Pesaro

Pesaro is a coastal town in the Marche region of Italy, set on the Adriatic Sea and known for its long, fine sandy beach. It is the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, whose childhood home and a dedicated museum can be visited in the historic centre. Each summer, the Rossini Opera Festival draws classical music enthusiasts to venues across the town. The old town retains the Palazzo Ducale along with some Roman remains, including mosaics displayed in certain public spaces. Pesaro is also notable for its extensive cycling network, the Bicipolitana, which makes it easy to travel by bike between the seafront and residential areas. Local cuisine focuses on seafood, with dishes such as brodetto, a traditional fish soup from the region, being a local speciality. The town also serves as a convenient base for visiting Urbino, birthplace of Raphael, or the fortified village of Gradara, known for its medieval castle. Pesaro was named Italian Capital of Culture for 2024, alongside Urbino.