The monumental Passetto staircase, one of the symbols of Ancona, will finally reopen (fully and permanently) on September 2, 2025 after an extensive restoration. The inauguration is scheduled for 11:30 AM, featuring a small exhibition with informational totems dedicated to the history of the work, designed by architect Guido Cirilli, who also created the nearby Monument to the Fallen.
Conceived to connect the monument to the sea, the staircase is unique in both size and function. Already included in the 1914 Master Plan, it took shape in the 1920s but was only completed in the 1950s, following a wartime halt. Over the decades, exposure to the elements had compromised its condition, making consolidation and the replacement of deteriorated parts necessary.
The restoration work was carried out in multiple phases, working ramp by ramp to always maintain access to the sea. The overall investment of approximately 2 million euros, funded by the Municipality and the Ministry of Infrastructure, allowed for a conservation-focused restoration, based on surveys using cutting-edge technology and the use of materials compatible with the originals. The operations included cleaning, structural consolidation, and final protection to preserve the staircase over time.
In parallel, thanks to the technical sponsorship of iGuzzini Illuminazione, a new lighting system has been installed, which will be switched on the evening of September 2. The project integrates three components: functional lighting for safety, architectural lighting to enhance the monument even at night, and creative lighting, resulting from the international “Light For Future” competition aimed at young lighting designers.
Furthermore, on September 19, at the Mole Vanvitelliana, a conference on urban and coastal regeneration will take place with renowned architects and scientists; in the evening, the lighting installation designed by Spanish designer Maurici Gines will be presented—an original installation connected to the Passetto context, intended to remain a city asset. Managed via DMX protocol, the system allows dynamic lighting effects and shows synchronized with music, while ensuring energy efficiency and resistance to sea spray.
The project also includes an integrated video surveillance system combined with functional lighting to ensure safety and protect the monument from vandalism. Through the “Jiminy by iGuzzini” app, visitors can access digital content to learn more about the historical, artistic, and tourist aspects of the site.
With the completion of the works and its new luminous design, the Passetto staircase is now fully accessible and safer than ever, reaffirming its status as an iconic landmark of Ancona and an important element in the city’s upcoming bid to become Italian Capital of Culture.