The Region
The name Le Marche in Italian is in the plural form and we can say it reflects the land characteristic features: it offers many landscapes of rare beauty, as well as diverse evidences of a glorious past and historical and cultural richness.
Travelling in Le Marche means to experience new things everyday and to be charmed by its beautiful territory, its culture and its inhabitants.
PESARO
Formerly inhabited by the Piceni ancient population (XII b.C.) and later called Pisaurum by the Romans, was the seat of many rich overlords like the Della Rovere family, among the others, until it became part of the Papal State in 1631. While in town one can visit Palazzo Ducale (15th century), Costanza Fortress (14th century) an important example of military architecture by Laurana, the Piazzale della Libertà where the precious Villino Ruggeri, in Liberty style, overlooks the sea and the fountain with the famous Arnaldo Pomodoro’s Palla (Ball). Not to miss is the Museo delle Ceramiche, with a remarkable historical collection of ceramics, which is now housed in the Civic Museums, together with the Art Gallery (Pinacoteca) where the great masterpiece La Pala di Pesaro (the Pesaro Altarpiece) by Giovanni Bellini is preserved. Other places worth a visit not too far from the city (4 km) are the Imperial Villa-Castle (15th-16th century, with a beautiful park) and the ancient walled towns of Candelara and Novilara with a nearby necropolis (8th-6th b.C.). Summer events not to miss in Pesaro: Rossini Opera Festival (August – September) and the Pesaro Film Festival (International Exhibition of New Cinema).
URBINO
Is an important university centre with very ancient origins: it was founded by the Romans (Urbinum Metaurense) and later dominated by the Byzantines and the Lombards, but it had its glory days under Federico da Montefeltro (1422 – 1482) when it was the Capital of the Duchy of Montefeltro. The beautiful city centre, entirely built in baked bricks, is encircled by walls fortified with ramparts. The emblem of the city is Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. Don’t miss The National Gallery of Marche that contains paintings of the biggest masters of the Renaissance (Raffaello, Paolo Uccello, Tiziano, Piero della Francesca). Gradara Castle
This fortress occupies a commanding position between Marche and Romagna regions. Its construction began in 12th Century, but in the long run it was enlarged and adorned by the overlords of the place: Malatesta, Sforza and Della Rovere. It is a fine example of military architecture of the 16th century. The whole castle can be visited: the walls, the armoury, the torture chamber, the chapel (with Della Robbia paintings) and the halls (with original furniture from 1400 – 1500). This “Rocca” was the theatre of the sad passion between Paolo and Francesca made eternal by the poet Dante in the 5th Canto of his Inferno.
ANCONA
The foundation of Ancona (whose origins trace back to the Bronze Age) dates back to the 4th century b.C. and it was made by the Greeks. At the entrance of the Port one can admire Traiano’s Arch (100 – 105 a.C.), an imposing testimony of its importance during Rome Empire. The city preserves many important monuments such as the S. Ciriaco Cathedral and Vanvitelli’s Mole (1731) built for defensive and sanitary purpose, now featuring exhibitions. Don’t miss visiting the Pinacoteca, that preserves important paintings of Crivelli, Guercino, Lorenzo Lotto, Cassinari, Trubbiani and the National Archaeological Museum of Marche.
LORETO
Loreto is worldwide famous as a Holy Town. According to the legend the Holy House (where Jesus lived in Nazareth) was miraculously carried here by angels and put down on a green hill of laurels, which the name of the town is derived from. Today this attractive town encircled by 16th century Walls, is one of the main pilgrimage destinations in the world after Lourdes. The Dome of the Sanctuary was erected by Vanvitelli. The craftsmanship of the area is various and precious.
RECANATI
This town is strictly linked to the name of the poet Giacomo Leopardi who made it famous through his poetry, suggesting the route to visit the town. In Leopardi Palace (18th Cent.), the poet’s native house, one can admire his daily objects, handwritten manuscripts and the ancient library. From the house one can reach the Mount Tabor, the “Colle dell’Infinito” immortalised in a poem. The Museum of Beniamino Gigli (internationally renowned opera singer born in Recanati) preserves stage costumes, photos and relics of the great tenor. In the Pinacoteca (picture gallery) it is possible to admire famous masterpieces painted by Lorenzo Lotto.
MACERATA
Macerata was built in the Middle Ages by populations escaping Barbarians invasions on a hill close to the Roman Municipium of Helvia Recina (today an Archaeological Site). It is the centre of a prestigious university that dates back to the 16th century, the heart of the town is the main square Piazza della Libertà with Prefettura Palace, that preserves some 13th Cent. elements, the Renaissance Merchants Loggia designed by Cassiano da Fabriano (16th Cent.), the Clock Tower (1663) and the Lauro Rossi theatre (18th Cent.). In Ricci Palace, the museum of Italian Art of the XX Cent., one can find fine works of art by De Chirico, Morandi, Guttuso, Scipione and Pannaggi. Last but not least, the Arena Sphaeristerium: a valuable neoclassical building in Palladian Style where various musical entertainments like Musicultura and an internationally renowned OPERA SEASON are carried out every summer. Stately but harmonious this arena assures excellent acoustics and perfect visibility to the audience.
URBISAGLIA
This beautiful medieval borgo (village) is characterized by an imposing defensive “Rocca” (a fortress of the 12th century) that encircles it, which still preserves clearly visible walls, two doors and a fortified tower. A rich Archaeological Park of the Roman colony of Urbs Salvia is situated in the valley at the foot of the town. It preserves a theatre, traces of walls and streets, a temple, part of an aqueduct and a remarkable amphitheatre still employed for a open-air Theatre Summer Season. A short distance away rises the Nature Reserve of CHIARAVALLE DI FIASTRA ABBEY: a wonderful Cistercians monastic complex (12th Cent.) encircled by an ancient and extended native forest (100 ha).
TOLENTINO
This dynamic industrial town preserves many traces of its ancient origins. In its beautiful centre one can admire the Basilica of San Nicola (13th Cent.), the Sangallo Palace (with its Museum of the Caricature), the Clocks Tower (16th Cent.), the Romanesque Church of the Charity (now transformed into an auditorium), St. Catervo’s sarcophagus (one of the most important documents of Paleochristian art), the Parisani-Bezzi Palace (famous because it gave hospitality to Napoleon) and the Devil’s Bridge (13th Cent.). Not too far from the centre one can visit Rancia Castle (1357), seat of historical festivals and musical events every year.
TREIA
It was formerly the seat of an illustrious Georgic Academy that was in the vanguard of agricultural experimentation. Remarkable is the public square Piazza della Repubblica, with the peculiar Priori Palace, as well as the city walls with their medieval doors. From there one can enjoy the beautiful view of the green and sweet countryside around, studded with medieval monasteries and fortresses. Every year in Treia an interesting historical festival (the “Disfida del Bracciale”) takes place in August. Noteworthy is the nearby ancient Abbey of Rambona.
MATELICA
This panoramic “borgo” of the inland has linked its name to the famous aromatic white wine of Marche, Verdicchio. The town retains some notable medieval and renaissance monuments such as Pretorio Palace (1270), Ottoni’ s Loggia (1511), Piersanti Palace (16th Cent.), the medieval doors opening onto the city walls, the small Piermarini Theatre (projected by the famous architect who designed La Scala in Milan) Mattei main public Square with its 17th Cent. fountain. Visitors can enjoy guided tasting tours and thus discover and appreciate local products.
CINGOLI
It is called “Balcony of the Marche” because of the beautiful view this town has of the whole territory around, from the mountains to the sea. Cingoli is a fine typical “borgo” rooted on Mount Cingulum, it is a holiday spot renowned for the climate, the woods that surround it (crossed by tracks for mountain-bike) and its lake (equipped for aquatic sports). The town still has almost intact town-walls. Noteworthy are also the Archaeological Museum, the Townhall, the Romanesque-Gothic Church Sant’ Esuperanzio (12th Cent.), the Pinacoteca (that preserves a painting of Lorenzo Lotto) and the peculiar Museum of Sidecar.
SAN GINESIO
This nice town earned the name of “Balcony of the Sibillini” because it faces the mountains of the Sibillini National Park. It is the ideal place for people keen on nature and winter sports. Moreover San Ginesio is one of the most beautiful borghi (villages) of Italy with noteworthy museums and monuments: the Ospedale di San Paolo (called the Pilgrims Hospital, 13th Cent.) with its Portico and Arcade (15th Cent.), the Collegiata (12th – 15th Cent.), the Church of San Francesco and the Walls which are a peculiar mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. In the summer time don’t miss the historical festivals of Palio and La Fornarina.
SARNANO
The town looks really medieval. Its historical centre is an almost intact example of “castrum”: a fortified town whose narrow alleys come down in spiral shape from the higher public square, with “cotto” buildings tightened one to the other, the city walls and their doors. Many works of art are preserved in the Public Library and the Pinacoteca. Moreover there are three interesting museums: the one of the Fire-arms, the Museum of the Hammers and the Birds one. Sarnano territory borders on the National Park of Sibillini Mountains and it is the right place both for winter sports and summer holidays. The town is a renowned thermal centre.
USSITA
Ussita is situated in a valley between the mountains of the National Park of Sibillini. It has an equipped winter and summer resort with many recreational and sport facilities (ice-rink palace, mini-golf, swimming pool, ski-slopes). In the surrounding countryside there are many precious Romanesque and Gothic churches, old fortresses and watch-towers all around. Don’t miss visiting the Sanctuary of Madonna di Macereto which rises solitary and evocative on a nearby plateau (at the height of 1000 meters above sea level) and the picturesque borghi of Visso and Castelsantangelo sul Nera.
ASCOLI PICENO
It is famous for its precious city centre and for the elegant Piazza del Popolo (13th cent.) in particular, its main square, entirely paved with travertine marble. It is one of the most beautiful public squares in Italy. At its sides one can admire the Merchants Loggia, the gothic church of San Francesco, the fine Capitani Palace, the historical Caffè Meletti in Liberty style. Noteworthy are also Arringo Square with the Town Hall, the Romanesque Baptistery, the Cathedral (with a masterpiece of Crivelli). Don’t miss the renowned historical festival “la Quintana”: a parade in medieval costumes.
WHERE
In the Northern part of the Region (Pesaro-Urbino Province) one can find Sasso Simone e Simoncello and Gola del Furlo in the hinterland and Mt. San Bartolo along the coast, close to Gabicce Mare and Pesaro. In Ancona Province one can visit Della Rossa Gorge and Frasassi Caves in the up-country, Ripa Bianca Reserve (important for bird-watching lovers) along the Esino River, near Jesi, and last but not least, Mt. Conero Park, a promontory close to Ancona city.
Going to the South, near Macerata, it is possible to visit Fiastra Abbey Reserve and moving to the hinterland one can find Torricchio Reserve, managed by Camerino University (only for natural scientists and researchers).
The Sibillini National Park is divided between Macerata and Ascoli Piceno provinces, while a small part of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga Park is situated in Ascoli Province. Along the coast, North of Tronto River’s mouth, one can visit Sentina Reserve.
SIBILLINI MOUNTS
This National Park (about 70.000 ha.) consists of a mountain range of the Apennines -exceeding 2000 meters above sea level at Vettore- and small towns, “borghi”, hermitages, abbeys and fortresses spread over its slopes. In this magic territory nature is luxuriant, ancient legends survive and time seems to come to a stands still. In the park visitors can enjoy many sports activities (trekking, free-climbing, paragliding, rafting, mountain bike tours) or discover many local products (cheese, honey, truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, legumes, bread and traditional local liquors).
DELLA ROSSA GORGE and FRASASSI CAVES
This Regional Natural Park (established in 1997) is the biggest protected area of Le Marche and it includes Frasassi Caves. The Flora and Fauna of this natural oasis is typical of pre-Apennines environment and it presents even rare species of high natural value, such as the Royal Eagle. This area is ideal for trekking-lovers and speleologists. Besides it offers to the tourists a territory strewn with ancient castles, monastery and abbeys.
The entrance to the CAVES (among the most important in the world) is situated in the wonderful gorge and its calcareous rock walls (stratified in 190 millions of years) show the geological movements that created the Apennines. The calcareous structure of these rocks caused the creation of these marvellous caves. They are more than 13 kilometres long (with 200 meters high hollows and 20 meters high stalagmites) and their evocative beauty leave their visitors breathless with astonishment.
CONERO
The heart of the Regional Park, Mount Conero (572 m), suddenly appears, a sheer drop from the cliff to the sea, interrupting the linear Adriatic Coast. High and imposing it is completely covered with woods until the white calcareous slopes that dive into the sea and form hidden beaches, some of them reachable only by boat. Its vigorous Mediterranean forest is unique in the whole region and it is thickly populated by animals. The Park management organizes guided treks and mountain bike tours through the paths into the wood.
FIASTRA ABBEY
This Nature Reserve was established in 1984. In 1987 WWF officially classified it as a naturalistic oasis. Its heart is a 100 ha. forest, la Selva, which has been kept almost intact since 1700 by its owners: local Cistercian monks first, and then Bandini family. Fiastra Reserve is a very important Flora and Fauna Protection Area that, together with the wood, includes the green fields nearby, biking paths, a lake with a bird-watching site, a river and the beautiful 12th century monastery complex. Not to miss Urbs Salvia Archaeological Park in the close proximity.
Many renowned dishes are handed down from generation to generation: stoccafisso all’anconetana (stock-fish), vincisgrassi di Macerata (kind of lasagna), olive all’ascolana (fried olives stuffed with meat or fish), brodetto (fish chowder), maccheroncini di Campofilone (egg-pasta), formaggio di fossa (cheese matured underground), truffles and mushrooms, salami and sausages, olives and extra-virgin olive oils… all together with many good and renowned DOC and DOCG wines of Marche Region (DOC and DOCG: marks guaranteeing the quality of a wine).
How can one possibly taste everything?
Our land’s cuisine is strictly connected to the territory and its products, it doesn’t run after fads and trends, but it is time-honored, born in the country and grown-up on the coast.
Ancona is famous for its fish-cuisine: it is the “capital” of the most tasty and surprising stock-fish (stoccafisso all’anconetana), surrounded by yellow pulpy potatoes and crammed with herbs. But it is possible to find an excellent local fish-cuisine in every town along the coast, from Gabicce through Porto Recanati to San Benedetto del Tronto, that can boast the second biggest fishing fleet in Italy.
Leaving the sea and going inland one can taste good heavy-bodied foods and drink excellent wines: red, white and sweet (Rosso Piceno, Rosso Conero, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Colli Pesaresi, Esino, Colli Maceratesi, Offida, Falerio, Verdicchio, Bianchello del Metauro, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona, il Vino Cotto di Loro Piceno).
Local dishes and products not to miss in the area of Sibillini National Park are: San Ginesio nut cake (torta nociata), the genuine porchetta (pork meat stuffed with herbs) of Servigliano area, the high quality white and black truffles of Amandola area, the excellent prosciutto crudo (dry-cured ham), salami and sausages, river fishes and crayfishes, several kind of spicy, mild, fresh, matured or delicate cheese, the good apples, chestnuts, legumes and grain and, last but not least, the polenta (cornmeal porridge).
Macerata province is a real mine of new tastes: coniglio in porchetta (rubbit stuffed with wild herbs), canne d’organo (organ pipes) of Tolentino (sort of cannelloni), baked escargots (snails) stiffed with wild herbs (lumache in porchetta) of San Severino, sausages, pizza di Pasqua (local Easter cake) and torrone (a sweet made in various versions, some similar to nougat) of Camerino, as renowned as its University… to mention some.
Dishes to everyone’s liking are here for you to discover while visiting our beautiful Region!
The whole Marche Region has a well-selected musical offer that draws artists and music lovers from all over the world. Here were born famous composers like Giovan Battista Pergolesi, Gaspare Spontini, Gioacchino Rossini and renowned opera singers like Beniamino Gigli, Renata Tebaldi and Franco Corelli.
Le Marche has a passion for the music that goes through the ages and it is proved by the numerous Music Festivals around the region. The Sphaeristerium Opera Season in Macerata and the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro are internationally known, but one can find opera festivals, music concerts, ballets and so on, everywhere. The Region has 71 historical theatres, and 57 of those theatres are still in full swing, so one can choose among jazz and blues festivals (Fano, Ancona, Porto Sant’Elpidio, San Severino Marche just to mention some), klezmer music (Ancona), ballets and dances (Osimo and Civitanova Marche), theatrical shows (Sirolo, Polverigi, Amandola, Porto Sant’Elpidio, Jesi, Macerata, Fabriano, Ancona, Ascoli Piceno and Fermo among the others), classical music festivals (Urbino, Senigallia), cinema festivals (Pesaro, Fano, Loreto and San Benedetto del Tronto). Not to miss the Classical Outdoor Theatre in Urbisaglia and Falerone, Grottammare stand-up comedy Festival, Senigallia Summer Jamboree. Festival and the numerous historical reenactments that take place in beautiful medieval towns like the Quintana in Ascoli Piceno.
Macerata Opera Season
This year the Sphaeristerium presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni (July the 23rd, 28th and 30th), Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata (July the 25th; August the 1st, 4th, 6th and the 8th) and, last but not least, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (July the 24th and the 31st; August the 2nd, 5th and the 7th). Not to miss!
