Le Marche - History
Tuesday, 27 April 2010 09:25
Roberta Pelagagge
Le Marche, thanks to the lovely position of the Adritic sea, has become a place of wide cultural diversity and renowned for a healthy way of life. The region is steeped in History, evident in the rich art and architecture of the walled cities. You can taste it in the traditional cuisine and excellent wines, and you can live it through ancient festivals are still celebrated.
People have lived off this fertile land since 6000BC, thousands of years before the time of the Etruscans, in the 7th C BC, when the Piceni people populated the area. The first recorded settlements are in Fermo and Camerino. Through the coastal towns, like Ancona, they had links with the Ancient Greeks, and later, and less welcome, the Gauls. Nearly two and a half millennia later, Gallic influence is still apparent in the dialects spoken in the north.
Some Points in the history of Le Marche
VII- VI sec. BC. The civilisations of Picena in Foglia at Pescara
IV sec BC - Sees the growth of Dori Ankon (Ancona) which literally means elbow after the shape of its natural port. One of the few cities in the world where the
sun rises and sets on the sea.
207 a C. Battle of Metauro- The Romans they defeat the Cartaginesi and killing of Asdrubale, brother of Annibal.
568 d.C Invasion of the Longobardii
969 constitution of Marca Camerinese, Marca Anconetana and Marca Firmana
1000 Birth of the first community
1167 Invasion and capture of Ancona by Federico Barbarossa
from 1200Age of the communities and advent of the Lords. Start of many of the lines and dynasties of important Marchigani families: Malatesta agli Sforza, Rovere, Montefeltro and Da Varano.
1354 the cardinal Egidio Albornoz reinstates the reign of the pope
1516 Urbino becomes an important part of the church
1631 Le Marche passes under the papal State
1797 Napoleon imposes the pope Trattato di Tolentino - Ancona liberated and made a Republic
1807 le Marche enters into reign of Italy
from 1817 al 1849 insurrectionary motions
1860 Battaglia di Castelfidardo. Victory by the armies. Le Marche enters fully into united Italy.
Ancona was the gateway to Italy through which Christianity entered, paving the way for the battles between Popes and Holy Roman Emperors for control of the region that were to come during the time of the Renaissance. This time saw huge fluctuations in power between ruling families, the Borgias among them. While cities like Urbino and Jesi were passed around like pawns, the smaller towns gained in strength and stature - it is no mystery why Le Marche is known for its 100 walled cities.
The beginning of the Millenium sees the rising of numerous towns surrounding the many ancient churches. In particular the communities of the era with prominent stature are Ancona, Pesaro, Macerata, Fano, Jesi, Fermo e Ascoli Piceno.
In thirteenth century the orders of the monasteries were prominent, while in the 1400\'s the Lordships are born, between which Montefeltro are diffused in the Marches and of Of the Rovere in the Ducato of Urbino and of From They launch to Camerino. In the 1600\'s unification of the Papal State realised, while the 1700\'s sees growth of the urban cities as economic centers.
The time of Napoleon signaled the start of the area as it can be seen today; The 1800\'s is identified with the Renaissance (battaglia di Castelfidardo) and the unification of Italy.
Thanks to the radical ideas that made resistance particularly intense, Le Marche is able to demonstrate many of the original ways of the new Republic
Important People born in the region
Federico II di Svevia, Cecco d\'Ascoli, Giacomo Leopardi, Raffaello Sanzio, Federico da Montefeltro, Donato Bramante, Gioachino Rossini, Gaspare Spontini, Maria Montessori, Matteo Ricci, Papa Sisto V, Papa Pio IX, San Nicola da Tolentino, S. Maria Goretti, Osvaldo Licini, Corrado Cagli, Orfeo Tamburi, Pericle Fazzini, Gino Bonichi (Scipione ) Valeria Moriconi, Massimo Girotti.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 April 2010 09:26
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Le Marche - Tour Guide
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 10:13
Roberta Pelagagge
Not to Miss : The historical festa\'s that are carried out in the beautiful centers of the ancient cities and towns. Nearly every town has its own festa for a particular thing (e.g. wine, chestnuts, wheat, cherries... pretty much everything you could and could not imagine). The magnificent spectacular that is the open air theatre (Sferisterio di Macerata) where every summer there are a series of live performances of operas.
To visit : Two national parks (Monti Sibillini e Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga), Four regional parks (Monte Conero, Sasso Simone e Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi) Five nature reserves (Abbadia di Fiastra, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca, Gola del Furlo e Sibilla).
To admire : The largest known caves - Grotte di Frasassi, with its stalagmites and a cave large enough to house a catherderal
For Well Being : Hydro cure, mud therapy, aerosol therapies, inhalations, etc. There are also ten places for natural spa treatments: Macerata Feltria, Carignano, Monte Grimano, Petriano, Genga, Aspio Terme, Tolentino, Sarnano, Acquasanta Terme, Torre di Palme.
For Taste : To acompany the 13 vini doc, advisably taken with the local recipes, Ascoli Olives, soups and stews, maccheroncini di Campofilone, ciauscolo, the cheeses of fossa di Talamello, the truffles of Acqualagna, Sant\'Angelo in Vado e Sant\'Agata Feltria, the mushrooms, the pecorino, the casciotta di Urbino, the prosciutto of Carpegna, the salame of Fabriano, the honeys, the olive oils, the local grown produce, the lamb, etc.
To buy : pottery, copper, terracotta, maioliche, merletti a tombolo, tappeti rustici tessuti a mano, pipe in legno, cappelli, ferri battuti, cuoi, pellami, strumenti musicali, giocattoli, calzature, mobili, oreficeria, carta, travertino, marmi, pietre, vimini, prodotti in giunco, paglia, bambù.
To Stay : Throughout the region there are many Agritourismo\'s and hotels (932 with 58.302 beds), camp sites and holiday villages (107 with the capacity to sleep 55.724 ), country houses (526 with 3.638 beds) where it is possible to stay in complete serenity and sample the local produce and typical Marchigiani dishes, and Bed & Breakfast (544 with 2.470 beds) and growing.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 April 2010 09:38
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Le Marche - Thungs To Do
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 10:10
Roberta Pelagagge
The region
Le Marche, is mostly an agricultural region and is surprisingly very green despite the hot summers, boasts some 180 km of coastline. To the west of the Ascoli Piceno and Macerata provinces are the impressive Sibillini mountains, a 40 kilometre range with skiing in season, the western side of which runs down into Umbria. The Sibillinis make up the regions National Park and Nature Reserve. From this mountain range, hills roll eastwards towards the coast. The driving distance between the mountains and the beaches is approximately 1 Hour. The area is dotted with small towns and quaint villages perched on wooded hilltops, mostly with historic centers built in local stone.
A towns comune (municipality or town council) usually covers quite a large surrounding area divided into districts known as contradas. This area will be mostly agricultural or woodland but may contain smaller villages or hamlets known as frazione.
The Sibillini National Park has many footpaths which are mostly signposted for the more adventurous and those who want to get nearer to nature. There are also many routes among the mountains for cycling and mountain biking. The Park offers many other activities such as horse riding, climbing and skiing.
Besides the National Park there are a number of Regional Parks in the Province of Ancona, namely the Parco Regionale della Gola, della Rossa and di Frasassi where you will find the famous caves Grotte di Frasassi. Immediately south of Ancona there is the Parco Regionale del Conero. Monte Conero 572 metres a.s.l. is at the heart of the park with the most astounding views of the coastline. Steep calcareous cliffs descend steeply into the blue-green Adriatic sea with lots of small coves and beaches. The park has a visitors centre with ample parking in Via Peschiera, Sirolo. Besides lots of free pamphlets and maps you will find details of guided cycle outings with your own or hired bikes and daily guided walks ranging from easy through intermediate to demanding.
The Adriatic coast offers a great variety of resorts from the very quiet to the crowded, both sandy and pebbly.
Restaurants, large and small are abundant throughout the Marche region and prices are very reasonable, you will enjoy the local food and excellent wine. The local people must be among the most friendly in Italy.
Must-see towns in Le Marche.
Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno, in the far south of Le Marche, has a real medieval feel, perhaps due to the Roman layout of the town, which was built over the original settlement of Asculum Picenum. The old town centre is dominated by the wonderful Bell Towers, and there are fine examples of Romanesque, Medieval and Renaissance architecture to be found. Ascoli Piceno revels in its history, and it is the site of one of Italy’s most extravagant historical performances, the Quintana, which takes place every year–it’s the place to be if you want to witness traditional jousting. It\'s numerous street cafes also make it an excellent place to watch the world go by.
Jesi
Another of Le Marche’s distinguished walled cities, the beautiful town of Jesi dates back to a settlement named ‘Aesis’ by the Romans, who took it over from the resident Umbrians in 247BC. Jesi survived the battle between the Guelphs and the Ghibbelines in the 14th century to become the birthplace of Federico II and the composer Giovanni Battista di Pergolesi, to whom the magnificent opera house is dedicated. Jesi also has a reputation for fine wine – the famous Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi is much sought after.
Macerata
The first settlement established on the site where Macerata is today was destroyed in 408 AD, despite its defensive situation on the side of a hill. As can be seen, the town grew in stature and is today home to many fine works of art and examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The historic centre of Macerata is set within the city walls, and a relaxing day can be spent walking through the ancient streets that converge on the Piazza della Liberta`at the heart of the city. If you are an opera lover, the season runs from July to August and performances are staged in the remarkable open-air Sferisterio arena.
Recanati
Recanati is the birthplace of one of Italy’s most famous poets – Giacomo Leopardi. Such was his influence, that it would be easy to think that Recanati is simply a monument to him, but Recanati has much more of interest to offer. The many ancient buildings lend the town an elegance and warmth. The public art gallery houses some beautiful works of art, particularly those of Lorenzo Lotto. Recanati is also home to a museum of opera – the only one of its kind, and a tribute to its other famous son, Beniamino Gigli, the world famous tenor.
Urbino
You only have to enter Urbino’s 15th century walls to be transported back to the time of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino between 1442 and 1482. The city he built has changed very little since then – the walls were still the city’s official boundary until the end of WWII. Urbino now houses the National Gallery and Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Ducale, one of the most beautiful buildings in a city not short of fine architecture. The gallery also makes Urbino one of the best places in Italy to come for art, as it contains works by artists such as Raphael, who was born here.
Must See in the region
The Frasassi Caves
In the heart of the Gola della Rossa-Frasassi national park, this series of limestone gorges conceal the caves, a huge complex with a 240 metre high central chamber at its heart. The national park is home to eagle owls, peregrine falcons and golden eagles.
Monte Conero
Sticking out, literally, from the smooth, sandy beaches that characterise the Marche coastline, Monte Conero is a limestone promontory rising 500 metres out of the sea. Also a protected natural habitat for rare flowers and birds … terrific views too.
Abbadia di Fiastra. Nature Reserve and monastery
The Valley of the Madonna Dell\'Ambro
The Sanctuary has a history going back to 1073 and is one of Le Marche\'s most important shrines. Enjoy the walks and picnic areas behind the church following the course of the R. Ambro, cascading and tumbling over the rocks with the sides of the valley towering on either side.
La Gola Dell\'Ifernaccio (HELL\'S GORGE) and the Eremo di S. Leonardo.
A spectacular walk following the course of the River Tenna through the narrow gorge between Monte Sibilla and Monte Priora.
Other landmarks of particular interest.
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il Castello di Gradara, il Palazzo Ducale di Urbino... Buildings and ruins of the Roman era:
il Castello dei Brancaleoni a Piobbico, il Torrione di Cagli, il castello di Frontone, l’Eremo di Fonte Avellana, la Rocca di Mondavio...
The Italian Riveria di Conero: Offagna, Polverigi, Osimo, Castelfidardo, Loreto, Numana, Sirolo, Camerano.
The roman artifacts at Ancona, The Rocca di Offagna,
The Basilica di Loreto, The unforgettable beached at Portonovo.
The castle of Pallotta at Caldarola, The antique historic center of Sarnano, The amphitheatre at Urbisaglia
The tracks of Leopardi in Recanati
The lake of Fiastra
The monuments of Fermo, The roman theatre at Falerone, and of course the Balcone delle marche at Cingoli
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 April 2010 09:36
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Come si arriva
Tuesday, 17 November 2009 10:09
Jonathan Saxelby
There are no translations available. Via aerea - Travel by Air
Aeroporto Ancona-Falconara Raffaello Sanzio tel + 39 071 28271
Direttamente dall’Inghilterra: con Ryanair: Voli giornalieri da Londra Stansted e da Liverpool.
Con Lufthansa: Voli via Monaco di Baviera due volte al giorno.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 April 2010 10:53
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Cities
Palazzo Municipale
