The Duomo of Ancona stands in a central spot at the edge of the hill, offering a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The site was designated as sacred as early as the 4th century BCE, when a temple dedicated to the goddess Venus—patroness of navigation and protector of seafarers—stood there. Centuries later, a church dedicated to Saint Lawrence was built atop the remains of that temple. After Ancona faced numerous challenges, including earthquakes and invasions, the church was consecrated in the year 1300 to San Ciriaco. The entrance portal is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, built in a Romanesque-Byzantine style.