The Italian region of Marche in the east of the country is an area that unites cities with very different histories and cultures.
This administrative region owes its name to the Frankish tribes who appeared here in the 10th century and called the border lands “Marka”. Marche is located on the east coast of Central Italy and is one of the smallest regions of the country.
Geographical location and climate
Located administrative Marche region the central part of the Adriatic coast, covering an area of 9366 km². In fact, this is the 15th largest area among all 20 Italian regions. The warm Adriatic Sea washes Marche from the east, in the north the region borders with San Marino and, in the west with Umbria, in the northwest with, and in the south with.
The administrative center and, in fact, the only large port in the region is Ancona. With the exception of a narrow coastal strip, the region's territory has a mountainous terrain. All the local rivers (Esino, Metauro, Cesano, Potenza and Tronto) flow into the Adriatic Sea.
Conventionally, the region can be divided into two climatic zones. In his southern cities The climate is dry and mild, in the northern climate it is humid and cool. The most comfortable climate, of course, is on the coast. Thus, the average temperature in Ancona in summer is 20.7°C, and in winter – 3°C. Time zone is UTC+1. In summer, time differs from Moscow by 2 hours, and in winter - by 3 hours.
General information and features of administrative division
An area of 9366 km² is about 3.2% of all Italy. The population as of 2013 is 1,545,155 people, of which 100,000 live in the administrative center of Ancona. The region consists of five provinces: Ancona, Fermo, Macerato and Pesaro e Urbino.
For many years, the Marche region lagged behind other Italian regions in economic development due to the lack of roads connecting it with central part countries. Today the region's GDP is 2.6% of Italy. The predominance of small land ownership and the lack of fertile land causes the slow development of agriculture. At the same time, Marche remains one of the main shipbuilding centers of the country.
Region Marche. A little history
The settlement of the territories of the Marche region occurred in the 9th–3rd centuries BC. e. during the Iron Age. In ancient times, the Adriatic coast was under the control of the powerful Senone tribe, which was constantly in conflict with the Romans. At the end of the 3rd century, the area known as Pisenum came under Roman control. Later there was the fall of the Western Roman Empire, wars with the Goths in 535-554, entry into the Ravenna Exarchate of Byzantium, the Lombards, conquest in 724-814 by Charlemagne and inclusion in the Holy Roman Empire.
Over time, the territory was transferred to the control of the Pope. But staying in the Papal States turned out to be a formality, since the real administration of the region was carried out by local clans. In 1796, Napoleon forced Pius to allow Ancona to be occupied. Then there was a short period of independence and entry into the Roman Republic in 1798. The territory became part of the united state in 1869.
The current capital of the region Ancona in 390 BC. e. founded by the Greeks. The name is translated from Greek as “elbow” and is due to its external similarity: the city harbor protected by a cape resembles an elbow. For quite a long time, local residents used coins with palm branches and the Greek language.
Cities and attractions of Marche
Perhaps one of the most interesting from a tourist point of view is the city Urbino. This population center of about 15,000 people, located on the Folha and Metauro hills in the center of the region, has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. From a distance, the city resembles a large-scale theatrical set in a medieval theater: among a large number of tiled roofs, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture rises Palazzo Ducale.
The construction of this palace was initiated by Duke Federico II and lasted a whole century from the middle of the 15th century until 1563. A few years after the start of construction work, the task of building the palace city was transferred to the Italian Luciano Laurano. The architect developed a project that combined new buildings and old buildings. It was he who became the author of the famous “Tower Garden”, the courtyard and the main staircase. In 1472, Laurano was replaced by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, whose main achievement was the interiors of the palace. In addition to the Palazzo Ducale, the Church of San Bernardino degli Zoccolanti from 1472 is worth visiting in Urbino.
By the way, it was in this city that the famous treatise “Foundations of Arithmetic” by Luca Pacioli was born in 1494, in which he considered some issues of accounting. Perhaps that is why Italian Urbino is considered the “cradle” of accounting.
The administrative center of the region is the city Ancona attractive to tourists as a balneological resort. Among the numerous monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages, the Romanesque cathedral of the 11th-13th centuries and Triumphal Arch Trajan of the 2nd century. And, of course, the scale of the speleological complex of the Frassasi caves will not leave anyone indifferent. One of the oldest European universities, which appeared in 1290, is located in the town Macerata, but picturesque Pesaro famous as the birthplace of the great Gioachino Rossini. IN Loreto You can also see the earthly house of the Virgin Mary.
View available Marche region hotels on the map
Culture and art
It is no secret that the cultural heritage of any power is not limited to monuments of architecture and art. And in Mark they even know how to turn the prose of life into art. Thus, the traditions of craftsmanship in the manufacture of textiles, leather goods and paper are not only passed on from generation to generation, but also form the basis of the production capabilities of enterprises. The Indesit company, which produces household appliances and manufacturers, is known throughout the world. musical instruments from Castelfidaro.
It just so happened that Marche gave the planet many Italian composers, musicians and cultural figures, including Maria Montessori, Donato Bramante, Giacomo Leopardi, Rafael Sabbatini, Gioachino Rossini and Valentino Rossi. But the most famous native of this area is Rafael Santi. On Via Contrada del Monte in Urbino, the house in which the artist was born is still preserved.
Of course, comparing Marche with major tourist centers in Italy would be incorrect. But every year an increasing number of tourists come to the region, preferring relaxing holiday against the backdrop of nature.
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 at one of the local hotels, then, as a rule, you can use the private beach that belongs to it for free.
The Marche region boasts the largest number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy. The prestigious Blue Flag certificate from the Foundation for Environmental Education is awarded 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 Riviera Rimini. Therefore, it is not surprising that this resort, uniting more than 100 hotels, has become one of the most popular places holidays in 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 seaside resort, prosperous fishing port and an important industrial center. 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 place, where the important Via Flaminia road from Rome adjoined the main coastal route, was a 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 is through the magnificent triumphal arch of the 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 the empire's road network, and marks the point where the Via Flaminia reached 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 driving 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 the old town from the modern resort, which 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.
To the north and south of Fano there are quite pleasant free public beaches, many of which are relatively deserted.
Senigallia
Since 1853, the 13 kilometers of golden sandy beaches of Senigallia, the 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 certificate " Blue flag", issued by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe. But the sea is not all that is worth going to Senigallia for. Main city A resort with a breathtaking historic centre, it is an ideal base for exploring the ancient towns of the 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 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 on your route 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 go back to main road, skirting 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
At the southernmost point of Conero are 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 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 probably want to spend a day or two on the beach.
Porto Recanti is a small, modern resort that gives a feeling of freedom with the breadth of its streets and magnificent views of the peak 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 beauty of the city is due to several buildings in the "Liberty" style, which was common in the best Italian resorts in late XIX 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 the spirit of a fun family holiday. 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. The historic centre, a medieval town overlooking the sea, contains beautiful old buildings with 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 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. It is also a beautiful city, known as the second most important fishing port on the Adriatic coast of Italy. The resort is hugely popular, but with 8km of wide sandy beaches fringed by palm trees, there's plenty of room for everyone. However, the old-fashioned elegance of the city does not interfere with the vibrant 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.
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Region Marche is administrative region on the east coast and has a number of popular seaside resorts that are part of the Adriatic Riviera. Unique natural landscapes, cultural and historical monuments 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 played a huge role in the formation of the cultural and educational image of Italy. IN different years Here such outstanding personalities of the past as Donato Bramante, Gioachino Rossini, Giacomo Leopardi, Rafael Sabatini, Maria Montessori, Rafael Santi, Franco Corelli were born, created and died. The famous cities of Ancona, Urbino, and Loreto preserve the rich heritage of bygone eras. Today, Marche is considered a fairly stable region, with an effective 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 gained world fame not only thanks to its resorts, but also to its cuisine, with an abundance of all kinds of gastronomic delicacies and wine products.
general information
The Marche region covers just under 10,000 square meters. km, and the population is about 1.5 million people. The region includes 5 provinces and 246 communes. Each province has its own administrative center. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Official website www.regione.marche.it.
A brief excursion into history
In ancient times, the Marche region was famous for its ports that received ships from all over the world. In the 17th century, when seafood production increased noticeably here, an economic and urban boom followed, resulting in a massive migration of residents from the interior of the mainland to the 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 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 areas of the country, as well as a mild and even climate, which favorably affects natural resources the edges. The total number of sunny days here exceeds 200, and the average air temperature in the summer months is about +27 degrees, dropping to +7 - +10 in winter. You can visit these places at any time of the year, depending on your preferences, since both in winter and summer, the local nature abounds in bright colors.
How to get there
The main airports serving the region are in and.
Transport
Modern highways and railways are located throughout the region. There are excellent bus, train and ferry connections between the cities, and minibuses and taxis run regularly. There are car and bicycle rentals in almost all localities.
Main cities
Marche acts as the capital, being an international trade and tourist center region, and it is also the largest port on the east coast of Italy. The city was founded long before our era and for centuries served as an important strategic and industrial link in this region. In the Middle Ages, the Ancona 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. Others major cities regions that have the status of provincial capitals are Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro and Urbino, which also has the unofficial title cultural center Marche. According to historical data, it was here that one of the greatest artists in the world, Rafael Santi, was born.
Major resorts
The city located on the coast is considered one of the leading resorts in the region. Adriatic Sea, 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 one is located 50 km away most popular resort region - Fano. It is famous for its historical sights and excellent conditions for a beach holiday, which in combination with each other creates an attractive explosive mixture for most travel lovers. The luxurious Spiaggia di Veltuto beach stretches along the shores of Seniggallia, and a little further lies the San Benedetto del Tronto district, famous for its numerous 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, intended for those seeking peace and solitude, also receives special attention from tourists. In addition to the beach program, vacationers have the opportunity to go from here to excursion bus to 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 the cleanliness of the beaches and high ecology. Here lies the picturesque Conero Natural Park, 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
The main architectural sites of the region are located in Loreto, Fano and Urbino, although there are also quite a few in other cities in the region interesting places. Triumphal Arch of Trajan, National Museum Marche, Guasco Cathedral, Pinacoteca Comunale (Ancona), Palace of the Dukes of Urbino, majestic Porta gate Valbona, the monument to Raphael Sansi (Urbino), the Basilica of Santa Casa, the Palazzo Comunale (Loreto), the Church of San Paterniano and the Palazzo Montevecchio (Fano), are only a small part of that historical and cultural heritage, which Marche possesses. Pesaro is famous for its numerous festivals and exhibitions held annually in this ancient city. The main natural attractions of the region are famous caves Frasassi. In general, the flora and fauna of these lands are extremely rich, and traveling through the local national parks and nature reserves is accompanied by a lot of pleasant emotions and positive impressions.
Kitchen
The region's culinary delights are mainly represented by seafood and vegetables. In almost any restaurant in each of the many cities, the menu contains fresh fruit and classic National dishes. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of wines, the basis of which is grapes of different varieties collected from regional plantations.
Shopping
In shops and souvenir shops in Fano, Urbino, Macerata and others major cities, sells a wide range of all kinds of goods and souvenirs to suit 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 eastern coast of the Adriatic Riviera of Italy, but also to get to know the natural beauty of the central part of the country, learn a lot of interesting things about its history, traditions and culture.
Good on the Adriatic seaside resorts located in the region Marche(Marche), just south of Rimini and Ravenna. Here are inexpensive resorts Milan Marittima, Bellaria, Cesenatico. This region has one of the most developed resort infrastructures - many sports facilities, several water parks, concerts, festivals and performances are held throughout the season.
The province of Marche owns 180 kilometers of the Adriatic coast. Local beaches are divided into two types.
The first are quite large and lively centers with active nightlife, a lot of foreign tourists and an endless wall of hotels along the promenade. These include, for example, Gabicce Mare(Gabicce Mare), Pesaro(Pesaro) and San Benedetto del Tronto(San Benedetto del Tronto).
The second type includes smaller resorts, with small beaches and a predominance of rental villas and apartments. Italians and their families usually vacation in such places.
On a rocky peninsula Monte Conero(Monte Conero) you can find corners that do not fall into these two categories. Mysterious caves and white limestone cliffs are completely different from the traditional Adriatic landscapes that stretch from Trieste to Gargano.
Almost all Marche resorts have a very short season - the influx of holidaymakers here is especially large from mid-July to the third week of August. So it’s better to come here in June or late August - early September. The weather is still quite warm, and there are already significantly fewer people. Most resorts are closed from mid-September to mid-May.
Although all resorts have two or three public beaches, they are often located in the least attractive areas of the territory and are not as well maintained as the paid areas. If you want to experience a real “Italian beach”, go to an inexpensive beach where the sun loungers are arranged in orderly rows almost right next to each other, and the sky above them is obscured by a forest of umbrellas. If you are staying at a hotel, then most likely the cost of visiting a well-equipped hotel beach will be included in the package.
Pesaro
Capital of Marche, Pesaro- it's picturesque old City, whose streets inevitably lead you to the sea. Like many Italian beaches, the 3-kilometer coastal strip is completely covered with umbrellas and sun loungers, but fortunately it is not so crowded with holidaymakers that you would deny yourself the pleasure of a swim at the city beach. Certain sections of the beach are paid. To the north of the city center is a more secluded beach surrounded by green hills - Baia Flaminia(Baia Flaminia). If you go out of town, to the side Fano(Fano), you will reach real "wild" beaches.
Fano
Ancient Roman colony in the past, today Fano- a prosperous port city and very attractive for tourists. Railways separate Old city from a modern, bustling resort stretching along two spacious beaches. Southern Spiaggia-Sassogna(Spiaggia Sassonia) - pebble, with a long and wide promenade. Northern Spiaggia Lido(Spiaggia Lido) - smaller, sandy, with constant rows of umbrellas and more crowded with vacationers.
Between the beaches there is a small fishing harbor where you can enjoy the freshest fish and seafood. From the north and south, Fano is surrounded by a necklace of small free beaches, mostly deserted.
San Benedetto del Tronto
One of the main summer resorts in the south of Marche. More than 7,000 palm trees are planted along the wide promenade, giving the coast a tropical flavor. During the season there are quite a lot of vacationers, but since the beach is quite extensive (8 kilometers of sand), there is enough space for everyone. If you like to sunbathe and swim during the day, and in the evenings to plunge into colorful nightlife city, this place is for you.
The prettiest section of the beach is the southern one. The main hotels and restaurants are located here. There is a large fishing port in the northern part, which reduces the attractiveness for swimmers. But there are more free approaches to the sea.
Other beaches
Between Fano and San Benedetto del Tronto there is a chain of small resorts. This is, for example, Portonovo(Portonovo) with picturesque hills approaching the sea and a narrow strip sandy beach, Siroglio(Sirolo) and Numana(Numana) with secluded beaches in bays that can only be reached by boat. Beach in Porto Recanati(Porto Recanati) - sandy and pebble and not too crowded with tourists, near the pebble beach in Pedazo(Pedaso) farm their mussels, so you won't have to go far from your sunbed to enjoy the freshest shellfish. Narrow beach in Porto Sant'Elpidio(Porto Sant'Elpidio) is protected from indiscreet eyes by a lush pine forest, and near a small and quiet sandy beach in Cupra Marittima(Cupra Marittima) there is an interesting museum of sea shells.
It is about this, about the central part of Italy, about the province of Marche, that I would like to tell the world today... The beauty of this province is that the attractions are scattered throughout its territory, and not concentrated in a few large cities. And in almost every, even the smallest locality, you can come across such cultural value that will take your breath away...
I invite you to go with me to a place where there are not many tourists, but there are more than enough historical and cultural values...Where people have not lost their friendliness. To a place where culinary traditions are still preserved. Where prices are still affordable. And a hotel room or rented apartment can accommodate you for relaxation, without the cost exceeding the bounds of reason...
And where, you ask, is this paradise?
I invite you to the province of Marche. And first, I suggest you look at the map... See? Let’s try the “by contradiction” method, i.e. from the "opposite". The Marche border strip on its northern side is only 40 km away. from the popular “Russian” resort of Rimini. Arriving in Rimini, you will receive maximum care for yourself practically from the plane - starting with restaurants, sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach... you will instantly be asked to part with your money... Unpretentious beach hotels on the principle of “bed-bed”, “shop tours” or “gastronomic” according to your taste and wallet size, excursions to distant lands and to the distant kingdom at fabulous prices, of course, because Rome, Venice and Florence are 3-4 hours away from Rimini. And most importantly! Everywhere they are waiting for you and everywhere they speak Russian warmly... Even in the state of San Marino (where you will certainly be asked to go from Rimini), store sellers of a tiny but self-sufficient state will offer you bags, wines and brands in the language native to our hearts... That's where I'll I don't invite you. You can go there on your own and without any fear of getting lost, but for fear of losing “everything that has been acquired through back-breaking labor.”
We continue to study the map... Such a green part of Italy... in the middle part... Exactly! Located between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Here... In the north it borders with Emilia Romagna (the famous Rimini is also here, about which I have already given a little information), with the Republic of San Marino (also already mentioned), we look to the east - Tuscany and Umbria. We look further south - from Lazio and Abruzzi...
One of Marche's advantages lies in its proximity. The region has absorbed all the best from its numerous neighbors without losing its traditions. The successful neighborhood has affected literally all areas: culture, art, employment, and, of course, cuisine... Exactly! Diversity- distinguishes the Marche region from other provinces of Italy.
Second advantage - sea! You can object to me, especially if you splashed around in the coastal waters of Rimini, they say, the Adriatic Sea is shallow, not picturesque, not interesting... That’s right, off the coast of Rimini and a little to the south, it looks exactly like that. This is the region of Emilia-Romagna. However! The beaches near Ancona (the capital of Marche) are impressive with their beauty and are among the 10 most beautiful beaches in Italy... The mountainous terrain gave the province the freshest air and mountain rivers: Metauro, Cesano, Tronto, Potenza, Esino. Are you looking at the map? Or am I the only one admiring these natural gifts of the province? All these rivers flow into the Adriatic Sea. "So what?" - you ask.
And the fact is that thanks to the desalination of sea water by mountain rivers, the inhabitants of the bottom feel excellent in such water... And here you have numerous fishing ports, bazaars, shops and fish restaurants. And it is no coincidence that Brodetto, a soup made from freshly caught fish and seafood, is considered a traditional Marche dish. Whatever was caught in the morning ended up in the soup. But even Brodetto is prepared in its own way in each city. This soup cannot be called a soup in the usual sense... It is a “huge seafood platter” with a little broth and croutons for dipping. Why am I describing this? Here's a photo.
Does it look like soup? And, of course, you should eat soup where the fish are caught, therefore, on the coast. For example, look at the map from north to south: Pesaro, Fano, Civitanova, San Benedetto del Tronto. All these cities have a fishing port, which means there is plenty of fish to cook a delicious Brodetto!
So, the Adriatic Sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Such geographical limitation and inaccessibility have forced the region to develop independently since ancient times. So Marche grew into a powerful and self-sufficient... The forest provided paper and furniture! Forest... “And in the forest there are flowers, berries, mushrooms,” as the children’s cartoon song says. This is true. Famous Tartuffo mushrooms! Mmm... About food again?!
You see, they’ve already forgotten about the sea... That’s right, why lie on the beach when the best fashionable shoes are produced in Marche... Let’s jump into the car and go to the factories! To the city of Macerata or Ascoli - Pecheno. What about clothes? Personally, I like Italian brands without a big name. You can do without factories, and just stroll through the shops of the cities of Fano and Pesaro, and here you will find something to please yourself with...
Of course, I would really not like you to have the impression of me as a person with eternally hungry eyes. But I can’t help but write that the region is rich in its own olive oil, its own excellent wine, and cheese for every taste. The Pecorino cheese made from sheep's milk, which I adore, is also produced here. And if it’s still from the pit... After all, they make delicious ravioli with cheese from the pit in Marche. They resemble our dumplings with cottage cheese, but again, as in the case of fish soup, they have nothing in common with our dumplings.
My God! I’ve already written so much, but not a single word about the sights. Incredible! When I was getting ready to write an article, I was thinking about what to write there, quickly about this and that. But it turns out that it’s no longer an article at all... It looks like Marche is laying claim to a whole book...
Well... Let's talk about the sights then. Back to geography again. The name of the province itself, Marche, translated in Old German means “mark” or “border”. In the 11th century, the Marche territory became the border of the Holy Roman Empire. And so it stuck: the border of the Roman Empire is Marche.
If you turn to historical facts, the Marche region has been inhabited since Neolithic times. There is evidence that Balkan and Greek tribes lived in this territory back in the 2-3 millennium BC. They lived and did not grieve until the Romans became interested in the strategic lands of the region. Ancona (the capital of Marche) was already the most important commercial port! Ancona! Isn't this city worth visiting?! Don’t you want to be in the square where trade relations were built and history was made even before our era? But many people go to Ancona just to plunge into the beautiful sea... Oh, although... To be honest, I really want to go to the beautiful sea too!
Once upon a time, I read in one of the sources that pirates often hunted in these parts and the population was forced to flee from them to the mountains, so here’s migration... This story with pirates brought back memories of sea adventures on the pages of the book “The Odyssey of Captain Blood » Rafael Sabatini. And imagine my surprise that the writer Sabatini was a native of these places. It’s clear how not to write about the sea while being near the sea... in the thick of things, so to speak...
It should be noted that the province of Marche gave Italy and the world famous composers, opera singers, architects and artists, writers, mathematicians and teachers. And even one famous motorcycle racer - Valentino Rossi. I will not make a list of the names of all these figures, because each of them is part of the history of his city... Which means it would be more correct to talk about each of them according to his place of birth. Unfortunately, this article will no longer contain the stories of all famous natives. Somehow we dived so smoothly into the area of culture and art... It was the pirates who knocked us off course, but we were talking about the “desired” territory.
In a word, someone always laid claim to a well-located region... There was a period when it was captured by the French... And only in 1869 the Marche region found peace when the Italian state finally united.
Well, that’s probably all that can be said by looking at the map... In a word, they said “Hello, Marche!”
But for starters, so to speak, I want, due to my writing abilities, to lift the curtain on natural beauty provinces.
Traveling by car is extremely pleasant because the road winds between 
picturesque green hills, you can always stop and enjoy the views... And along the way, stop by a winery or small farm where olive oil is pressed. Or maybe...for wine or cheese from the pit...
The historical heritage of the Marche fits very harmoniously into the hilly landscape: from small villages on the peaks to castles and palaces. Delightful and lonely standing churches, cathedrals, ancient villas of the local nobility, as a rule, these views have already been captured on the canvases of famous artists and may well become your successful photograph.
If you choose to travel along the Adriatic Sea, then you will find a flat sandy coast, periodically separated by low hills, and in some places by steep cliffs. Therefore, the choice of a beach holiday depends only on your desire and mood... Today it can be kilometers of sand and a wide, busy beach, and tomorrow - a secluded cove or a rock, which for the moment will belong only to you and the open Adriatic Sea.
Nature... Or maybe you want to go to snow-capped peaks, mountain rivers and waterfalls? Then it’s towards Umbria, towards the Apennines. There you will find thermal springs both drinking and bathing... And all this - Marche!
Don't want to go to the mountains and forest? Do you want city parties and narrow European streets? Everything is for you!
Each of the Marche towns resembles the scenery for a medieval play: gray or orange tiled roofs, paved promenade streets, large and small squares, in the summer season, where, as a rule, in the evenings, some kind of action certainly takes place. They sing, dance, recite poems, sell local products or relax in cafes... And all these miracles are concentrated on an area of 9.7 thousand square kilometers (3.2% of the entire territory of Italy). A small area with incredible diversity within its territory... Well, that's it! I hope this information is enough for you to say to yourself: “I want to go to March!” I hope that you will not regret your choice for a minute... I, in turn, promise that I will write more articles about each of the towns and their amazing stories...
