Guided Tour of Pesaro: Discover the Historic Center, Rossini and the Seafront

The guided tour of Pesaro begins with an external view of the imposing Rocca Costanza, the historic fortress built in the 15th century by Costanzo Sforza, from whom it takes its name. Designed in a typical military style, the fortress was built to defend the city from enemy attacks. Over the centuries it was also used as a prison, while today it hosts cultural events, exhibitions and shows.

Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo Ducale

The visit continues into the heart of the historic center, reaching the elegant Piazza del Popolo, considered the living room of Pesaro. The square is surrounded by refined historic buildings and offers a magnificent view of the Renaissance Palazzo Ducale, once the residence of the noble families who ruled the city.

The harmonious arcades frame the square and lead the eye to its centerpiece: the beautiful 16th-century fountain known as the “Pupilla di Pesaro”, decorated with sea horses, tritons, dolphins and masks, symbols closely connected to the city’s maritime identity.

Gioacchino Rossini’s Birthplace

A short walk away, the tour continues through places connected to the life of the famous composer Gioacchino Rossini. Here you will find the building where he was born, which today houses a modern multimedia museum dedicated to his life and musical legacy.

Pesaro Cathedral – Santa Maria Assunta

The itinerary proceeds with a visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, originally built in the medieval period and later redesigned in the 19th century in neoclassical style.

Inside the cathedral visitors can admire extraordinary early Christian mosaics discovered beneath the 19th-century flooring, along with additional mosaics and ceramic decorations located in different areas of the church. The façade is enriched by a striking white stone portal flanked by two large lions.

The Seafront and the Great Sphere by Arnaldo Pomodoro

The tour then continues along the beautiful Pesaro seafront, where visitors can admire the famous fountain with the “Great Sphere” created by the sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. This iconic sculpture, positioned just a few steps from the sea, appears almost suspended above the water.

The artwork symbolizes the relationship between humanity and nature: a terrestrial globe fractured to reveal gears and geometric forms emerging from within.

Villino Ruggeri – Art Nouveau Architecture in Pesaro

The guided tour ends just a few steps from the sphere with an external view of Villino Ruggeri, one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Italy. Built in the early 20th century, this elegant seaside villa is famous for its rich decorative details and represents one of the architectural gems of Pesaro.

Included:

• Walking tour with licensed tour guide

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Gioachino Rossini museum (optional)
• Transfer service

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Water
• Sun hat on hot days

Meeting point:

• Piazzale Giacomo Matteotti square (Car parking)