castle located on a hillside next to the main massif of Conero. The houses still present today show the perimeter of the walls, inside of which is the ancient church of Santa Lucia, now home to a collection of objects documenting the traditional activities of the area. On the edge of the castle border is the parish church of San Biagio, from the eighteenth century, which houses the ancient Processional Organ, a musical treasure dating back to the sixteenth century.
The other two centers, le Casette del Poggio and la Costa (also known as Poggio Sant'Antonio), arise on the edge of the forest, but at different altitudes and with different public services available. La Costa, which connects the hill of the castle and Monte Conero, has a function as a meeting point between the various nuclei of the hamlet.
The Poggio, a unique place
The Poggio di Ancona is a unique place where the mountain meets the sea, known for its history, folklore, traditional and tourist activities, and breaks the monotony of the landscape. With its three nuclei and characteristic public services, the Poggio di Ancona is a place to visit for the beauty and charm of its historical churches and collections of objects documenting the traditional activities of the area.
