Napoleonic heritage in Ancona: talks, reenactments and exhibitions at

Napoleonic heritage in Ancona: overview and venues

Ancona highlights its Napoleonic legacy with a programme of cultural activities held at the Mole Vanvitelliana between May and September 2026. The initiatives focus on tangible heritage and urban memory from the period — forts, powder magazines and historic residences — involving universities, reenactment groups and local schools.

Main programme and key dates

• Saturday 16 May 2026 – The Jewels of Napoleon: from 9:30 in the Sala Polveri. Opening addresses followed by a historical introduction and specialist talks (history, costume studies, applied petrology); exhibition of jewels and design projects by Liceo Artistico E. Mannucci; period garments and mannequins by students of Istvas; participation of historical reenactors.
• Friday 22 May 2026 – Napoleonic reminiscences: the Palazzo dell'Appannaggio and related residences: from 17:30 at the Mole. Conference with lectures on royal residences, state architecture and regional architecture in the Napoleonic era by university scholars.
• Sunday 6 September 2026 – Napoleon’s bold marshals: 19:00, Mole Auditorium, as part of the Festival of History. A conversation between historians focusing on military and cultural aspects of the period.

Participants and related activities

The programme is promoted by the Municipality of Ancona in collaboration with the Festival of History, the Polytechnic University of the Marche, the Academy of Oplology and Militaria, the Institute of Marche History and local schools. Students contribute with artistic and fashion projects inspired by the Napoleonic era.

Practical information

Venue: Mole Vanvitelliana, Ancona. The listed events are public; for precise schedules, access rules and reservation information consult the official programme published by the Municipality or the Festival before attending.