DISCOVER FANO
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and rolling hills, Fano is a charming coastal city with over 2,000 years of history. From Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces, medieval walls to golden beaches, this hidden gem of Le Marche offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for your destination wedding.
HISTORIC SITE
Arch of Augustus
Built in 9 AD on the Via Flaminia, this marble arch still welcomes travellers today. Spot the Latin tribute to Augustus and imagine legionaries marching beneath the same span two millennia ago.
HISTORIC SITE
Malatesta Fortress
Built by Sigismondo Malatesta in the 15th century, the brick Rocca guarded Fano’s northern walls. Climb its ramparts for sea panoramas or enjoy summer courtyard concerts.
HISTORIC SITE
Archeologico Museum
Inside Palazzo Malatestiano you’ll find Roman mosaics, bronze statues, and a rare surgeon’s toolkit from the 3rd century - proof that Fano has always been a place of craft and culture.
HISTORIC SITE
Piazza XX Settembre
The city’s living room. Sip an espresso by the Fountain of Fortune, peek into the frescoed Teatro della Fortuna, and watch locals trade gossip beneath Renaissance arcades.
BEACH SITE
Fano Beaches
Choose soft-sand Lido or smooth-pebble Sassonia, both Blue-Flag clean and only a five-minute walk from the old town. Umbrellas by day, gelato strolls by night - summer the Italian way.
BEACH SITE
Fano Port & Fish Market
Dawn brings fishing boats loaded with Adriatic anchovies, clams, and prawns to the quayside auction. Follow the aroma of frying brodetto and taste the sea at its freshest.
9-10 CE
Roman Foundation: Fanum Fortunae
Emperor Augustus founded Fanum Fortunae (Temple of Fortune) as a Roman colony along the Via Flaminia. The city was named after the temple dedicated to the goddess Fortuna. The Arch of Augustus, one of the largest Roman arches still standing today, was built as the main entrance to the city.
538-752 CE
Byzantine Rule
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Fano became part of the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna. The city was fortified and served as an important Byzantine stronghold on the Adriatic coast, with significant cultural and architectural influences from the Eastern Roman Empire.
1140 - 1208
Cathedral Construction
Construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Romanesque style. The cathedral would later be renovated in the 17th century but still retains its original crypt and bell tower. This period marked Fano's growing importance as a religious and cultural center in the region.
1357 - 1463
Malatesta Rule
The powerful Malatesta family took control of Fano, making it one of their main strongholds. Under their rule, the city flourished culturally and economically. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta built the imposing fortress (Rocca Malatestiana) to defend the city and established Fano as an important Renaissance center.
1463 - 1860
Papal Rule & Renaissance
Fano came under the control of the Papal States. The city continued to develop as an important port and cultural center. Many of the Renaissance palaces and churches were built during this period, including the Teatro della Fortuna (1677), one of Italy's historic theaters that remains an important cultural venue today.
1860 - PRESENT
Modern Fano
Fano became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860. The city began to modernize and expand beyond its medieval walls, developing into a popular seaside resort. Despite suffering damage during World War II, Fano was rebuilt and today thrives as a perfect blend of historical heritage and modern coastal city, famous for its beaches, seafood cuisine, and cultural events like the Carnival of Fano (one of Italy's oldest).
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
A Journey Through Time
Founded by the Romans and named Fanum Fortunae after the Temple of Fortune, Fano has been a crossroads of cultures for millennia. Its strategic position on the Adriatic coast made it an important port and fortress throughout history.
Explore the rich history of Fano through key events that shaped this beautiful coastal city over the centuries.
LOCAL INFORMATION
The City of Fano
Nestled along the Adriatic coast in Italy's Marche region, Fano is a charming seaside town that blends Roman history, medieval architecture, and modern beach life. With its perfectly preserved historic center, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, it provides a quintessential Italian setting for your destination wedding.
Known for its annual carnival (one of the oldest in Italy), Fano balances its rich historic heritage with the relaxed atmosphere of an Italian seaside town, making it the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebrations.
