San Benedetto del Tronto Sea Museum: a journey through the Adriatic, memory and discovery

Overlooking the port of San Benedetto del Tronto, along the Riviera delle Palme, the Sea Museum is one of the most fascinating cultural centers on the Adriatic. It is not just a museum, but a widespread system that narrate the sea as a place of life, work, exchange, and creativity, intertwining history, science, archaeology, and art.

The Sea Museum includes the Museum of Maritime Civilization of the Marche, the “Augusto Capriotti” Fish Museum, the Amphorae Museum, and the Antiquarium Truentinum. The Pinacoteca del Mare (Sea Art Gallery), housed in Palazzo Piacentini, and the Roman Villa Marittima, both in the charming Paese Alto, the historic center of the city, complete the tour.

The heart of the complex is the Museum of Maritime Civilization, where the memory of the fishermen of San Benedetto del Tronto takes shape. Reconstructions of domestic and on-board environments, fishing equipment, historical photographs, and model boats tell the story of a life marked by the rhythm of the sea. Among the most evocative elements is the “paranza”, a typical trawler boat, symbol of hard work and belonging.

The Augusto Capriotti Fish Museum offers an insight into marine biodiversity: over 9,000 specimens from all over the world accompany adults and children on a journey of discovery of the wonders of the deep sea, in an engaging and accessible educational itinerary.

The journey continues in the ancient Mediterranean with the Amphorae Museum, which displays more than 700 artifacts recovered from the seabed by local fishermen. Each amphora tells the story of trade routes and navigation that made the Adriatic a sea of connections.

The Antiquarium Truentinum tells the story of the development of the San Benedetto del Tronto area, starting from the Neolithic period, through Romanization, which saw it included in the Ager Truentinum, to the medieval era with the construction of the first castle.

The Pinacoteca del Mare (Sea Art Gallery) and the Villa Marittima complete the experience with an artistic and archaeological look at the relationship between man, sea, and landscape.

Open all year round thanks to exhibitions, workshops, events, and guided tours, the Museo del Mare is a place of cultural experience for all ages. It offers educational courses for schools, creative and scientific workshops, activities for families, themed treasure hunts, and immersive experiences, as well as guided tours and special events for adults.

Located in Via Cristoforo Colombo, in the port area, it is easily accessible from the seafront on foot or by bicycle, while the sites in the upper town offer the opportunity to discover the more historical side of the city. A true cultural gem to enrich you.