MOLE VANVITELLIANA

The Mole Vanvitelliana, also known as Lazzaretto of Ancona, is an impressive pentagonal building designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, which sits on an artificial island in the harbor, and is connected to the mainland by three bridges. It covers an area of 20,000 m². The channel that surrounds the building is called mandracchio.

The massive Mole, commissioned by Pope Clement XII, was built between 1733 and 1743 to quarantine visitors, store goods and defend Ancona, which had become a strategic port city.

Later the Lazzaretto was also used as a military hospital and barracks. From 1860 onwards the Mole was no longer a quarantine station and in 1884 it was turned into a sugar refinery. During the 20th century, the Lazzaretto was again used for military purposes and even served from 1947 as a tobacco processing factory.

In 1989, work began to restore the Mole to its original condition, which removed all the traces of its many uses throughout the centuries. After further refurbishments, the Mole has been hosting temporary exhibitions, plays, concerts, shows, and the Omero Tactile Museum.

MOLE VANITELLIANA IS HOME TO Omero State Tactile Museum and the Design Collection.

Opening hours:

– Tuesday to Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

– Sundays and holidays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In July and August:

– Tuesday to Saturday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

– Sundays and holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Admission to the Omero State Tactile Museum: free

Admission to the Design Collection: €5 (free on the first Sunday of the month)

For reservations: 3355696985 (also WhatsApp) – prenotazioni@museoomero.it

MOLE VANVITELLIANA HOSTS EXHIBITIONS

From July 18 to September 30, 2025, the Sala Vanvitelli will host the photographic exhibition Giorgio Cutini – Canto delle Stagioni (Song of the Seasons).

Opening hours:

– Every day from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Tickets:

– Full price €8.00

– Reduced price €5.00 for residents, employees of the Municipality of Ancona, students, over 65s, under 25s, and holders of the following cards: Feltrinelli, Coop, Marche Teatro, FAI, Italia Nostra, Touring Club, and ICOM members, ACI members, families with children

– Reduced admission is also available for those who: have lunch in a restaurant in Ancona; have stayed at least one night in accommodation in the Marche region; visit the exhibition with a companion who is a resident of the Municipality of Ancona

– Free for under 16s, journalists with press cards, tourist guides registered with the national register, disabled people and their companions, guests staying for at least 2 nights in accommodation in Ancona

Every day from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., guided tour of the exhibition and the marciaronda (with a view of Ancona), by reservation, €10 (minimum 10 people) (option of an aperitif at The Mole – Caffè Letterario for €10 instead of €15).

For reservations: 333 6166898 – pinacoteca@anconaservizi.it

Reciprocal reduced admission between the exhibition “Giorgio Cutini – Canto delle Stagioni” and the Design Collection of the Omero State Tactile Museum.

Info and Contacts:

– cell: 333 6166898

– tel.: 0712226625-6626

– email: pinacoteca@comune.ancona

YOU CAN VISIT THE THE WALKWAYS OF MOLE VANVITELLIANA

For reservations: 333 6166898 (WhatsApp available) – pinacoteca@anconaservizi.it

MOLE VANVITELLIANA ALSO HOSTS THE LITERARY CAFÉ BISTROT THE MOLE AND, DURING THE SUMMER, THE LAZZABARETTO RESTAURANT/BAR AND THE ANCONA CINEMA ARENA.

From June 29 to August 25, the arena offers different films every evening.

Tickets:

– Single admission €5.00

– Reduced price for ARCI members €4.00

In case of bad weather, screenings will be canceled.
Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office on site, which opens one hour before the start of the show.