Arco di Traiano

The Arch of Trajan in Ancona is a single-bay Roman honorary arch built in white marble around 115 AD at the entrance to the city's harbor. It was raised in honor of Emperor Trajan, who funded the expansion of Ancona's port out of his own resources — an inscription on the arch notably records that the monument itself was paid for not from the imperial treasury but through voluntary contributions by the Roman Senate and people. Standing roughly 18 meters tall, it ranks among the best-preserved triumphal arches in Italy and remains directly beside the ancient harbor mole. From its base, visitors take in a sweeping view over the Adriatic harbor that has changed little in its essential geography since Roman times.