2-995-974 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ancona, in the Papal States, 1860. 'Ancona is a fort on the Adriatic, and the chief naval station of the Papal States, occupying a fine situation on the slopes which rise from the Adriatic, between the promontories of Monte Ciriaco and Monte Comero. It was founded by a Doric or Syracusan colony, and held high rank as a port in the time of the Romans. The Emperor Trajan greatly beautified it, building the Mole, which is still in a state of perfect preservation. Upon this mole was erected in his honour a magnificent triumphal arch [extreme left] about a.d. 112, and which is perhaps the finest monumental arch now existing...During the revolution of 1849, after a siege and bombardment of ten days [Ancona] was taken by the Austrians; and since then, until the end of the Italian war of last year, it was occupied by an Austrian garrison for the Pope; and it is at the moment we write this undergoing another siege, the result of which will, there is little doubt, give it a new master, the "Rè galantuomo." Ancona has a population of some 30,000...The harbour is well defended by forts, and there are strong fortifications on the heights; but, invested as it is by sea and land, Lamoricière's mercenaries will not be able to hold out long'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.