Brands of regions and cities of Italy. Marche Italy - region on the map, beaches. Ancona Cathedral
When thinking about where to go in Italy, take note of Marche. The region has all the attractive components. Clean beaches of the Adriatic, picturesque Konero nature reserve, lovely historical cities with sights and what we love most about Italy is the delicious cuisine.
In the photo: the square of the Italian town of Ascoli
Before the numerous vacationers who fill neighboring Emilia-Romagna in the summer have discovered Marche, hurry up to see and feel it. We have already been there and selected the main points that we need to pay attention to.
ADRIATIC SEA
180 kilometers of coastline, 9 bays and 16 beaches marked blue flag. In Marche you will find places to sunbathe and swim. There are several places you can choose for beach holiday: Senigallia, San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabbice Mare.
In the photo: San Benedetto del Tronto beach
Italians love Senigallia for its sandy beaches. In San Benedetto, palm trees are planted along the embankment, and there is white sand on the shore, which is why they decided to call the town the Italian Miami.
In the photo: the promenade of San Benedetto del Tronto
RIVIERA CONERO
There are 12 natural parks in Marche, protected by the state. We liked the coast of Portonovo most of all, surrounded by the picturesque Conero Park. There is vegetation here (connoisseurs of coniferous trees, like those in Istria, will be glad to see their abundance here), mountains, and the sea.
For an original place to stay, we recommend the Fortino Napoleonico di Portonovo, a former Napoleon's fort located right in Conero Park, with views of the Adriatic and an excellent restaurant for dinner.
But in general, the landscapes of Marche sometimes resemble the tranquil Tuscan ones - the same green hills and ancient houses, and in the distance you can also see the white peaks of the Apennines.
LORETO
In the photo: the basilica in the town of Loreto
We move from nature to cultural values. The town of Loreto, closest to the capital Ancona, is famous for its basilica, where pilgrims come every year. Inside the church is Santa Casa, the house where the Virgin Mary was born.
In the photo: Santa Casa, the house where according to legend the Virgin Mary was born
According to legend, the house was moved by angels in 1291 from Nazareth; according to documents, it was transported in parts in the thirteenth century on a ship with the participation of a noble Italian family. By the end of the fifteenth century, a basilica was built for the relic. Now Santa Casa is located in a separate chapel along with an unusual statue of the “Black Madonna”.
ASCOLI
The Ascoli were founded by Italic tribes even before Rome; a road and bridge have been preserved from ancient times. In the Middle Ages the city became known as the “city of a hundred towers”, which were visible even at the entrance to Ascoli.
In the photo: the central square of Ascoli, Piazza del Poppolo
Nowadays there are significantly fewer Romanesque and Gothic towers left; you can try to count them while walking. The central square, Piazza del Poppolo, paved with gray marble, is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
The latter is arguable, but don't miss the historic Café Meletti located here. The Meletti brand has been producing Anisetta anise liqueur for 140 years. In 1903, the Meletti family bought the former post office building and transformed it into an elegant Art Deco coffee house.
The vaults in the cafe are painted with frescoes, the chandeliers are made in the shape of anise leaves, the marble tables and Viennese chairs look like they were 100 years ago.
You need to drink anise liqueur, snacking on a coffee bean, or just coffee with the same liqueur. Meletti is so beautiful that it is impossible to leave quickly.
In the photo: anise liqueur at the Meletti cafe, anise liqueur should be drunk with coffee beans from glasses with a thick stem.
URBINO
In terms of attractions, Urbino is considered the most attractive city. Firstly, this is the birthplace of Raphael; the house of the artist’s parents has been preserved here, which functions as a museum.
Secondly, the city boasts its own Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance ducal palace. It is included in the UNESCO heritage and is one of the most remarkable palaces in Italy. Palazzo Ducale was built under the supervision of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, who ruled Urbino from the mid-fifteenth century.
A portrait of Federico by Pietro della Francesca hangs in the Uffizi, and behind the Duke there is a view of the city from the windows of the palace. The palace was designed as a fortress, on the facade - round towers, inspired by the architecture of minarets. The Duke was a great admirer of antiquity, ordered the construction of a pagan “Temple of the Muses” in the palace, and hung portraits of Ptolemy, Plato and Aristotle in his office.
The walls in the cabin are covered with inlaid wooden panels with an optical effect, it seems as if there are astronomical instruments and books on the shelves. The palace has an impressive spiral staircase, seemingly endless, and balconies with an impressive panorama. Be prepared, school tours often take place around the palace, so it will be noisy.
PURCHASES
There are many large factories in the region Italian stamps, and with them - shops and outlets. It’s easy to buy Tod’s, Hogan and Santoni shoes at a significant discount. To get to the shops, you will have to take a car; the factories are located far from tourist areas.
GASTRONOMY
We will pay special attention to gastronomic pleasures, there are many of them here. The proximity of the Adriatic provides seafood.
In the photo: lobster in Fortino Napoleonico
In Portonovo they catch wild mussels, which are served with butter and bread. The main pastas are those with langoustines, shells and shrimp.
Try local variations of prosciutto, such as Prosciutto di Carpegna. Marche has wonderful village cheeses - pecorino, stracciatella (stretchy cheese in cream), ricotta, buffala, as well as formaggio di fossa (hard cheese like pecorino, which is eaten with apple marmalade).
Particular attention to the wonderful white wine Verdicchio. In Italy, friulano from Friuli is traditionally considered the king of white wines, but, as we see it, if Marche winemakers take up the promotion of verdicchio, the position can be reconsidered.
Verdicchio is a fine, aromatic wine that began to be made in the region in the 14th century, and its modern variations go well with seafood cuisine.
In the photo: seafood pasta and Verdicchio wine
And finally, to everyone who, at the word “truffles,” begins to wiggle their nose dreamily. They are found here! Black and precious white truffles are harvested in the mountains of the northern Marche. People in the region love to tell stories of how cyclopean-sized mushrooms were sent to John Paul II and, more recently, to Barack Obama. So Piedmont also has a competitor.
In the photo: pasta with truffle crumbs
We had the opportunity to taste black truffles at the excellent Osteria Dalla Peppa in the city of Fano. The mushroom, cut into pencil shavings, is placed on toasted white bread as an appetizer for “spumante”, and then the same shavings are added to tagliatelle in butter sauce. We know that truffles are not for everyone, but for our tastes they are mind-blowing.
Pictured: classic antipasti (snacks) from the Marche region
By the way, if you are in Fano (and then you definitely need to find this osteria), order the traditional La Moretta Fanese as a digestif - hot coffee with rum, anise liqueur and brandy. The ingredients are poured in layers, when mixed, it turns out great.
We thank the Marche region and the tour operator for organizing the trip ICS Travel Group . Charter flights to the regional capital of Ancona are operated by ICS from June 1 to early September.
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Lyudmila Egorshina- Lyudmila Egorshina is a former columnist for Afisha magazine and host of columns about travel, culture and fashion on the website elle.ru. She has traveled half of the world, but has a special penchant for Asian culture and Italian cuisine.
Many seaside resorts where you can have a great vacation for a week or two al mare, located on 180 kilometers of the Adriatic coast in the Marche region.
All resorts in Marche can be divided into two main types. The first includes large, noisy centers with vibrant nightlife, many foreign tourists and embankments densely built up with hotels. Examples of this type of resort are (from north to south) Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Senigallia And San Benedetto del Tronto.
Another type is represented by many small resort towns picturesque beaches, where villas and apartments are preferred to hotels. Often such places are filled with Italian families in the summer, many of whom live in the Marche region and come to the sea every year. At the same time, adults love to sigh in public about the fact that they have to come here for the sake of bambini, but in their hearts they all love these places. In addition, thanks to technological progress - laptops, iPads and smartphones - everyone can feel like they are in the office on vacation.
A couple of places nestled under a rocky peninsula Monte Conero, do not fall into any category. There are rocky coves and white limestone cliffs like no other on the Adriatic coast from Trieste in the north to the heel of the Italian boot at Gargano in the south.
When to go. The best time to visit the resorts of the Marche region
Features of the choice of beaches in the resorts of the Marche region
Although all resorts have one or two free public beaches ( spiaggia libera), they are often located far away and very rarely are they as clean as the toll sections of the coast. In any case, if you want to experience a truly Italian beach, be sure to go to the paid one, where there are rows of sun loungers under beach umbrellas. Usually entrance to the beach is not too expensive ( from 2 to 4 euros), but it has all the amenities you could ever want and is the best place to see Italian life up close. If you are staying in one of the local hotels, then, as a rule, you can use the beach that belongs to him, closed from outsiders, for free.
The Marche region boasts the largest number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy. The prestigious Blue Flag certificate of the Foundation for Environmental Education is issued only to the most environmentally friendly clean beaches Europe. The certificate implies that the beach meets strict criteria, including water quality, environmental control, safety and some other services.
Gabicce Mare
This colorful and lively city on the border of the Marche and Emilia Romagna regions is the northern extension of the Riviera Rimini. It is therefore not surprising that this resort, with more than 100 hotels, has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Marche. Despite this, the sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife on the coast and in the town of Gabicce Monte higher in the mountains remain attractive.
From here it's a stone's throw to the impressive Gradara Castle and, if you're really interested in exotic postage stamps and cheap alcohol, to the tiny republic San Marino.
To the south, towards the city of Pesaro, from Gabicce leads strada panoramic. Driving along the road winding over the coast, you can fully enjoy breathtaking sea views, many charming coves and inexpensive fish restaurants; one of the most romantic places - a tiny port in a village Baia Vallugola.
Pesaro
Pesaro, capital of the province of Pesaro e Urbino in the Marche region, is not only a charming city, but also an attractive one seaside resort, a prosperous fishing port and important industrial centre. The elegant, wide streets are picturesque enough for a fun stroll, and dinner at a seafood restaurant by the sea after a day spent on a relatively empty beach is difficult to compare in its appeal to anything else. Like most Italian beaches, the city's three kilometers of coastline are lined with dense rows of umbrellas and sun loungers that are rarely occupied. To be alone by the sea, go to the area Baia Flaminia, which lies north of the city center. Here, in addition to equipped beaches, for which you have to pay to enter, there are also areas for free recreation. Also, free and not crowded beaches lie to the south of the city, if you take the SS16 highway in the direction of Fano.
Choose a hotel in PesaroFano
Name of the Roman colony Fanum Fortunae associated with the large temple of the goddess Fortuna located in it. Fortune patronizes the city to this day, but in the person of one of the four Christian patron saints, San Fortunato.
During Roman times, this was the site where the important Via Flaminia road from Rome joined the main coastal route. major port. Today it is a small seaside resort with a busy fishing port and a charming old town centre.
The entrance to the city lies through a magnificent triumphal arch Roman era Arco di Augusto. It was built in the 2nd century AD by order of the Roman Emperor Augustus as part of his ambitious project to improve road network empire, and marks the exit point of the Via Flaminia road to the shores of the Adriatic; The bas-relief of the wall of the 16th-century church on the right shows the arch in its original form.
From here the main street Via Arco di Augusto leads to the historical center of the city (if you continue along it to the end, then, after crossing the railway tracks, the road will lead to the beach Sassonia).
At the main intersection in the city center, turn right onto Corso Matteotti, which will take you to the central square Piazza XX Settembre, which is decorated with a fancy 16th-century fountain topped with a sculpture of the goddess Fortune. Among the beautiful buildings approaching the square, the palace stands out Palazzo Malatesta with a large courtyard and spacious loggia, known as Corte Malatestiana. The palace houses the city museum Museo Civico And Pinacoteca Museum, which presents a disparate collection of Renaissance images and paintings by Guercino, Guido Reni and Michele Giambono.
Church Santa Maria Nuovo standing next to the central city square on the street Via de Pili, houses two precious works by Perugino, “Madonna and Saints” and “Good News” - it is likely that young Raphael helped the master in creating the first of the paintings.
The city has a particularly elegant passeggiata- a pedestrian zone running along the main streets, along which townspeople stroll along rows of shops, alluring with the lights of their shop windows.
The railway clearly separates Old city from a modern resort that has grown up along two strips of beautiful beach. To the south of the city extends Spiaggia Sassonia, wide pebble beach with a spacious walking area. In the northwest there is a shorter but more popular beach Spiaggia Lido, covered with sand and lined with rows of beach umbrellas.
Between the beaches there is a small bay where fishermen gather, from whom you can buy some of the fresh catch - vongole, small edible shellfish, are especially good here.
North and south of Fano there are some pretty nice free public beaches, many of which are relatively deserted.
Senigallia
Since 1853, 13 kilometers of gold sandy beaches Senigallia, famous "Velvet Beach", are considered one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic coast. Thanks to the quality of service and clean water, the city received the prestigious Blue Flag certificate issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe. But the sea is not all that is worth going to Senigallia for. Main city resort with a breathtaking historical center, can serve as an ideal base for exploring ancient cities Marche region. The name of the city refers to the very first inhabitants of these places - the Galli Senoni, a Celtic tribe that settled here around the 4th century BC. In the 15th century, the city was famous for the Maddalena fair that took place here. To this day, the historical center of the city retains a certain merchant austerity, especially clearly expressed in the tall buildings standing along the city canal. Walking along the alleys of the central part, pay attention to the architecture of squat, thick-walled houses, which developed many centuries ago as a result of the threat of earthquakes. The most beautiful historical monument of the city is the old fortress, Rocca Roveresca, built in 1480. In summer, the sound of classical music concerts can be heard in its courtyard. Another source of pride for Senigallia is lots of great restaurants, where you can truly taste the best Adriatic cuisine. The city is home to two of the most famous restaurants in Italy: La Madonnina Del Pescatore And Uliassi, regularly included in the top ten the best establishments according to eminent restaurant critics from around the world.
Choose a hotel in SenigalliaPortonovo
South of Ancona rises the lonely limestone peak of Monte Conero, whose slopes fall steeply to the most beautiful sea beaches on the entire northern coast of the Adriatic. The beauty of these places is responsible for the fact that in July and August three local resorts have only standing places available; You should come here in May, early September or, best of all, in June.
If you're coming from Ancona, your first stop should be Portonovo, a tiny village on the Conero River. Making your way along a dead-end road to this cluster of hotels, restaurants, campsites and summer beach houses nestled on a narrow coastal strip, you can fully enjoy postcard views of the sea. The resort coast is divided into two parts by the squat fortress Fortino Napoleonico, built in 1808 by the Viceroy of Italy Eugene Beauharnais to protect against attacks by the English fleet. Today the fortress is located Hotel Fortino Napoleonico.
At the end of the road, where evergreen oaks cling to the mountainside and descend to the sea, stands the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria. Built between 1034 and 1048, the building has a shape unique to Italy, more typical of the churches of Normandy.
Let's return to the main road, which goes around the foot of the mountain, from where breathtaking landscapes open up. About 8 km south of the Portonovo junction, follow the signs for Monte Conero to visit the 12th-century Badia di San Pietro, once a Benedictine monastery, and today - Hotel Monteconero. It is located in the very high point mountains that can be reached by car, and the panorama from here is worth your time.
The entire area adjacent to the mountain was declared a regional nature park in 1987, in which a whole network of marked paths was later laid - the map can be purchased at Consorzio del Parco del Conero in the town of Sirolo. At the top of the mountain (572 m) traces of a Paleolithic site about 100,000 years old were discovered - the oldest evidence of human presence in the region.
Sirolo and Numana
In the most southern point Conero houses the two main resorts of the Riviera. The most interesting of these is Sirolo, with an amazing medieval center and a tree-lined square hanging high above the sea. The best beaches can be reached by bus, departing every half hour and stopping at each bay. Campsites and coastal hotels in the lower historical part of the city smoothly flow into the Numana resort. In the southern part of the resort there is a long pleasant beach, and in the town archaeological museum you can get acquainted with the history of the tribes that lived on the territory of Piceni long before its conquest by Rome ( Via La Fenice, 4).
You can escape the beach crowds in one of the many tiny sheltered bays, which can only be reached by boat: during the season there are regular flights from Numana, Sirolo and Portonovo.
In addition, Sirolo boasts best fields for golf in the region, owned by the golf club Conero Golf Club.
- CHOOSE AND BOOK A HOTEL IN SIROLO OR NUMANA
Porto Recanti
When traveling in the Loreto or Recanti area, you will probably want to spend a day or two on the beach.
Porto Recanti is small modern resort gives a feeling of freedom with the breadth of its streets and magnificent views of the top of Monte Conero in the north. Despite the fact that the sand and pebble beach here is quite narrow, it is rarely crowded. It is best to relax in the northern part of the beach.
Civitanova Marche
This charming seaside resort is both a picturesque fishing port and a center for the shoe industry. At the same time, its long and wide pebble beach looks more stylish than any of the neighboring resorts, given that there is no shortage of hotels here at all.
The most interesting part of the promenade and beach is located in the quiet southern part of the city, decorated with lush vegetation. In a city centered around a wide square Piazza XX Settembre, there are plenty of shops with stylish storefronts and green public gardens.
On a hilltop about 4 kilometers from the coast stands a medieval fortified town Civitanova Marche Alta, which is still protected by partially preserved fortress walls. This is a must-visit - among the beautiful ancient palaces and churches there is an amazing collection of modern Italian visual arts, presented in the art gallery Galleria d'Arte Moderna.
One of the oldest and most charming churches in Marche, Santa Maria a Pie di Chienti, is located 6 kilometers away along the SS 485 highway inland. The beautifully preserved Romanesque building was built in the 9th century. The church is divided into two floors, the upper of which opens onto a central nave. The 14th-century frescoes in the apse above the altar, in stark contrast to the plain brickwork of the rest of the walls, make a lasting impression.
Porto Potenza Picena
To the north of Civitanova Marche lies Porto Potenza Picena - another variation on the theme of the small resorts of the south of the Marche. A great place to relax for the day on the sandy beach if you find yourself nearby. A few kilometers from the coast, in a place Giardino Bonaccorsi lies one of the few remaining 18th-century gardens in Italy with a beautiful red brick villa. The villa itself is closed to the public, but it’s still worth visiting if you’re in the area to admire the local beauty.
Porto San Giorgio
The streets of the resort, sandwiched between the SS16 highway and the sea, are decorated with many beautiful shops, and in summer season The atmosphere is enlivened by frequent music concerts. Much of the city's beauty is due to several buildings in the "Liberty" style, which was common in the best Italian resorts at the end of the 19th century. From the towers standing nearby central square the 13th-century city fortress built by Lorenzo Tiepolo, the future Doge of Venice, opens good view to the city. But the main attractions of the city remain fish and beautiful beaches. There are many in the city inexpensive restaurants, which serve a variety of types brodetto, a traditional fish dish of the Marche region.
Pedazo
South of Porto San Giorgio is the “mussel beach” of Marche - Pedaso, where delicious shellfish are grown on concrete pillars lying in the water just behind the short pebble city beach. Except great places for snorkeling, the town is conveniently located relative to the main routes of the region. In summer it takes place Sagradelle Cozze or mussel festival.
Porto Sant'Elpidio
North of Porto San Giorgio lies the narrow strip of Porto Sant'Elpidio beach, the heart of Marche's shoe industry. The main attraction of the resort is pine forests in the north and many huge shoe stores on the main road SS16. Once a port serving the inland town of Fermo, today the town of Porto Sant'Elpidio has turned into a wonderful seaside resort with a small port.
Curpa Marittima
An old-fashioned coastal resort, not crowded with hotels and imbued with a fun spirit family vacation. It is possible that Curpa Marittima owes such a relaxed atmosphere to the lush vegetation around it - pine trees, palm trees and oleanders. A short sandy beach (only 2.5 km long), dotted with old concrete groins, starts right behind the beautiful little port. There are rarely too many vacationers on the beach. There's an interesting person working in the city shell museum. If you are interested in camping, the best tent sites are in the north, between Curpa Marittima and Pedaso in the north.
Grottammare
This small resort in the south of the Palm Riviera Marche boasts a 5-kilometer strip of sandy beaches. On the beautiful pedestrian promenade there are several superb buildings that exemplify the seaside Liberty style of architecture, mostly luxury villas from the turn of the last century. Rows of palm trees along the seashore, colorful flower beds and well-groomed lawns give the city an indescribable charm. Historical Center, medieval city above the sea, includes beautiful ancient buildings, from which magnificent views of the sea open. Beautiful church Santa Lucia was built in 1957 in memory of the most famous son of the city, Pope Sixtus V. The ruins of an ancient Castle rise above the city.
San Benedetto del Tronto
One of the main resorts of the south of Marche, whose embankment is decorated with seven thousand palm trees, stands out for its unique tropical atmosphere. This is also beautiful city, known as the second most important fishing port on Adriatic coast Italy. The resort is hugely popular, but with 8km of wide sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, there's plenty of room for everyone. At the same time, the old-fashioned elegance of the city does not prevent the city from seething nightlife, which does not leave younger tourists indifferent. The most beautiful part of the beach is also where the most good hotels– stretches south of the city center. The beach north of the extensive port is not as well-maintained, but there are many half-empty and free areas. The old part of the city is located above the main resort, at the far end Corso Mazzini, and is marked by a castle surrounded by narrow streets of brick houses. Residents of the resort take catching fish and eating it equally seriously; There are many restaurants in the city where every taste will be satisfied for a reasonable price. This is one of best places to try brodetto, a dish for the preparation of which 13 types of fish are used - no more, no less.
The amazing Italian region can be proud of having given the world unique, talented people. The Marche region is home to outstanding architects, mathematicians, sculptors, musicians and artists. Its capital is the port city of Ancona, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. In this part of Italy you can see and learn a lot of interesting things. One of the rulers of Urbino in the 15th century dreamed of creating an ideal city, so he invited the best craftsmen of that time. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, the Teatro Sferisterio, located in Macerata, hosts annual opera festivals. The karst grottoes of Frasassi are so large that the famous Milan Duomo could easily fit there. There are many parks in Marche, one of which contains caves that once served as a haven for hermit monks. The Riviera Conero stretches from Ancona to Numana. And also...
- In the 13th century, technologies were invented in Fabriano (province of Ancona) that made paper stronger and more accessible. The first watermarks appeared here.
- Medieval Ancona was second only to Venice in its power. There is a period in its history when goods arriving at the port were not subject to any tax.
- The number of students studying at the University of Urbino is 2/3 of the city's population. The establishment was founded at the beginning of the 16th century.
- The composer, author of the opera “The Barber of Siville” Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), was born in Pesaro, the great Rafael Santi (1483-1520) was born in Urbino, and the greatest master of architecture, author of the project for St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, Donato Bramante (1444-1520), was born in Fermignano. 1514), in Fano - Italian composer Vincenzo Rastrelli (1760-1839).
- Marche is the birthplace of Carlo Maratta (1625-1713), recognized during his lifetime as the greatest artist of his time. Today his works can be seen in many museums around the world, but most are in Rome.
- At the end of the 12th century, in the province of Ancona, Silvestro Guzzolini was born, the founder of the monastic order of the Silvestrines, whose representatives adhered to the most extreme severity in their pursuit of poverty.
- Six popes come from the Marche region. These are Sixtus V (1521-1590) and Pius IX (1792-1878), Clement XI (1649-1721) and Nicholas IV (1227-1292), Leo XII (1760-1829) and Pius VIII (1761-1830).
A little history
In ancient times, the lands of the Marche were inhabited by the Piceni, and the territory was called Picenum. In the 4th century. BC. The Greeks founded a colony - Ancona, and about a century later the Romans appeared here. They conquered local tribes, laid capital roads across the territory, turned Ancona into a full-fledged sea gate, intended for the importation of goods and sending legionnaires for triumphal conquests. After the fall of the Western Empire, power over the territory changed hands. As a result of the confrontation between the Lombards and the Pope, the lands in the 8th century came under the control of the Franks, led by Charlemagne. He decided to mark the boundaries of his possessions by forming separate marks (border areas). Soon their combined name appeared - Marche.
Charles transferred part of the lands into the possession of the papacy. But the pontiff was unable to cope with the desire of individual cities to gain self-government. As a result, Ancona acquired the status of an independent maritime republic, became successful and rich. Supporters of the popes fought with the local lords, realizing how much of a tasty morsel Marche was. In the 14th century they managed to return some cities to the control of the Papal State in the mid-16th century. it included Ancona, and almost 100 years later - Urbino. Apart from a few years at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, when the Marche lands were under the control of Napoleon, papal power in the region lasted until 1860. It was then that the territory became part of a united Italy.
Attractions Marche
Each city in the region offers something special to see. In Urbino it is worth visiting the Palazzo Ducale, and in Loreto one of the most revered places by Christian pilgrims is the Sanctuary of the Holy House. The city of Osimo became famous for its amazing Cathedral, made in the Roman-Gothic style, and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin in Campocavallo, built on the site of the Miracle that took place over 10 years. At the top of a hill in Pesaro lies the Villa Imperiale, once owned by the Sforza Dukes. In Ascoli Piceno you can see many unique monuments, and its travertine and tuff structures are admirable.
When to go to Marche
Marche weather
The coastal zone is characterized by a sub-continental climate, which means that summers are hot and winters are rainy and moderately warm. average temperature in January it is about four degrees Celsius. In the south of the region, winter temperatures are within +8 degrees. In the foothills and hills, summers are mild and winters can experience heavy snowfall. Spring is considered the rainiest. In the mountains, the summer season is quite cool. In winter it is cold and there is a lot of snow, sometimes critical snow drifts are observed.A long coastline with many beaches and picturesque bays suggests a comfortable holiday on the Adriatic Sea in the summer. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also do aquatic species sports, and go fishing. The mountain range attracts fans of winter sports and mountain walks.
Castles, fortresses and other historical and cultural attractions are open to guests all year round. Tourists enjoy visiting abbeys, basilicas, archaeological sites and museums that house real masterpieces from famous masters of the past and present. Almost every town in the Marche region has its own charm.
The region invites lovers of culinary delicacies 12 months a year. Marche cuisine is a successful combination of centuries-old traditions, supported by unique natural conditions. In addition to traditional dishes, tourists will be offered to taste sour cherry wine and cumin liqueur, salami, which includes figs and nuts, and also enjoy Casciotta d'Urbino cheese, which Michelangelo himself admired. To collect white and black truffles, it is worth coming in the autumn winter period.
Marche on the map of Italy
The Marche territory is located just above the middle part of the Apennine Peninsula. It stretches: on the one hand, along the sandy and pebble coast of the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, along a mountain range that crosses the entire Italian boot. The rivers in the Marche region are short, there are no large natural lakes, but the compact bodies of water are extremely beautiful and attractive from a landscape point of view. In Mark there is National parks And nature reserves, caves and sea beaches.
The area is considered one of the most hilly in Italy (69%). The rest of the territory is occupied by mountains. Most high peak has Mount Vettore - 2476 m above sea level. The region is considered earthquake-prone. The Marche region borders on Umbria, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, and quite a bit on Tuscany, Lazio and the Republic of San Marino. The region is divided into 5 provinces.
How to get to Marche
18km from Ancona there is international Airport Falconara, named after Rafael Santi. Aircraft from several Italian, as well as European and Middle Eastern cities land here. The closest international airport from the Marche region that receives planes from Moscow is in Rimini.
Along the coast is laid highway Taranto-Bologna. Secondary roads fan out deeper into the peninsula, connecting big cities with small villages. A large railway line connects the coastal settlements. The Marche region has developed sea view transport.
Marche is a region in eastern Italy, located on the Adriatic coast. The region is famous for the fact that almost 10% of all its territories are considered protected areas and are protected by the state of Italy. Marche combines beach, mountain, and historical types of tourism, which is why it is so attractive to travelers. However, many of them bypass the area, going to more popular places: Florence, Rome or Venice. And completely in vain. Marche is in no way inferior to other regions in the number of beaches and architectural monuments.
History of Marche
The capital of the region, the city of Ancona, was founded in 387 BC. e. Greek colonists. Before this, the territory was inhabited by scattered tribes of Etruscans, who were later driven out by the Romans. Italy (including Marche) was the most developed part of the world in antiquity, and Ancona, being located not far from Rome, grew quite rapidly. At the same time, the city became the center of Italian trade, and the Romans called the settlement “the eastern gate of the country.”
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Marche was captured by the barbarian tribes of the Goths. For some time the territory was under the rule of the heir of Rome - Byzantium, but after the arrival of the Lombard tribe, it lost control over the region. The Lombards actively fought with the Pope until they were conquered by the Frankish state. Having seized the lands, the king of the Franks handed over Mark to the Pope, who was his vassal.
In the 11th century, the region gained independence, becoming a free trading republic. For many centuries it withstood the sieges of its powerful rival, Venice. The Republican government was subsequently replaced by hereditary rule. The territory was ruled by the Dukes of Urbino from the Montefeltro family. Only in the 16th century was the Pope able to restore his authority over the Marche region.
At the end of the 18th century, Ancona was captured by Napoleon's French army, and then became part of the united state of Italy. The Marche is still its administrative unit.
Castle of the Dukes of Urbino
The castle was built by order of Frederico da Montefeltro at the end of the 15th century. He bought out the Florentine architects and set out to build the ideal residence for the ruler small state. However, the Duke of Urbino died suddenly, and work on the construction of the castle was suspended.
Centuries later, work on the castle was resumed. Upon completion, the Ducal Palace became a classic example of Italian Renaissance culture. Now the castle is actively visited by tourists. Numerous excursions are held here, including art gallery castle
Holy hut
The Basilica of Santa Casa (translated as “holy hut”) is one of the most revered Christian shrines for which Italy is famous. Marche has many Catholic churches, but this one stands out among others for its unique history. Biblical legend says that once in the Holy Land, not far from Jerusalem, there was a house where Mary, the mother of Christ, grew up and was raised. A church was subsequently built on the site of the house, which was later destroyed by Muslims. Then the crusaders moved a miniature model of the temple, first to Dalmatia, and then to Ancona. By order of the Pope, a real church was erected based on a miniature model.
Pilgrims to this day strive to visit the shrine, and ordinary tourists attracted by the original architecture of the building. The basilica is a monument of Renaissance culture; numerous ancient frescoes and outstanding sculptures are stored here. In addition, the church has its own treasury, which contains valuable jewelry.
Monte Conero Park
Besides historical monuments, tourists are attracted by the beautiful landscapes for which Italy is famous. Marche, where holidays are designed for lovers virgin nature, may suggest visiting the Monte Conero park, located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. It is open to tourists. Moreover, excursions here are conducted by experienced guides who can create an individual itinerary if desired.
The park territory covers an area of almost 6000 square meters. m. There are numerous walking and cycling paths, a walk along which allows you to walk through real forest thickets. All of them lead to the rocky coast of the Adriatic Sea. From here you have a magnificent view of the beaches and the capital of Marche - the city of Ancona. Along the way, tourists can meet many species of birds and animals: peregrine falcons, eagles, martens, badgers. Here you can also “stumble upon” park attractions: caves and white cliffs. Tastings of local wines and delicacies are often held on the territory of Monte Conero.
Ancona Cathedral
The main church of the city was built in the 11th century, and, of course, it is one of the main attractions of Ancona. The building was built in and designed in the shape of a Greek cross. The remains of Catholic saints Jude Cyriacus and Marcelinus of Ancona are kept here. According to chronicles, a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite was once built on the site of the current cathedral.
The cathedral was rebuilt several times, although the facade retained its historical appearance. The first restoration work was carried out at the end of the 19th century, and during the First World War the temple was partially destroyed by bombing. The building itself was restored, but the famous frescoes and paintings were irretrievably lost. The church was subsequently bombed again during World War II. It was also heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1972. However now Cathedral Ancona operates as usual, Catholic services are held here, as well as excursions for tourists who decide to visit the state of Italy. Marche, photos of the sights of which can be seen in this article, will amaze travelers with the grandeur and antiquity of its monuments.