“Le Marche” is a region in central Italy that to the west shares the mountainous terrain of the Sibillini National Park with the Umbria region, and to the east faces the Adriatic Sea. It is a region with a remarkable variety of landscapes, descending from the 2,500 meters of Mount Vettore to the Adriatic Sea, traversing a broad hilly area dotted with numerous small towns, predominantly medieval in origin, that rise above the land. Over the centuries, figures like Napoleon Bonaparte have left significant marks on the landscape. One of these is the "Fortino Napoleonico," a fortification located in the bay of Portonovo, near Ancona, in the Marche region. It was built between 1808 and 1812 during the period of Napoleonic rule in Italy. The fort was designed to defend the Adriatic coast from potential threats of invasions and naval attacks, reflecting the strategic needs of the time.
The fort has a hexagonal layout, with thick walls and sturdy bastions typical of military fortifications from the Napoleonic era. The architecture is characterized by a sober and functional design, with few external decorations but a solid defensive structure.
Over the years, the Fortino Napoleonico has had various uses and purposes, transitioning from a military post to a warehouse and even to civilian use. Today, the fort is an important historical and cultural site, often visited for its architectural value and its panoramic position overlooking the bay of Portonovo and home to the prestigious hotel of the same name.
