Situated in the heart of the Adriatic coastal city of Fano, Parrocchia Santi Leonardo e Giovanni Bosco stands as both a place of worship and a living testament to the union of faith, education, and community service. Located on Via IV Novembre, the parish serves as a spiritual anchor for residents and visitors alike, blending the traditions of the Catholic Church with a special dedication to youth and pastoral care. The origins of the church are closely tied to Saint John Bosco, the “Father and Teacher of Youth”, canonized in 1934. In that same year, Saint Luigi Orione, founder of the Piccola Opera della Divina Provvidenza (Little Work of Divine Providence), laid the foundation stone for a new sanctuary in Fano dedicated to Don Bosco

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Parrocchia Santi Leonardo e Giovanni Bosco, click the image.

Stretching along the Adriatic coast of Fano, the Lungomare Giovanni Paolo II is a vibrant seaside promenade that beautifully blends leisure, community events, and coastal charm. Named in honour of Pope John Paul II, this scenic boulevard offers both locals and visitors a delightful setting for relaxation, sports, and social gatherings. Flanked by sandy beaches that span over a kilometre with an average width of about 43 meters, the lungomare hosts numerous well-equipped beach establishments that cater to sunbathers and families alike. Adjacent to the shoreline, the promenade features various recreational options, including beach volleyball courts, public swimming zones, and even the Anfiteatro Rastatt, a cultural space hosting performances and events. 

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Lungomare Giovanni Paolo II, click the image.

Stretching gracefully over the breakwater that shelters the Marina dei Cesari in Fano, the Passeggiata del Lisippo unfolds as one of the longest scenic sea promenades along the Adriatic coast. Spanning nearly a kilometre, this elevated pathway invites both pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy tranquil strolls or cycling journeys with stunning sea vistas to one side and the lively marina to the other. The promenade culminates in a striking symbol: a bronze statue of a victorious athlete, an evocative reproduction crafted by local artist Paolo Furlani. Donated by the Lions Club in 2009, this figure emulates the celebrated “Atleta di Fano,” a rare bronze statue attributed to the ancient Greek sculptor Lysippos, originally discovered off Fano’s coast in 1964.

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Passeggiata del Lisippo, click the image.

ituated gracefully on the left bank of Fano’s port canal, San Giuseppe al Porto is a striking Catholic parish church that opened its doors in 1913. Located along Viale Cairoli near the railway bridge, it immediately captures attention with its distinctive exterior of alternating white and brown horizontal bands, reflecting a neo-Gothic revival aesthetic imbued with Norman, Italian Gothic, and Romanesque nuances. Architect Giuseppe Attilio Balducci of Forlì designed the church in what historian Asioli described as a “Norman-Gothic style influenced by Italian Gothic and with soft Romanesque reminiscences”. The façade is tripartite, with pilasters extending the full height, a majestic strombated central portal flanked by twisting columns, a mosaic lunette depicting Constantine’s vision at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and an elegant rose window framed by stone and brick.

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Parrocchia Chiesa San Giuseppe al Porto, click the image.

Located at a triangular convergence of Via Bovio and Via Cavour in historic Piazza Costanzi, the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate presents a captivating architectural and cultural landmark in central Fano. Though its origins likely date back to the mid-13th century, supported by masonry remains near the sacristy, the church is first documented in 1453, when a statue of Saint Ursus, one of Fano’s patron bishops, was affixed to its façade. A dedicated rector, Mutteo Buratelli, is recorded in 1431. A catastrophic flood in 1740 led to a full reconstruction, completed in 1749 under the direction of architect Gianfrancesco Buonamici from Rimini. This revival was made possible through funding from both the municipal authorities and the Ferri family, who had historical ties to the church via a connected chapel. Interior enhancements included dynamic Borrominian, style decorations and elaborately patterned flooring.

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Chiesa Ortodossa di Sant’Antonio Abate, click the image.

Situated gracefully in Piazza XX Settembre, the Chiesa di San Silvestro, affectionately known to locals as the Madonna di Piazza, is a small but historically rich gem in the heart of Fano’s city centre. Dating back to the 12th century, it stands as one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in Fano. The church’s façade is a captivating study in architectural layering. The lower register, crafted in 1565 by master carver Filippo and stonemason Fabrizio—and likely associated with the renowned architect Filippo Terzi, features warming terracotta and sandstone detailing. In 1606, the building was elevated with an upper portion, though this addition was lost when the bell tower was destroyed in 1944 during World War II. A later restoration, completed in 1992, revived much of the church’s external charm.

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Chiesa di San Silvestro (o Madonna di Piazza), click the image.

The Arch of Augustus in Fano is more than just an ancient gateway, it stands as a majestic emblem of the city’s Roman heritage. Erected in 9 AD by order of Emperor Augustus, this triumphal-style city gate formed the principal entrance to the Colonia Julia Fanestris, known in antiquity as Fanum Fortunae, named after the nearby temple of the goddess Fortuna. Strategically positioned where the Via Flaminia intersected with Fano’s decumanus maximus, it guided both travellers and trade into the heart of the colony. Crafted in the opus quadratum technique from limestone blocks sourced from Monte Nerone, the arch boasts a grand central arch for carts and horses, flanked by two narrower pedestrian passages. The central keystone once depicted an animal—perhaps an elephant—though time has worn its features.

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Arch of Augustus, click the image.