DUKE’S PALACE AND FOUNTAIN OF THE DUCKS
Facing Rocca Roveresca, the Duke’s Palace was not designed to accommodate the Duke permanently, but as a state residence for the court and its illustrious guests, who could watch military parades taking place in the square from the windows. The fountain was built to remind the population of the reclamation of the Saline marshlands. The ducks represent the birds present in the wet area, while the water plays represent the control over waters, which once were carriers of diseases and now are a symbol of prosperity.
PORTICI ERCOLANI
The Portici Ercolani are one of the most characteristic urban elements of the city. Their name is reminiscent of Monsignor Giuseppe Ercolani (1677-1759), who designed them in the mid-eighteenth century by the will of Pope Benedict XIV, with the aim of hosting the renowned and constantly growing Fiera Franca every year.
Today, under the Portici Ercolani, one hundred twenty-six Istrian stone arches that line the right bank of River Misa, one can relive and breathe the atmosphere of the golden years of the fair every Thursday morning for the weekly market.
FORO ANNONARIO
Foro Annonario is a welcoming circular square that hosts a daily picturesque fruit and vegetables market and houses numerous local food and wine shops under the portico formed by a complex of 24 columns with Doric capitals.