Italian region Marche. Regions of Italy
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 the Marche can be divided into two main types. The first includes large bustling centers with a vibrant nightlife, many foreign tourists and embankments, densely built-up 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 hotels prefer villas and apartments. 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 like to sigh in public that they have to travel 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 fit into any category. There are rocky coves and white limestone cliffs like nowhere else 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), often they are located far away and very rarely they are as clean as on paid sections of the coast. In any case, if you want to get to know a truly Italian beach, be sure to go to the paid one, where there are rows of sun loungers under beach umbrellas. Usually the entrance to the beach is not too expensive ( from 2 to 4 euros), but it has all the amenities you could ever want, and it's also the best place to watch Italian life up close. If you stay at one of the local hotels, then, as a rule, you can use the beach that belongs to it, which is closed from outsiders, for free.
The Marche region boasts the highest number of Blue Flag certified beaches in Italy. The prestigious Blue Flag certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Education is given only to the most environmentally friendly beaches in 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 Rimini Riviera. With over 100 hotels, it is therefore no wonder that this resort has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Marche. Despite this, sandy beaches and the vibrant nightlife on the coast and in the town of Gabicce Monte, up in the mountains, does not lose its appeal.
From here, the impressive Gradara Castle is within easy reach and, if you're really interested in exotic postage stamps and cheap alcohol, 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 the breathtaking sea views, many charming coves and inexpensive fish restaurants; one of the most romantic places is a tiny port in the village Baia Vallugola.
Pesaro
Pesaro, capital of the province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Marche region, is not only a charming city, but also an attractive seaside resort, a prosperous fishing port and an important industrial center. The elegant wide streets are picturesque enough for an exciting walk, and dining at a fish restaurant by the sea after a day spent on a relatively empty beach is difficult to compare in its attractiveness with anything else. Like most Italian beaches, three kilometers of the city's coast lined with dense rows of umbrellas and sun loungers, which are rarely occupied. To be by the sea in solitude, go to the area Baia Flaminia, which lies to the north of the city center. Here, in addition to equipped beaches, for which you have to pay an entrance fee, there are also areas for free recreation. Also, free and not crowded beaches lie south of the city if you drive along the SS16 highway in the direction of Fano.
Find a hotel in PesaroFano
Name of a Roman colony Fanum Fortunae connected with the large temple of the goddess Fortune located in it. Fortune patronizes the city to this day, but already in the person of one of the four holy Christian patrons, San Fortunato.
In Roman times, this place, where the important Via Flaminia from Rome joined the main coastal route, was a major port. Today it is a small seaside resort with a lively fishing port and a charming old town.
The entrance to the city lies through a magnificent Roman-era triumphal arch. 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 the empire's road network, and marks the exit of the Via Flaminia to the Adriatic coast; 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 to move along it to the end, then, having crossed 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 whimsical fountain of the 16th century, crowned 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 a spacious loggia, known as Corte Malatestiana. The palace houses the city museum. Museo Civico and Pinacoteca Museum, which presents a scattered 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, stores two precious works by Perugino, “Madonna with Saints” and “Good News” - it is likely that the young Raphael helped the master to create the first of the paintings.
The city has a particularly elegant passeggiata- a pedestrian zone that runs along the main streets, along which the townspeople stroll along the rows of shops, beckoning shop windows with lights.
The railroad clearly separates Old city from a modern resort that has grown along two strips of beautiful beach. South of the city extends Spiaggia Sassonia, a wide pebble beach with a spacious walking area. In the northwest there is a less long, 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 to buy something from their fresh catch - vongole, small edible shellfish, are especially good here.
To the north and south of Fano stretch quite pleasant free public beaches, many of which are relatively deserted.
Senigallia
Since 1853 Senigallia's 13 kilometers of golden sandy beaches, the famous "Velvet Beach", are considered one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic coast. Thanks to the quality of service and the purity of the water, the city has 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. Main city resort with a breathtaking historic center, can serve as an ideal base for exploring the ancient cities of the Marche region. The name of the city points to the very first inhabitants of these places - 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, which is especially pronounced in the tall houses standing along the city canal. Walking along the lanes 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 sounds of classical music concerts can be heard in its courtyard. Another object of pride of Senigallia - many great restaurants where you can really taste the best dishes of the Adriatic cuisine. The city has two of the most famous restaurants in Italy: La Madonnina Del Pescatore and Uliassi, regularly ranked among the top ten establishments according to eminent restaurant critics from around the world.
Find 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 only standing places remain free at three local resorts; you should come here in May, early September or, best of all, in June.
If you are coming from Ancona, the first stop on your way 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 the postcard views of the sea. The coast of the resort is divided into two parts by the squat Fortino Napoleonico fortress, built in 1808 by the Viceroy of Italy, Eugene Beauharnais, to protect against the attacks of the English fleet. Today in the fortress is located Fortino Napoleonico Hotel.
At the end of the road, where the evergreen oaks clinging to the mountain slope descend to the sea, stands the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria. Built between 1034 and 1048, the building has a form that is unique in Italy, more typical of the churches of Normandy.
Let's return to the main road that 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 - Monteconero Hotel. It is located in the very high point mountains, which can be reached by car, and the panorama from here is worth the time spent.
The entire area adjacent to the mountain was declared a regional natural park in 1987, in which a whole network of marked paths was later laid - a map can be purchased at Consorzio del Parco del Conero in Sirolo. At the top of the mountain (572 m), traces of a Paleolithic site dating back about 100,000 years were found - the oldest evidence of human presence in the region.
Sirolo and Numana
At the southernmost point of Conero, there are 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, which leaves every half an hour and stops at each bay. Campsites and coastal hotels in the lower historical part of the city smoothly pass into the Numana resort. In the southern part of the resort there is a long pleasant beach, and in the city's archaeological museum you can get acquainted with the history of the tribes that lived on the territory of Piceni long before it was conquered by Rome ( Via La Phoenix, 4).
You can escape the beach crowd in one of the many tiny enclosed bays, which can only be reached by boat: during the season there are regular flights from Numana, Sirolo and Portonovo.
In addition, Sirolo boasts the best golf courses 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 surely want to spend a day or two on the beach.
Porto Recanti is a small modern resort that gives a sense of freedom with the breadth of its streets and magnificent views 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 the beach is located in the quiet southern part of the city, decorated with lush vegetation. In a city centered around a wide area Piazza XX Settembre, there are many shops with stylish windows and green community gardens.
On top of a hill about 4 kilometers from the coast stands a medieval fortified town Civitanova Marche Alta, which is still guarded by partially preserved fortress walls. This is a must-see place - among the beautiful ancient palaces and churches, there is an amazing collection of modern Italian fine art, presented in the art gallery Galleria d'Arte Moderna.
One of the oldest and most charming churches in the Marche, Santa Maria a Pie di Chienti, stands 6 kilometers away on the SS 485 inland. The well-preserved Romanesque building was built in the 9th century. The church is divided into two floors, the upper one opens with a central nave. The 14th-century frescoes on 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
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 the day on the sandy beach if you are nearby. A few kilometers from the coast, in the town Giardino Bonaccorsi one of the few eighteenth-century gardens left in Italy, with a beautiful red-brick villa. The villa itself is closed to the public, but still worth stopping by if you are in those parts to admire the local beauties.
Porto San Giorgio
Sandwiched between the SS16 and the sea, the resort is lined with beautiful shops, and during the summer season, frequent music concerts enliven the atmosphere. In many ways, the beauty of the city is due to several buildings in the "Liberty" style, which was extended to the best Italian resorts at the end of the 19th century. From the towers of the 13th-century city fortress, built by Lorenzo Tiepolo, the future Doge of Venice, standing near the central square, a good view of the city opens up. But the main attractions of the city are fish and beautiful beaches. The city has many inexpensive restaurants serving a variety of types of food. brodetto, a traditional fish dish from the Marche region.
Pedaso
To the south of Porto San Giordio is the "mussel beach" of the Marche - Pedaso, where delicious shellfish are grown on concrete pillars lying in the water just behind the short pebble city beach. In addition to excellent snorkeling sites, the town is distinguished by its convenient location relative to the main routes of the region. In the summer passes here Sagradelle Cozze or the mussel festival.
Porto Sant'Elpidio
To the north of Porto San Giordio stretches a narrow strip of the beach of Porto Sant'Elpidio, the heart of the Marche shoe industry. The main attraction of the resort is the pine forests in the north and many huge shoe stores on the main street-road SS16. Once a port that served the inland city of Fermo, today the town of Porto Sant'Elpidio has become a wonderful seaside resort with a small port.
Kurpa Marittima
An old-fashioned coastal resort, not crowded with hotels and imbued with a spirit of fun family vacation. It is possible that such a relaxed atmosphere of Kurpa Marittima is due to the lush vegetation around - pines, palm trees and oleanders. A short sandy beach (only 2.5 km long), studded with old concrete groins, begins right behind the beautiful little port. There are rarely too many vacationers on the beach. The city has an interesting shell museum. If you are interested in camping, then the best places for tents are in the north, between Kurpa Marittima and Pedaso in the north.
Grottammare
This small resort in the south of the "Palm Riviera" Marche boasts 5 kilometers of sandy beaches. On the beautiful pedestrian promenade, there are several excellent buildings that serve as an example of the seaside style of "liberty" in architecture, mainly luxury villas from the beginning of the last century. Rows of palm trees along the seashore, colorful flower beds and manicured lawns give the city an inexpressible charm. Historical Center, medieval city above the sea, includes beautiful old buildings, which offer magnificent views of the sea. beautiful church Santa Lucia was built in 1957 in memory of the most famous son of the city, Pope Sixtus V. The ruins of the ancient Castle rise above the city.
San Benedetto del Tronto
One of the main resorts in the south of the Marche, whose promenade 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 the Adriatic coast of Italy. The resort is very popular, but thanks to 8 km of wide sandy beaches, fringed with palm trees, there is enough space for everyone. At the same time, the old-fashioned elegance of the city does not interfere with the seething nightlife, which does not leave indifferent tourists younger. The most beautiful part of the beach - here is the most good hotels- stretched south of the city center. The beach to the north of the vast port is not as well-maintained, but it has 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. The inhabitants of the resort are equally serious about catching fish and eating it; there are many restaurants in the city, where all tastes will be satisfied for a moderate fee. This is one of the best places to taste brodetto, a dish made from 13 types of fish - no more, no less.
When thinking about where to go to Italy, take note of Marche. The region has all the attractive components. clean beaches Adriatic, picturesque nature reserve Conero, lovely historical cities with sights and what we love about Italy especially - mouth-watering cuisine.
In the photo: the square of the Italian town of Ascoli
While the Marche has not been visited by numerous vacationers who fill the neighboring Emilia-Romagna in the summer, hurry to see and feel. We have already been there and have chosen the main points to pay attention to.
ADRIATIC SEA
180 kilometers of coastline, 9 coves and 16 blue flag beaches. In Marche there is where to sunbathe and swim. There are several places to choose from beach holiday: Senigallia, San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabbice Mare.
In the photo: the beach of San Benedetto del Tronto
Italians love Senigallia for its sandy beaches. In San Benedetto, palm trees are planted along the promenade, and white sand is 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 state-protected natural parks in the Marche. We liked most of all the coast of Portonovo, surrounded by the picturesque Conero Park. Here and vegetation (connoisseurs of coniferous trees, the same as in Istria, will be happy with their abundance here), and mountains, and the sea.
As an original place to stay, we recommend the Hotel Fortino Napoleonico di Portonovo, a former Napoleonic fort located right in the Conero Park, overlooking the Adriatic and an excellent restaurant for dinner.
But in general, the Marche landscapes sometimes resemble pacifying Tuscan ones - the same green hills and old houses, and in the distance you can also see the white tops of the Apennines.
LORETO
In the photo: the basilica in the town of Loreto
From nature we pass 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 moved in parts in the thirteenth century by 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
Ascoli founded the Italic tribes even before Rome, the road and the 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
Now there are much fewer Romanesque and Gothic towers left, while walking you can try to count them. The central square of Piazza del Poppolo, paved with gray marble, is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
The latter is debatable, but don't miss the historic Café Meletti located here. Anisetta anise liqueur has been produced under the Meletti brand for 140 years. In 1903, the Meletti family bought the former post office building and converted it into an exquisite Art Deco coffee house.
The vaults in the cafe are painted with frescoes, the chandeliers are made in the form of anise leaves, the marble tables and Viennese chairs look like 100 years ago.
You need to drink anise liqueur, snacking on a coffee bean, or just coffee with the same liquor. Meletti is so beautiful that it is impossible to leave quickly.
In the photo: anise liqueur in 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, here the house of the artist's parents has been preserved, which functions as a museum.
Secondly, the city flaunts its own Palazzo Ducale - the ducal palace of the Renaissance. 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 middle of the fifteenth century.
A portrait of Federico by Pietro della Francesca hangs in the Uffizi, and behind the duke is just a view of the city from the windows of the palace. The palace is designed as a fortress, on the facade there are 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 cockpit 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. Get ready, there are often school tours around the palace, so it will be noisy.
PURCHASES
There are many factories of large Italian brands in the region, and with them there are 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 far from tourist places.
GASTRONOMY
We will pay special attention to gastronomic pleasure, there are many of them here. The proximity of the Adriatic provides seafood.
Pictured: Lobster at Fortino Napoleonico
In Portonovo they catch wild mussels, which are served with butter and bread. The main pastas are those with langoustines, shells and shrimps.
Try local variations of prosciutto, such as Prosciutto di Carpegna. The Marche has wonderful country cheeses - pecorino, stracciatela (stretchy cheese in cream), ricotta, buffalo, as well as formaggio di fossa (hard cheese like pecorino, eaten with apple jam).
Special 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 delicate aromatic wine that has been made in the region since the 14th century, and its modern variations go well with seafood cuisine.
In the photo: pasta with seafood and wine Verdicchio
And, finally, to everyone who, at the word “truffles”, begins to dreamily move his nose. Here they are found! Black and precious white truffles are harvested in the mountains of the northern Marche. The region loves to tell stories of how cyclopean-sized mushrooms were sent to John Paul II and recently to Barack Obama. So Piedmont has a competitor.
In the photo: pasta with crumbs of truffles
We had a chance to taste black truffles at the excellent Osteria Dalla Peppa in 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 taste, they are breathtaking.
In the photo: 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 capital of the Ancona region are carried out by ICS from June 1 to early September.
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Lyudmila Egorshina- Lyudmila Egorshina - former columnist for Afisha magazine and columnist for travel, culture and fashion on elle.ru. She has traveled half the world, but she has a special inclination towards Asian culture and Italian cuisine.
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 coast 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 masters of that time to his place. With excellent acoustics, the Teatro Sferisterio, located in Macerata, hosts annual opera festivals. Frasassi karst grottoes are so large that the famous Duomo of Milan can fit there. There are many parks in the Marche, one of which contains caves that once served as a haven for hermit monks. From Ancona to Numana, the Conero Riviera stretches. And also…
- In the 13th century, in Fabriano (province of Ancona), technologies were invented that made paper stronger and more affordable. Here the first watermarks appeared.
- 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 population of the city. The establishment was founded in the early 16th century.
- Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), composer, author of the opera The Barber of Siville, was born in Pesaro, the great Rafael Santi (1483-1520) was born in Urbino, the greatest master of architecture, author of the project of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome, Donato Bramante (1444-1444- 1514), in Fano by the 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 work 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, the founder of the monastic order of the Sylvestrines, was born, whose representatives adhered to the most extreme severity in their desire for 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 bit of history
In ancient times, the lands of the Marche were inhabited by Piceni, and the territory was called Picenum. In the 4th c. BC. the Greeks founded a colony - Ancona, and about a century later the Romans appeared here. They conquered the local tribes, laid capital roads across the territory, turned Ancona into a full-fledged sea gate, designed to import goods and send legionnaires for triumphant 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 were under the control of the Franks, led by Charlemagne. He decided to mark the boundaries of possessions by forming separate marks (border areas). Soon their joint name appeared - Marche.
Charles transferred part of the lands to the possession of the papacy. But the pontiff could not cope with the desire of individual cities to receive 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 seniors, realizing how tasty the Marche was. In the 14th century they managed to return some cities under the control of the Papal States, in the middle of the 16th century. Ancona became part of it, and after almost 100 years - Urbino. Except for a few years at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, when the lands of the Marche were under the control of Napoleon, the papal power in the region lasted until 1860. It was then that the territory became part of the united Italy.
Attractions Marche
Every city in the region has something special to offer. In Urbino, it is worth visiting the Palazzo Ducale, and in Loreto, one of the most revered places by Christian pilgrims, the Sanctuary of the Holy House. The city of Osimo is famous for its amazing Cathedral, made in the Romanesque-Gothic style, and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin in Campocavallo, built on the site of a 10-year-old Miracle. At the top of a hill in Pesaro lies the Villa Imperiale, once owned by the Dukes of Sforza. In Ascoli Piceno you can see many unique monuments, and its travertine and tuff buildings 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 here, and winters are rainy and moderately warm. The average temperature in January is about four degrees Celsius. In the south of the region, winter temperatures are within +8 degrees. In the foothills and on the hills, summers are mild, and heavy snowfall is possible in winter. Spring is considered the rainiest. In the mountains, the summer season is quite cool. In winter it is cold here and there is a lot of snow, sometimes critical snow drifts are observed.A long coastline with many beaches and picturesque bays suggests comfortable rest on the Adriatic Sea in the summer. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also do water sports sports, and go fishing. 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 are happy to visit abbeys, basilicas, archaeological sites and museums, which store real masterpieces of famous masters of the past and present. Almost every town in the Marche region has its own flavor.
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 caraway liqueur, salami, which includes figs and nuts, as well as enjoy Casciotta d "Urbino cheese, which Michelangelo himself admired. To collect white and black truffles, you should come in the autumn winter period.
Marche on the map of Italy
The territory of the Marche is located just above the middle part of the Apennine Peninsula. It stretches: on the one hand, along the sandy and pebbly coast of the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, along the mountain range that crosses the entire Italian boot. The rivers in the Marche region are short, there are no large natural lakes, but compact reservoirs are unusually beautiful and attractive in terms of landscape. Marche has national parks and nature reserves, caves and sea beaches.
The terrain 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 seismic. The Marche region borders on Umbria, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, quite a bit - on Tuscany, Lazio and the Republic of San Marino. The region is divided into 5 provinces.
How to get to Marche
18 km from Ancona international Airport Falconara, bearing the name of Rafael Santi. Landing here aircraft from several Italian as well as European and Middle Eastern cities. The nearest international airport from the Marche region, which receives planes from Moscow, is located in Rimini.
Laid along the coast highway Taranto Bologna. Deep into the peninsula, secondary roads diverge like a fan, connecting large cities with small villages. A large railway line connects the coastal settlements. In the Marche region, developed sea view transport.
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Marche region is the administrative region of east coast and has a number of popular seaside resorts that are part of the Adriatic Riviera. Unique natural landscapes, cultural and historical monuments most beautiful cities, as well as a pleasant mild climate and excellent sand and pebble beaches, have long been the main motives that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists here who want to enjoy their stay on the picturesque shores of this colorful region.
Peculiarities
Historically, the Marche region has played a huge role in the formation of the cultural and educational image of Italy. Over the years, such outstanding personalities of past years as Donato Bramante, Gioacchino Rossini, Giacomo Leopardi, Rafael Sabatini, Maria Montessori, Rafael Santi, Franco Corelli were born, created and died here. The rich heritage of bygone eras is kept in the famous cities of Ancona, Urbino, Loreto. Today, the Marche is considered to be a fairly stable region, with an efficient organization, a successful economy and developed infrastructure. One of the main areas of activity is tourism, which has been receiving increased attention for many years. However, the region has gained world fame not only thanks to the resorts, but also due to its cuisine, with an abundance of all kinds of gastronomic delicacies and wine products.
general information
The territory of the Marche region occupies a little less than 10,000 square meters. km, and the population is about 1.5 million people. The region includes 5 provinces and 246 communes. Each of the provinces has its own administrative center. Local time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter. Timezone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer. Official website www.regione.marche.it.
A brief excursion into history
In ancient times, the Marche region was famous for its ports, which received ships from all over the world. In the 17th century, when the production of seafood grew noticeably here, an economic and urban surge followed, as a result of which there was a massive migration of residents from the depths of the mainland to sea coast. Since then, fish and seafood have become the region's main export item. A significant breakthrough in music, painting, architecture and art occurred in the cities of the Marche during the Renaissance, which gave the region a whole scattering of talented people who enriched this region with their creations.
Climate
Today, this area is considered perhaps the most picturesque and vibrant in Italy, which is largely due to not such a massive tourist dominance in relation to other regions of the country, as well as a mild and even climate that favorably affects the natural wealth of the region. The total number of sunny days here exceeds 200, and average temperature air in the summer months is about +27 degrees, in winter it drops to +7 - +10. You can visit these places at any time of the year, depending on your preferences, because both in winter and summer, the local nature is replete with bright colors.
How to get there
The main airports serving the region are located in and.
Transport
Throughout the region there are modern highways and railways. Bus, train and ferry services are well established between the cities, minibuses and taxis run regularly. Practically in all settlements There is a car and bicycle rental.
Major cities
The role of the capital of the Marche is, which is an international trade and tourist center area, besides it is the largest port on the east coast of Italy. The city was founded long before the advent of our era and for centuries served as an important strategic and industrial link in the region. In the Middle Ages, the Anconian Republic was founded here, which later became part of the Italian Kingdom. Ancona has many unique historical and cultural monuments, as well as museums and religious buildings. Other major cities in the region that have the status of provincial capitals are Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro and Urbino, which also has the unofficial title of the cultural center of the Marche. According to historical data, it was here that one of the greatest artists of the world, Rafael Santi, was born.
Main resorts
One of the leading resorts in the region is considered to be a city located on the Adriatic coast, which has amazingly beautiful landscapes. A tiny town located on a hill, with a population of no more than three hundred people, belongs to the city of Gabicce Mare. Another popular resort in the region, Fano, is located 50 km away. It is famous for its historical sights and excellent conditions for a beach holiday, which, in combination with each other, makes an attractive explosive mixture for most travel lovers. The chic Spiaggia di Veltuto beach stretches along the coast of Seniggalia, and a little further lies the San Benedetto del Tronto area, famous for its many nightclubs and many kilometers of palm trees.
Between Fano and San Benedetto, there are several other notable beach destinations, including Portonovo, Siroglio, Pedaso and Porto Recanati. The resort, designed for those who are looking for peace and solitude, also enjoys special attention from tourists. In addition to the beach program, vacationers are given the opportunity to go from here on a sightseeing bus to the ancient Urbino, which invariably attracts lovers of antiquities and artifacts. In the central part of the Adriatic coast there is a coastal town - Numana, which has been awarded several times blue flag for clean beaches and high ecology. Here is the picturesque nature Park Conero, with the mountain of the same name and a harsh rocky coast, images of which are repeatedly found on advertising brochures dedicated to this resort.
Attractions and entertainment
Main architectural objects region, are located in Loreto, Fano and Urbino, although in other cities of the region there are also quite a few interesting places. Triumphal arch of Trajan National Museum Marche, Cathedral on the hill of Guasco, Pinacoteca Comunale (Ancona), Palace of the Dukes of Urbino, majestic Porta Valbona, Monument to Raphael Sancy (Urbino), Santa Casa Basilica, Palazzo Comunale (Loreto), Church of San Paterniano and Palazzo Montevecchio (Fano), are only a small part of that historical and cultural heritage, which Marche possesses. Pesaro is known for its many festivals and exhibitions held annually in this ancient city. The main natural attraction of the region is the famous Frasassi Caves. In general, the flora and fauna of these lands is extremely rich, and a journey through the local national parks and reserves is accompanied by a mass of pleasant emotions and positive impressions.
Kitchen
Culinary delights of the region are mainly represented by seafood and vegetables. In almost any restaurant in each of the many cities, the menu contains fresh fruits and classic national dishes. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of wines, which are based on grapes of different varieties, harvested from regional plantations.
shopping
In shops and souvenir shops, Fano, Urbino, Macerata and others major cities, sells a wide range of various goods and souvenirs for every taste.
Traveling through the expanses of the Marche region, provides a unique opportunity not only to appreciate all the delights resort holiday on the east coast of the Adriatic Riviera of Italy, but also to get to know the natural beauties of the central part of the country, learn a lot of interesting things about its history, traditions and culture.
The Marche region is located in eastern Italy, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Its capital is the city (Ancona). During its history, these lands successively passed from hand to hand: first it was owned by the ancient Greeks, then the Romans, after them the Goths invaded here. After the Byzantine rule, the lands passed to the ancient Germans, from whom they got their name (mark - region). There are many shipyards in the Marche, tourism, trade, and fishing are well developed. The region is famous for its developed light industry: fashionable Italian shoes, popular all over the world, are mostly made by Marche craftsmen, so at least it is worth stopping by for shopping.
The administrative center of one of the five provinces of the region, Ancona is the capital and The largest city Marche with a population of about 100 thousand people. This is major port and the world-famous balneological resort. Ancona has many ancient monuments preserved from ancient times. The city is very popular with tourists, but the Italians themselves also strive here, some to improve their health, some to take a walk in the surrounding hills. Not far from Ancona, in the late 1940s, speleologists discovered the Frasassi caves (Grotte di Frasassi), which became one of the main attractions of the region. The total length of the underground labyrinth is about 30 kilometers; in one of the caves there was once a monastery of the Catholic order of the Sylvesters.
The monuments of Ancona that caught the ancient Roman era are the Arch of Trajan (Arco di Traiano) and the dilapidated amphitheater (Anfiteatro romano). Numerous tourists go to them first of all; not every day you see the creation of human hands, created at the dawn of our era, in 115 (the amphitheater is even older).
Traditional for everyone Italian city Cathedral, several churches of the X-XI centuries, ancient palazzos - there is so much to see in Ancona. Its convenient location makes the city attractive even for those who did not originally plan a trip here: it is difficult to resist the temptation to spend only 2-3 hours on the road and see unique buildings and architectural monuments. Nearest popular resort- located just 100 km. The road from Rimini to Ancona along the coast will take you about 1.5 hours, and about an hour.
Big cities
In addition to the province of Ancona with the center of the same name, the Marche includes four more. The city of Pesaro is the second largest in the Marche (just over 90 thousand people live in it), it is the center of the province of Pesaro e Urbino (Provincia di Pesaro e Urbino). Next in descending order are Fano, Ascoli Piceno - the center of the province of the same name, Macerata and Fermo. The last two cities are the centers of the provinces of the same name.
Pesaro is primarily a resort town. It is not hot here in summer, quite warm in winter, and 8 km of beaches attract citizens and visitors.
It is easy to get here by train from, and Ancona; regular bus service connects the city with Rome and Ancona.
Gioachino Rossini was born in Pesaro, so the main attraction for tourists is his house. The cost of the entrance ticket is from 8 to 10 euros. It is not surprising that the city theater (Teatro Rossini) bears the name of a famous composer.
Of the other interesting places in Pesaro, you should pay attention to the ancient Villa Imperiale (La Villa Imperiale). It is famous for being the home of the Dukes of Sforza, archrivals of the Medici dynasty, for several decades. The beautiful mansion is located on the top of the hill, from which one can see beautiful view to the city.
If you are going to Pesaro, arrange your schedule so that your stay in the city coincides with the third Sunday of the month. On this day, the city festival La Stradomenica takes place here. You can not only have fun among the townspeople, but also take advantage of the nearby advantageous offers: during the holiday, sales are organized, city markets are opened, and cafes and restaurants serve their customers at special prices.
Fano
The city of Fano (Fano) was well known back in. In those days it was called the "Temple of Fortune" (Fanum Fortunae). Evidence of the ancient past of the city is the city fortress wall, partially preserved to this day, as well as the arch of Augustus (Arco d’Augusto). It was built by Emperor Augustus in the first years of our era. Today, the arch represents the symbolic gate of the city and is its main tourist attraction.
Another gate, Porta della Mandria (la Porta della Mandria), is less often mentioned in guidebooks and less known to tourists, but no less interesting. They are part of the old city walls that the Romans surrounded the city, and were in a ruined state until 1925.
One of the mandatory points of the program when visiting Fano is Malatesta Castle (Palazzo Malatesta). The Palazzo was erected at the beginning of the XIV-XV centuries by order of Pandolfo Malatesta, a representative of a noble family who ruled the city for 200 years, known for his cruelty and rejection of church laws. Now the castle houses an archaeological museum with an extensive and interesting exposition.
The ancient and beautiful Ascoli Piceno is not always given much attention in guidebooks around the country, although there are a large number of unique historical and architectural monuments.
The city is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the region due to the fact that many of the buildings in its center are built of travertine, a beige-colored calcareous tuff.
To understand what we are talking about, imagine also made of travertine. The entire center of Ascoli, including the squares and sidewalks, is just that - beige, either pink or pearl gray.
The heart of the city is Piazza del Popolo, or People's Square. It is elegant and ceremonial, not for nothing that many consider it one of the most beautiful in Italy. Closed along the perimeter by the walls of monumental historical buildings, it looks like a front hall, above which there is no ceiling - only a bright blue sky. The effect is amazing, especially if you stand facing the hills that are visible behind the buildings surrounding the area.
The city's cathedral, named after Ascoli Picene's patron saint Emigdius (Cattedrale di Sant'Emidio), is radically different from the main temples of other Italian cities. Religious buildings were located on the site of the cathedral in the 4th-5th centuries, and its most ancient parts date back to the 8th-9th centuries. In the 11th century, a crypt was built for the relics of the saint. The cathedral acquired its current appearance in the 1530s, when its facade was dismantled and rebuilt.
The city has many monuments of antiquity. Entire streets built by the ancient Romans have been preserved here, walking along which you understand very well how old this city is. One of the surviving buildings of that era is the bridge over the river Tronto (Tronto). Its length is 62 meters, width - 6.5 m. Experts believe that the bridge was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, that is, no later than the second decade of our era.
Of the most famous buildings in the city of Macerata, it is worth noting the university, founded in 1290 by Pope Nicholas IV. It is considered one of the oldest in Europe.
One of amazing places in the city, which has no analogues - the Sferisterium (Arena Sferisterio). The arena, partly similar to the ancient Roman circuses, was built in 1829. It was intended for a sports game popular in Italy since ancient times. At the beginning of the 20th century, interest in this entertainment faded, and now the building is used for opera and ballet performances and music festivals.
Another unusual building in Macerata is the so-called Diamond Palace (Palazzo dei Diamanti). It was built in the 16th century, and got its name from the exterior cladding. The facade of the building is completely covered with stones, hewn in a special way - as if faceted.
Small Urbino (Urbino) - unique city a must visit. Its peculiarity is that, despite its more than modest size, it is a real cultural center of the region. About 15,500 people permanently live in Urbino. At the same time - attention! - about the same number of students at the local university.
The University of Urbino (Università degli Studi di Urbino) was founded at the very beginning of the 16th century, first as a medical, and then expanding the list of disciplines.
Urbino itself was founded in the 4th century BC. Its main buildings, erected in the Renaissance, have almost completely survived to this day, so the historical appearance of the city has come down to us unchanged. The main decoration of the city, the ducal palace (Palazzo Ducale) of the 15th century, is included in the list of objects world heritage UNESCO. The residence of the Dukes of Urbino was not completed, but even in this form it is a unique monument of a bygone era.
Two more outstanding examples of architecture from different years are the church of St. Bernardino (la chiesa di San Bernardino degli Zoccolanti), built in 1491, and the city's cathedral (Duomo di Urbino) in the neoclassical style of 1801.
You can not ignore the house-museum of the great (Raffaello Santi), a native. The exposition dedicated to one of the best painters in the world has been located in the house where he was born since the 19th century. The personal belongings of the artist and his family have not been preserved; the furniture and other interior items presented in the museum are typical of that time. The museum is open daily, the price of an entrance ticket is 3.5 euros.
The easiest way to get to Urbino is from Pesaro, which, in turn, can be reached by train from Bologna or Ancona. There is a bus from Pesaro to Urbino. The fare is 3 euros, the travel time is from 45 minutes to an hour with a little. 35 kilometers between the two cities can also be traveled by taxi, the average price is 45 euros.
Resort Marche
Since the Marche and the sea are inextricably linked, it is impossible not to mention the resorts of the region. We list the main ones, “moving” from the north of the coast to the south.
Gabicce Mare and Gabicce Monte is a single resort, consisting of two levels, "beach" and "mountain", located on top of a hill. Below are hotels, beaches and promenades; upstairs - restaurants, noisy bars and discos.
Pesaro: the total length of the beaches of this city is about 8 km, of which three belong to the municipal beach. The coast is mostly sandy, the entrance to the water is sloping, the depth is shallow.
The already mentioned Fano has two beaches - the pebbly Spiaggia Sassonia, along which the townspeople like to stroll in the evenings, and the sandy Spiaggia Lido, more suitable for sunbathing and swimming, and therefore more popular. The farther from the city center, the more likely you are to find a free, quiet, not crowded beach.
A little further from Fano towards Ancona lies the town of Senigallia. Its long (more than 13 km) resort area, called Spiaggia di Velluto (Spiaggia Di Velluto), "velvet beach", is known as almost best beach Adriatic coast.
South of Fano and Ancona, all the way to San Benedetto del Tronto, along the seashore, there are many small towns and villages offering spa services to visitors: Portonovo, Sirolo and others. One of them, Civitanova Marche, is also well known to tourists who seek to visit the Marche not only to wander through the historic streets, but also to relax in comfort at seaside resorts.
San Benedetto del Tronto, located in the south of the Marche, is one of the main centers of the resort life of the region. Its main attraction is a long palm avenue that runs parallel to the coastline. It has seven thousand trees.
If you are more attracted to a secluded vacation away from expensive hotels and bustling restaurants, you can arrange a romantic trip to the beaches around the town of Numana (Numana) south of Sirolo - take a boat and go along the coast in search of a small deserted bay.
Halfway between Sirolo and San Benedetto del Tronto, not far from Fermo, there is a place called Porto Sant'Elpidio, where a whole pine forest grows along the coast.
