The Roman origins of Fano: from monuments to the Basilica of Vitruvius
Anyone visiting Fano for the first time cannot help but notice its ancient origins, thanks to the many artifacts dating back to Roman times scattered throughout the city.
From the Augustus Arch, one of the most important historical buildings in all of Le Marche, through the remains of the walls, still intact for long stretches, to the grid of the streets of the Center, and the findings of various kinds displayed in different parts of the city, Fano is the ideal destination for lovers of history and ancient artifacts.
Its Roman origins are undoubtedly one of the levers that attracts tourists the most, not only because of their priceless historical value, but also because of an unquestionable aesthetic value that gives the city an old-world charm.
A history that goes back a long way, with illustrious and prestigious testimonies.
The Roman origins of Fano
The first written record of the city of Fano, formerly called Fanum Fortunae, dates back to 49 B.C., when Caesar established a Cohort there. The ancient name derives from the Temple built there dedicated to the Goddess of Fortune, which was most likely erected after the victory of the famous Battle of the Metaurus in which the Romans defeated Hasdrubal in 207 BC.
The fortune of what was initially only a small hub center was precisely its centrality on the route that joined Rome to Cispadane Gaul, today’s Emilia Romagna.
Under the empire of Caesar Octavian Augustus, Fano developed further by assuming the status of a Roman colony: Colonia Iulia Fanestris. The construction of the city wall that is still visible today dates back to this period.
The city then remained under the Ancient Roman Empire until its fall. From that era the city retains many monuments, evidence of an ancient past.
The most beautiful monuments of the Roman era
To admire the beauty of the historical relics of the Roman era, it will be enough to walk through the streets of the Historic Center where, within a few hundred meters of each other, it is possible to come across the following places of interest, which we have discussed in more detail in the article dedicated to places to visit in Fano:
- Vitruvius’ Basilica
- Pincio and Arch of Augustus
- Augustan Walls
- Herd Gate
- San Michele’s Church
- Fano Underground
Walking through the streets of the city it is evident that it was designed according to the canons of the building programs of the Augustan era, with a street structure typical of Roman urbes, complete with theaters and amphitheaters. The city’s sewage and water supply systems of the time are also still well preserved.
Fano, City of Vitruvius
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, author of the renowned De Architectura, is considered one of the most important architectural theorists of the ancient world. His work has been one of the pillars on which Western architectural culture has rested for centuries.
In his treatise, Vitruvius describes a single building that he states he personally designed and directly supervised: the Basilica of Fano. And here comes the most extraordinary news: during excavations in the historic centre, in the area of Piazza Andrea Costa, the basilica described by Vitruvius has been identified with certainty, bringing to light a fundamental piece of Roman Fano.
For centuries, even without remains that could be attributed with complete confidence, the description in De Architectura allowed scholars to imagine its form and features. Today, with the archaeological identification of the building, that ancient account finally intertwines with the real city, strengthening Fano’s historical prestige even further: a place where Vitruvius’ words at last find confirmation in stone.
How to visit these attractions
Guided tours to the Basilica and the archaeological heritage of Fanum Fortunae will run every Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at the Museum ticket office or on the Liveticket platform, subject to availability.
The Pincio Hill, Augustus Arch, the Walls and the Mandria Gate are on public land and therefore always open to visitors.
For information contact Call & Go +39 366 3426985 active from 9 am to 11 pm.
