The Marche region, located on the Adriatic coast in central Italy, between Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Abruzzo and Umbria, is characterized by its numerous parks and reserves, its medieval towns dominating a preserved landscape alternating fields, green hills and mountains, its cities of art, its crafts, its wine and food traditions, its small seaside towns, its beautiful sandy beaches and its authentic hospitality. The Marche are also very famous for the manufacture of high-end leather shoes. An ideal destination for lovers of nature, culture, history, wine and food
On the Adriatic coast can be found the seaside towns of Gabbice Mare, Pesaro, Senigallia and Fano renowned for their long sandy beaches and the quality of their waters. Towards the interior extends to the Apennines an exceptional natural landscape of hills, mountainous reliefs, parks and natural reserves. Medieval villages, fortified towns and art cities show the artistic and historical importance of the region. Urbino, birthplace of the famous Renaissance painter Rafael (Rafaello Sanzio) is a real gem. With its maze of cobbled streets, the superb Ducal Palace of Federico II di Montefeltro now housing a national gallery, the customs of its ancient brotherhoods, the Albernoz fortified castle and its public park offering a panoramic view, the city of Urbino is classified as a Unesco heritage. Senigallia, the socialite, Fano, the ancient Roman city, the villages of Cagli, Mondavio and Sassocorvaro, true works of Renaissance military architecture.
Do not miss : the natural reserve of Gola del Furlo, the church and former convent of Sant 'Agostino in Fano as well as the open-air church of San Francesco, the oratory of San Giovanni Battista in Urbino which contains one of the most important works of Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni, the Pergola-Cartoceto Museum for its unique golden bronzes dating from Roman times.
Ancona region offers a varied territory between sea and mountain, where it is possible to bathe in the crystal clear waters of the coves of Sirolo and Numana, to organize some treks in the Monte Conero Regional Park but also to go climbing on the rocky walls of Goladella Rossa or even to venture into the depths of the Frasassi caves.
Do not miss : the Sanctuary of Madonna di Loreto perched on a hill, the charming town of Jesi and its gallery with paintings by Lorenzo Lotto, the Fabriano paper museum known worldwide for its paper production, the village of Offagna offering lovely views over the rolling countryside, Recanati, birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi.
A journey between the Sybillini mountains to the Adriatic coast, to discover unspoiled nature, authentic hospitality, towns rich in history and art, organically cultivated fields by young farmers promoting a sustainable and organic agriculture since evere and local gastronomy.
Do not miss : an opera at the Sferisterio (bullring) of Macerata, Basilica di Santa Maria a Pié di Chienti, the Romanesque abbey of San Claudio, the Abbey of Fiastra nestled in the heart of a natural reserve, the castle of Beldiletto located in Pievebovigliana, the Ducal Palace of Camerino, the Sybillini Mountains National Park with its green valleys and rocky mountains.
The town of Fermo, a must-see on the great tour of European intellectuals in the 18th century, houses a gallery in the Palazzo dei Priori, which preserves the adoration of the Pastors by Rubens and the world map room. Located between the Sybillini Mountains and the Adriatic coast, the region offers breathtaking landscapes between sea and countryside, pretty old villages, archaeological sites and cities of art.
Do not miss : the Roman cisterns of Fermo, a true architectural masterpiece from the Emperor Augustus period and the Romanesque / Gothic style cathedral.
The city of Ascoli Piceno, also known as the city of the 100 towers, has one of the most beautiful "Piazza del Popolo" of Italy: 59 palaces with porticoes and battlements built on travertine slabs pavement. As well as being an interesting historical stopover, the town of Ascoli is also well known for its gastronomy and its so-called "allascolana" olives. Another must-see stopover in the city is the Liberty Lounge of the historic Meletti Café, once frequented by poets, politicians and famous writers who came to drink the house specialty: a hot drink with a drop of anisette.
Do not miss : the Augusto Roman Bridge, whose construction features from the Roman period are perfectly preserved, the Calanchi mountains with their succession of pointed peaks and their steep slopes, il Dito del Diavolo, a real stone monument and the hermitage of San Marco, the village of Cupra Marittima for those who are passionate about Picentine and Roman archeology, the village of Offida for its tradition of bobbin lace still practiced by the women of the village at their doorstep.
A few words about gastronomy
The gastronomy of Marche is strongly linked to its territory and its traditions. White truffle can be found mainly in the regions of Pesaro, Urbino, Macerata and Ancona. The regional cold cuts, the porchetta and the production of traditional pasta also make the excellent gastronomic reputation of the region. The most famous fish specialty is the "Brodetto". Find more information in our gastronomic guide
DISCOVER OUR HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE MARCHE REGION
Our suggested hotels in The marche region
A beautiful fortified manor located 15 km away from the Adriatic coast between Senigallia and Corina... Visit the hotel
Charming city break at a small elegant boutique hotel located in the Palazzo Ghisleri right in the h... Visit the hotel
Enjoy a peaceful and restful stay at small luxury country hotel surrounded by acres of vineyards and... Visit the agriturismo
Marche region offers varied landscapes: rocky mountains, green hills, plains, natural reserves, forests, vineyards, long sandy beaches with crystal clear water, fields of wheat and sunflowers. The region can be easily discovered by foot or bicycle. Its unspoiled nature, ancient towns dominating the countryside, its castles and monasteries, its towns of art and history, its archaeological sites and its many traditions will delight travelers in search of nature, relaxation and authenticity.
The car remains the ideal means of transport to discover the Marche region and its secret corners. However, many wine and food or nature bicycles itineraries exist to help you discover the region off the beaten track. There are many cycle paths in the various towns on the coast. A rail line runs along the Adriatic coast and stops in most seaside towns.
En avion: Bologna, Rimini and Ancona airports En train: Bologne and Ancona stations
