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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