Situated in one of the highest points of the historical town centre, the fortress bears witness to the transition from the 15th Century concept of an "ideal town" to the 16th Century "fortified town" approach. The fortress was the principal element of defence at the entrance to the town (today's Piazza Sangallo) and its wall were connected, by the end of XVIII century, to Porta Pia by means of fortifications. Evidence of this defence system can be found in the central area of the modern day fortress called " la Cittadella " (the Citadel), which delimits the largest park in the town. From the highest point of this greenery, visitors will enjoy a 360° view of Ancona, from the port to Monte Conero, over the hill on which the Faculty of Engineering has been erected.

The other two XIX Century fortifications in Ancona are also worth mentioning: Forte Scrima and Forte Altavilla (in the area of Pietralacroce ).