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The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto.

The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto. Photo By: Baldassarri Giuseppe Copyright, License Own work, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto.

Basilica of Loreto in

Loreto, in Italy, Marche, 60025 Loreto AN, Piazza della Madonna, 1, The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto The Walkways of Ronda are one of the least known aspects of the Basilica of Loreto. Typical of military buildings, the Ronda Walkways characterize the appearance of the basilica-fortress, which is very rare on Italian soil. Closed to the public for five hundred years, this architectural treasure was recently restored on the occasion of the Jubilee of 2000 and open to visitors wishing to admire a fascinating and rare structure. The Rocchette can be accessed by crossing the Basilica, climbing about one hundred and twenty-four steps of the south tower. Once at the top, the panorama offers a wide view with interesting glimpses of the landscape that goes from the Conero Riviera to the Adriatic coast in the east and the hills to the west, across the Gran Sasso d’Italia reaching the Sibillini mountains. Visitors can admire the city of Loreto, its conformation and its buildings. The route also includes a visit to the internal structure of the old barracks where you can observe the rooms of the soldiers' home, and the fifteenth-century structure with the buttresses that supports the dome drum. A guide will take visitors under the main roof where you will have a unique view of the oak trusses. In 1485, while the construction of the Basilica was underway, the construction of the Ronda Walkways was commissioned by Girolamo Basso della Rovere, administrator of the Holy House. The cardinal's intent was to protect the Basilica and its treasures from the incursions of the Turkish pirates, who had razed some towns in the coastal area, including Porto Recanati, only 6 km from Loreto. The task was initially entrusted to Giuliano da Maiano, whose original project is admirable in the battlements of the north-east tower, which overlooks Porta Marina, one of the two main gates of Loreto. In reality, the fortification plan, still visible today, is due to Baccio Pontelli, general engineer of the papal fortresses in the Marca d'Ancona. From 1488 he modified the design of Giuliano da Maiano by devising a suspended patrol walkway, that is projecting on cantilevered arches on shelves. This typically Renaissance solution combines the need for defense with the refinement of forms. In fact, the walkways of Ronda, known by the name of Rocchette, are not only a solid line of defense but, interrupting the verticality of the structure, help to make the summit majestic and at the same time elegant and winding of the Basilica. Home Page Click here for a map.

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Giuseppe Baldassarri Destination Marketing & Management Consultant

Let’s Create Your Italy

Top Italy Things to Do: Explore the Best of Italy
Narration by Baldassarri Giuseppe, Destination Marketing & Management Consultant
"Italy Things to Do | Discover Italy’s Essence"

Introduction to Italy: A Gateway to Culture and History

Italy is not just a destination—it’s a dialogue between the past and present, a journey that begins the moment curiosity awakens. It calls to the traveler’s deeper sense of self, offering not only places to see but emotions to feel. From the cadence of daily life in a sunlit piazza to the majesty of ancient ruins, Italy is a gateway to both discovery and connection.

The Rich Historical Background of Italy

Every stone in Italy tells a story. It’s a country where history is not confined to museums—it lives in the streets, whispers from the amphitheaters, and glows in cathedral stained glass. For the thoughtful traveler, these aren’t just relics of the past—they’re meaningful encounters that spark reflection and awe.

Why Italy is a Must-Visit Destination

Italy moves people, not just through beauty, but through the depth of experience. It satisfies a range of human desires: adventure, meaning, indulgence, and inspiration. Whether it’s a solo traveler seeking introspection or a business guest exploring opportunities, Italy adapts and responds to what each visitor needs, often before they even realize it themselves.

Top Cities to Visit and Things to Do

Rome: The Eternal City

Rome doesn’t ask for your attention—it commands it. Walking through its streets, you're enveloped in a powerful blend of empire, elegance, and everyday life. The Coliseum, the Vatican, the fountains—they’re not just stops on a tour, they’re moments of wonder that shift your inner perspective.

Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence awakens a traveler’s imagination. This city breathes art, and its streets are an invitation to think, to feel, and to create. Whether gazing at Michelangelo’s David or sipping wine under Tuscan skies, Florence offers the kind of depth that lingers long after your visit ends.

Italy's Natural Wonders and Landscapes

The Majestic Dolomites

There’s something transformative about standing before the Dolomites. These towering peaks inspire both humility and exhilaration. They’re a space where the external journey meets the internal, where stillness and movement co-exist in sublime balance.

The Beautiful Amalfi Coast

This coastline doesn’t just please the eye—it stirs the heart. Clinging to cliffs and kissed by Mediterranean sun, the Amalfi Coast is a sensory poem. Every winding road, every sea breeze, speaks to life’s richness and the joy of slowing down to savor it.

Culinary Delights: Italy Things to Do for Food Lovers

A Journey Through Italian Cuisine

Food in Italy is not merely nourishment—it’s a narrative, a celebration, and often, a love letter to tradition. Sharing a meal becomes a bridge to understanding the culture, the people, and the land itself. It’s where authenticity meets generosity, plate by plate.

Must-Try Dishes Across Italy

From truffle risotto in the north to Neapolitan pizza in the south, every dish tells a regional story. Each bite is a chance to experience place and memory simultaneously, reminding us how powerful and emotional taste can be when rooted in identity.

Cultural Experiences: Engaging with Italian Art and Festivals

Festivals in Italy are not staged performances—they are living traditions. Whether it’s a medieval reenactment in Siena or a contemporary art show in Venice, these events pull you in, not as a spectator, but as a participant in something timeless and heartfelt.

Travel Tips for Exploring Italy

To fully enjoy Italy, travel with an open mind and a responsive heart. The most enriching journeys are not always the ones most planned—they’re the ones where you allow space for emotion, spontaneity, and unexpected connections. Italy rewards those who travel with awareness, curiosity, and care.

Conclusion: Discover Italy’s Essence

Italy is more than a list of attractions. It’s an emotional experience that evolves with every step, every conversation, every sensation. Italy is the ultimate destination for those who seek not just to see but to feel. And its essence? It lies in how deeply it moves you.

– Baldassarri Giuseppe

The Ronda walkways of the Basilica of Loreto. › Italy Travel Planner