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Senigallia, the town called velvet

Senigallia is a town with 44000 inhabitants in the province of Ancona. It is a port town, embracing the river Misa, where it connects to the Adriatic sea. This town is a white marble dream, with a surprisingly modern feel, considering it was first settled in the 4th century BC. The boulevards are wide and airy, always maximizing ones sensation of the ever present sea.

Senigallia has a unique beach, with sand so soft, that the beach has earned the nickname “velluto” (velvet). This makes the beach especially important for the town, and the senigallia take a lot of pride in the fact that they are approved of by the FEE (The Foundation for Environmental Education). This guarantees the maintaining of an excellent water quality, but also services and security on the beach. This makes it the perfect resort for families.

Bathing, and bathing culture, has always been an important issue for Senigallia. This was one of the first towns in Italy to fully embrace tourism. The first bath was built as early as 1853, and the most famous, the spectacular Rotonda a Mare, in the last years of the 19th century. This building, that was destroyed in the earthquake that hit Senegallia in the 30s, has only recently been restored to its former grandeur. It is now an extremely popular arena for art exhibitions and other cultural events.

During the summer season, Senigallia is buzzing with culture and entertainment. There are a number of musical festivals held on the beach every year. The reopening of Rotonda a Mare is celebrated annually with a grand show. For the dramatically inclined, Teatro La Fenice, the historical theatre stages a variety of plays each season. And what language could be more suitable for the theatre than italian?

In a town like this, the beach is the place to be. All water sports known to man can be practised here sailing, diving, wind and kite surfing, waterskiing or beach volley. It is absolutely impossible to find oneself wanting of something to do on this beach. And should this in spite of all odds happen, one can always hop on a bike and go to neighbouring town. There is an ongoing development project aiming to connect all towns along the Adriatic coast with roads designated to bikes.

As should be in a seaside town, the barbeque in Senegallia is first rate. The local cuisine is famous for its grilled fish and pork, preferably enjoyed with a perfectly chilled, white wine produced in the nearby hills. One dish that is an absolute must to try is “brodetto alla senigalliese”, a slowcooked soup containing no less than 13 kinds of fish. Buonissimo!