Marche region in italy. Resorts in Italy: The Marche (Adriatic Sea)

This amazing Italian region can take pride in bringing unique, talented people to the world. The Marche region is home to outstanding architects, mathematicians, sculptors, musicians and painters. Its capital is the port city of Ancona, located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. In this part of Italy you can see and learn a lot of interesting things. One of the rulers of Urbino in the 15th century dreamed of creating an ideal city, so he invited the most the best masters that time. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, the Teatro Spheristerio in Macerata hosts annual opera festivals. The Frasassi karst grottoes are so large that the famous Duomo of Milan can fit there. There are many parks in the Mark, one of which contains caves that once served as a haven for hermit monks. The Conero Riviera stretches from Ancona to Numana. And also ...

• In the 13th century in Fabriano (province of Ancona), technologies were invented that made paper stronger and more affordable. The first watermarks also appeared here.
• Medieval Ancona was second only to Venice in its power. There is a period in its history when goods arriving at the port were not subject to any tax.
• The number of students studying at the University of Urbino is 2/3 of the city's population. The institution was founded at the beginning of the 16th century.
• In Pesaro was born the composer, author of the opera "The Barber of Civil" Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), in Urbino - the great Raphael Santi (1483-1520), in Fermignano - the greatest master of architecture, author of the project of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome Donato Bramante (1444- 1514), in Fano - the Italian composer Vincenzo Rastrelli (1760-1839).
• The 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 was born - the founder of the monastic order of the Silvestrins, whose representatives adhered to the utmost rigor in their pursuit of poverty.
• Six popes are 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 land of the Marche was inhabited by piena, and the area was called Pizen. In the 4th century. BC. the Greeks founded a colony - Ancona, and about a century later the Romans appeared here. They conquered local tribes, laid capital roads through the territory, turned Ancona into a full-fledged sea gate, intended for the delivery of goods and sending legionnaires for triumphant conquests. After the fall of the Western Empire, power over the territory passed from hand to hand. As a result of the confrontation between the Lombards and the Pope, the lands in the 8th century came under the control of the Franks, led by Charlemagne. He decided to delineate the boundaries of possessions by forming separate marks (border areas). Soon, their combined name appeared - Marche.

Charles transferred part of the lands to the possession of the papacy. But the pontiff was unable to cope with the desire of individual cities to obtain self-government. As a result, Ancona acquired the status of an independent maritime republic, became successful and wealthy. Supporters of the popes fought with local signors, realizing how tasty Marche is. In the 14th century. they managed to return some cities under the control of the Papal State, in the middle of the 16th century. it included Ancona, and almost 100 years later - Urbino. Except for several years at the turn of the 18-19th centuries, when the Marches were ruled by Napoleon, the papal power in the region lasted until 1860. It was then that the territory became part of the united Italy.

The sights of the Marche

There is something special to see in every city in the region. In Urbino, the Palazzo Ducale is worth a visit, and in Loreto, one of the most revered places by Christian pilgrims - the Sanctuary of the Holy House. Osimo is famous for its amazing Romano-Gothic Cathedral and Sanctuary Blessed virgin in Campocavallo, built on the site of the Miracle taking place over 10 years. At the top of the hill in Pesaro is the Villa Imperiale, once owned by the Dukes of Sforza. Many unique monuments can be seen in Ascoli Piceno, and its travertine and tuff structures are admirable.

When to go to the Marche

Marche: weather

The coastal zone is characterized by a sub-continental climate, which means that the summers are hot and the 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 in winter, heavy snow is possible. Spring is considered the rainiest. In the mountains, the summer season is quite cool. In winter it is cold and there is a lot of snow, sometimes critical snow drifts are observed.

The long coastline with many beaches and picturesque bays offers a comfortable summer vacation on the Adriatic Sea. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also do water sports and fishing. The mountain range attracts admirers winter species sports and mountain walks.

Castles, fortresses and other historical and cultural attractions are open to guests all year round... Tourists enjoy visiting abbeys, basilicas, archaeological sites and museums, which contain real masterpieces of famous masters of the past and present. Almost every locality in the Marche region has its own flavor.

The region invites lovers of culinary delicacies 12 months a year. Marche's cuisine is a successful combination of centuries-old traditions supported by unique natural conditions. except traditional dishes, tourists will be offered to taste sour cherry wine and caraway liqueur, salami, which includes figs and nuts, and also enjoy Casciotta d "Urbino cheese, which Michelangelo himself admired. To collect white and black truffles it is worth coming in the autumn-winter period.

Marche on the map of Italy

The Marche area is located just above the middle part of the Apennine Peninsula. It stretches: on the one hand, along the sandy and pebble coast of the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, along 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 bodies of water are extraordinarily beautiful and attractive in terms of landscape. The Marche has national parks and nature reserves, caves and sea beaches.

The area is considered one of the most hilly in Italy (69%). The rest of the territory is occupied by mountains. The highest peak is Mount Vettore - 2476 m above sea level. The region is considered earthquake-prone. The Marche region borders with Umbria, Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, quite a bit - with Tuscany, Lazio and the Republic of San Marino. The region is divided into 5 provinces.

How to get to the Marche

18 km from Ancona there is international Airport Falconara, named after Raphael Santi. Aircraft from several Italian cities, as well as European and Middle Eastern cities, land here. The nearest international airport from the Marche region, receiving airplanes from Moscow, is located in Rimini.

The Taranto-Bologna road is laid along the coast. Secondary roads fan out into the interior of the peninsula, connecting large cities with small villages. A large railway line connects the coastal settlements. The Marche region has a developed maritime mode of transport.

When considering where to go to Italy, take a note of Marche. The region has all the attractive features. The clean beaches of the Adriatic, the picturesque Conero nature reserve, lovely historic towns with sights and what we love most about Italy is delicious cuisine.

In the photo: the square of the Italian town of Ascoli

Until the numerous vacationers who fill neighboring Emilia-Romagna in the summer have not seen about the Mark, hurry to see and feel. We have already been there and have chosen the main points to which attention should be paid.

ADRIATIC SEA

180 kilometers of coastline, 9 coves and 16 blue flag beaches. In the Marche there is where to sunbathe and swim. There are several locations to choose from beach holiday: Senigallia, San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabbiche Mare.

In the photo: San Benedetto del Tronto beach

Italians love Senigallia for its sandy beaches. In San Benedetto, palm trees are planted along the waterfront, and white sand on the shore, which is why the town was called Italian Miami.

In the photo: the promenade of San Benedetto del Tronto

RIVIERA CONERO

The Mark has 12 natural parks protected by the state. Most of all we liked the coast of Portonovo, surrounded by the picturesque Konero Park. There is also vegetation (connoisseurs conifers, the same as in Istria, will be pleased with their abundance here), and the mountains, and the sea.

For an original place to stay, we recommend the Fortino Napoleonico di Portonovo, a former Napoleonic fort located right in the Conero Park, overlooking the Adriatic and an excellent dining restaurant.

And in general, the landscapes of the Marche sometimes resemble the pacifying Tuscan - 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: Basilica in the town of Loreto

We pass from nature to cultural values. The town of Loreto, closest to the capital city of 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 - parts of it were transported by ship in the thirteenth century with the participation of a noble Italian family. By the end of the fifteenth century, a basilica was built for the relic. Santa Casa is now housed in a separate chapel along with an unusual statue of the “Black Madonna”.

ASKOLI

Ascoli was founded by the Italic tribes even before Rome; a road and a bridge have survived from ancient times. In the Middle Ages, the city became known as the "city of a hundred towers", which were noticeable even at the entrance to Ascoli.

In the photo: the central square of Ascoli Piazza del Poppolo

Nowadays 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. Anise liqueur Anisetta 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, chandeliers are made in the form of anise leaves, 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 liqueur. Meletti is so beautiful that it is impossible to leave quickly.

In the photo: anise liqueur at the Meletti cafe, anise liqueur should be drunk with coffee beans from thick-stemmed glasses.

URBINO

In terms of attractions, Urbino is considered the most attractive city. Firstly, this is the birthplace of Raphael, the house of the artist's parents has been preserved here, which functions as a museum.

Second, the city flaunts its own Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance ducal palace. It is included in the UNESCO heritage and is one of the most conspicuous 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 there is 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 the minarets. The duke was a great admirer of antiquity, ordered to build a pagan "Temple of the Muses" in the palace, and in the office hung portraits of Ptolemy, Plato and Aristotle.

The walls in the cockpit are covered with inlaid wood panels with an optical effect, it seems as if astronomical instruments and books are on the shelves. The palace has an imposing spiral staircase, seemingly endless, and balconies with an impressive panorama. Get ready, there are often school trips around the palace, so it will be noisy.

PURCHASES

There are many factories of large Italian brands in the region, and with them - shops and outlets. It's easy to buy Tod's, Hogan and Santoni shoes with a substantial discount. To get to the shops, you have to take a car, factories are removed from tourist places.

GASTRONOMY

We will pay special attention to gastronomic pleasure, there are a lot of them here. The proximity of the Adriatic provides seafood.

Photo: lobster in Fortino Napoleonico

In Portonovo, wild mussels are caught, 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. Marche has wonderful country cheeses - pecorino, stracchatela (a tough cheese in cream), ricotta, buffalo, and formaggio di fossa (a hard cheese like pecorino, eaten with apple confiture).

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 the winemakers of the Marche undertake the promotion of verdicchio, the position could be revised.

Verdicchio is a delicate, aromatic wine that began to be made in the region since the 14th century, and its modern variations are perfectly combined with seafood.

Photo: pasta with seafood and Verdicchio wine

And, finally, to everyone who begins to wiggle dreamily at the word “truffles”. They are found here! In the mountains of the northern part of the Marche, black and precious white truffles are harvested. The region loves to tell stories of how the cyclopean-sized mushrooms were sent to John Paul II and recently to Barack Obama. So Piedmont also has a competitor.

Pictured: pasta with truffle crumbs

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 the tagliatella in an oil sauce. We know that truffles are not for everybody's taste, but for our taste they are mind-blowing.

Pictured: classic antipasti (snacks) from the Marche region

By the way, you will be in Fano (and then this osteria must certainly be found), order as a digestive the traditional La Moretta Fanese - hot coffee with rum, anise liqueur and brandy. The ingredients are layered and when mixed together, it comes out great.

Thank you for organizing your trip to the Marche region and the tour operator ICS Travel Group . ICS operates charter flights to the capital of the region, Ancona, from June 1st to early September.

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Lyudmila Egorshina- Lyudmila Egorshina is a former columnist for the Afisha magazine and a host of travel, culture and fashion columns at elle.ru. She has traveled half of the world, but she has a special inclination towards the culture of Asia and Italian cuisine.

On the Adriatic, good seaside resorts are located in the region Marche(Marche), just south of Rimini and Ravenna. There are inexpensive resorts in 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 Marche province belongs to 180 kilometers of the Adriatic coast. Local beaches are divided into two types.

The first are fairly large and lively centers with an active nightlife, a lot of foreign tourists and an endless wall of hotels along the boardwalk. 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 rented villas and apartments. Italians with their families usually rest 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 stretching from Trieste to Gargano.

Almost all the resorts of the Marche have a very short season - the influx of tourists here is especially great from mid-July to the third week of August. So it is better to come here in June or late August - early September. The weather is still quite warm, and there are already much 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 zones. If you want the experience of relaxing on a real "Italian beach", go to an inexpensive beach, where the sun loungers are placed in orderly rows almost close to each other, and the sky above them is covered 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 voucher.

Pesaro

Capital of the Marche, Pesaro is a picturesque old town 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 not so crowded with holidaymakers to deny yourself the pleasure of swimming on the city beach. Some sections of the beach are paid. 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 get to the real "wild" beaches.

Fano

Ancient Roman colony in the past, today Fano is a thriving port city and very attractive for tourists. Railroad tracks separate the Old Town from the modern bustling resort, which stretches 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 the Marche. More than 7000 palm trees are planted along the wide promenade, which gives the coast a tropical flavor. There are quite a lot of tourists here during the season, but since the beach is quite extensive (8 kilometers of sand), there is enough space for everyone. If you love sunbathing and swimming during the day and plunge into the colorful nightlife of the city in the evenings, this is the place for you.

The most attractive part of the beach is the southern one. The main hotels and restaurants are also concentrated here. There is a large fishing port in the northern part, which makes it less attractive 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, for example, Portonovo(Portonovo) with picturesque hills approaching the sea and a narrow strip of sandy beach, Siroglio(Sirolo) and Numana(Numana) with secluded beaches in coves that can only be reached by boat. Beach in Porto Recanati(Porto Recanati) - sand and pebble and not too "lazy" by tourists, near the pebble beach in Pedazo(Pedaso) grow mussels, so you don't have to go far from the lounger to feast on the freshest shellfish. Narrow beach in Porto Sant'Elpidio(Porto Sant "Elpidio) is protected from immodest eyes by a lush pine forest, and by a small and quiet sandy beach in Cupra Marittima(Cupra Marittima) is an interesting museum of sea shells.

Many seaside resorts where you can spend a great week or two of your vacation 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 (north to south) Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Senigallia and San Benedetto del Tronto.
Another type is represented by many small resort towns with picturesque beaches, where villas and apartments are preferred to hotels. These places are often 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 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, which are not found anywhere 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 provide one or two free public beaches ( spiaggia libera), they are often located far away and very rarely they are as clean as in the paid sections of the coast. Anyway, 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 the entrance to the beach is not too expensive ( from 2 to 4 euros), but at your service all the necessary amenities you can only dream of, and, besides, this is the best place to observe the life of Italians up close. If you are staying in one of the local hotels, then, as a rule, you can use the beach that belongs to him, closed from strangers, for free.
The Marche region boasts the largest number of Blue Flag certified beaches in Italy. The prestigious "Blue Flag" certificate of the Environmental Education Foundation is issued only for the most environmentally friendly clean beaches Europe. The certificate assumes 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 of Rimini. It is therefore not surprising that this resort of over 100 hotels has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Marche. Despite this, the sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife on the coast and in the town of Gabicce Monte higher in the mountains do not lose their appeal.
From here, it's a stone's throw to the impressive Castle of Gradara 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 winding road over the coast, you can fully enjoy the breathtaking sea views, many charming coves and inexpensive fish restaurants; one of the most romantic places - a tiny port in the village Baia vallugola.

Hotels in Gabicci Mare: compare prices on different sites - save up to 50%

Pesaro

Pesaro, the capital of the Pesaro e Urbino province of the Marche region, is not only a charming city, but also an attractive seaside resort, a thriving fishing port and an important industrial center. The elegant, wide streets are picturesque enough for a fascinating stroll, and dining at a fish restaurant by the sea after a day on a relatively empty beach is hard 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 busy. For privacy by the sea, head to the area Baia flaminia which lies north of the city center. Here, in addition to the equipped beaches, for which you have to pay for the entrance, there are also plots for free recreation. Also, free and unoccupied beaches lie south of the city, if you take the SS16 highway towards Fano.

Choose a hotel in Pesaro

Fano

Roman colony name Fanum fortune 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 saints of Christian patrons, San Fortunato.
During the Roman Empire, the site where the important Via Flaminia from Rome adjoined the main coastal route was a major port. Today it is a small seaside resort with a bustling fishing port and a charming old town.
The entrance to the city lies 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 road network empire, and marks the exit of the Via Flaminia road to the shores of the Adriatic; the bas-relief of the wall of the 16th century church on the right shows the arch in its original form.
From here the main street Via Arco di Augusto leads to the historical center of the city (if you continue to move along it to the end, then by going railways, the road will lead to the beach Sassonia).
At the main intersection in the city center, turn right onto Corso matteotti that will take you to the central square Piazza XX Settembre, which is decorated with a whimsical 16th century fountain crowned with a sculpture of the goddess of 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 featuring 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, keeps two precious works of Perugino, "Madonna with Saints" and "Good News" - it is likely that the young Raphael helped the master in creating the first of the canvases.
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 with shop window lights.
The railroad clearly separates Old city from a modern resort that has grown along two strips of beautiful beach. South of the city stretches Spiaggia sassonia, a wide pebble beach with a spacious walking area. In the northwest there is a not so long, but more popular beach Spiaggia lido covered with sand and lined with rows of beach umbrellas.
Between the beaches there is a small cove where fishermen gather to buy something from the fresh catch - vongole, small edible shellfish, are especially good here.
To the north and south of Fano there are some pretty pleasant free public beaches, many of which are relatively deserted.

Choose a hotel in Fano

Senigallia

Since 1853, 13 kilometers of golden sandy beaches of Senigallia, 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. The resort's main town with a breathtaking historic center can serve as an ideal base from which to explore the old towns of the Marche region. The name of the city refers 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 held here. To this day, the historic city center retains some merchant severity, which is especially vividly expressed in the tall buildings 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 sound of classical music concerts is heard in its courtyard. Another object of pride in Senigallia - many great restaurants where you can really taste the best Adriatic cuisine. The city is home to two of the most renowned restaurants in Italy: La Madonnina Del Pescatore and Uliassi regularly ranked in the top ten by renowned restaurant critics around the world.

Choose a hotel in Senigallia

Portonovo

To the south of Ancona rises the lonely limestone peak of Monte Conero, whose slopes fall steeply towards the most beautiful sea beaches on the entire northern Adriatic coast. The beauty of these places is the culprit for the fact that in July and August in the three local resorts, only standing places remain free; you should come here in May, early September or, best of all, in June.
Coming from Ancona, the first stop on your way should be Portonovo, a tiny village on the Conero River. Postcard views of the sea can be enjoyed along a dead-end road to this cluster of hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and summer beach houses nestled on a narrow coastal strip. The coast of the resort is divided into two parts by the squat fortress Fortino Napoleonico, built in 1808 by the Viceroy of Italy, Eugene de Beauharnais, to defend against attacks by the English fleet. Today the fortress houses Fortino Napoleonico hotel.
At the end of the road, where the evergreen oak trees, clinging to the mountainside, descend to the sea, there is the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria. Built in 1034 - 1048, the building has a shape unique to Italy, more inherent in the churches of Normandy.
Let's return to the main road, which bends around the foot of the mountain, from where breathtaking landscapes open up. About 8 km south of the intersection at Portonovo, follow the signs for Monte Conero to visit the 12th century built Badia di san pietro, once a Benedictine monastery, but today - Hotel Monteconero... It is located at the highest point of the mountain that can be reached by car and the panorama from here is well worth the time.
The entire territory adjacent to the mountain was declared a regional natural 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 the presence of man 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 that hangs high above the sea. The best beaches can be reached by bus, which leaves every half hour and stops at every bay. Campgrounds and beachfront hotels in the lower historical part of the city merge into the Numana resort. In the southern part of the resort there is a long pleasant beach, and in the city archaeological museum you can get acquainted with the history of the tribes that lived in the territory of Pitseni long before its conquest by Rome ( Via La Fenice, 4).
You can escape from 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 there from Numana, Sirolo and Portonovo.
In addition, Sirolo boasts some of the best golf courses in the region, owned by a golf club Conero Golf Club.

• CHOOSE AND BOOK A HOTEL IN SIROLO OR NUMANA

Porto Recanti

When traveling in the area of ​​Loreto or Recanti, 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 a magnificent view of the top of Monte Conero in the north. Despite the fact that the sandy and pebble beach is rather 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 many shops with stylish display cases and green public gardens.
At the 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. You should definitely stop here - 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 Mark, Santa maria a piè di chienti, is 6 kilometers inland on the SS 485. The beautifully preserved Romanesque building dates back to the 9th century. The church is divided into two floors, the upper of which opens with a central nave. Frescoes from the 14th century on the apse above the altar, in stark contrast to the simple brickwork the rest of the walls make a lasting impression.

Choose a hotel in Civitanova Marche

Porto Potenza Picena

To the north of the 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 on the sandy beach if you find yourself nearby. A few kilometers from the coast, in a place Giardino bonaccorsi stretches 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 is still worth stopping by if you are in those parts to admire the local beauty.

Porto San Giorgio

Sandwiched between the SS16 and the sea, the resort is lined with beautiful shops and frequent music concerts during the summer season. Much of 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, which was built by Lorenzo Tiepolo, the future Doge of Venice, standing not far from the central square, good view to the city. But the main attractions of the city are fish and beautiful beaches. The city has many inexpensive restaurants serving a variety of types brodetto, a traditional fish dish of the Marche region.

Pedazo

To the south of Porto San Giordio is the "mussel beach" of the Marche - Pedazo here on concrete pillars lying in the water just behind a short pebbly city beach, they grow delicious shellfish. except great places for snorkelling, the town is conveniently located in relation to the main routes in the region. In the summer it takes place here Sagradelle Cozze or the mussel festival.

Porto Sant'Elpidio

To the north of Porto San Giordio, there is a narrow strip of Porto Sant'Elpidio Beach, the heart of the Marche footwear industry. The main attraction of the resort is the pine forests to the north and the many huge shoe shops on the main SS16 highway. Once a port serving the offshore town of Fermo, today the town of Porto Sant'Elpidio has become a wonderful seaside resort with a small port.

Kurpa Marittima

An old-fashioned seaside resort, not crowded with hotels and imbued with a family fun spirit. It is possible that Kurpa Marittima owes such a relaxed atmosphere to the lush vegetation around - pines, palms 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 holidaymakers on the beach. The city has an interesting seashell museum... For camping, the best camping sites are in the north, between Kurpa Marittima and Pedazo in the north.

Grottammare

This small resort in the south of the "Palm Riviera" Marche boasts a 5 km stretch of sandy beaches. On the beautiful pedestrian promenade, there are several excellent buildings that exemplify the seaside Liberty style of architecture, mostly luxurious 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 indescribable charm. The historic center, a medieval town above the sea, includes beautiful old buildings with magnificent sea views. 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 in the south of the Marche, whose embankment is decorated with seven thousand palm trees, stands out for its unique atmosphere of the tropics. It is also a beautiful city, known as the second most important fishing port on the Adriatic coast of Italy. The resort is immensely popular, but with 8 km of wide sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, there is enough space for everyone. That being said, the old-fashioned elegance of the city does not interfere with the seething nightlife that does not leave younger tourists indifferent. The most beautiful part of the beach - there are also the most good hotels - stretches south of the city center. The beach to the north of the vast port is not as well-maintained, but there are many half-empty and free areas on it. 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 fishing and eating fish with equal seriousness; there are many restaurants in the city, where all tastes will be satisfied for a reasonable fee. This is one of the best places to sample brodetto, a dish made with 13 types of fish - no more, no less.

Choose and book a hotel in San Benedetto del Tronto

The Marche region is located in eastern Italy, on the Adriatic coast. Its capital is a city (Ancona). Throughout its history, these lands have consistently passed from hand to hand: first it was owned by the ancient Greeks, then by 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 - area). There are many shipyards in the Mark, 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 the masters of the Marche, so at least it is worth visiting for shopping.

The administrative center of one of the five provinces of the region, Ancona is the capital and largest city of the Marche with a population of about 100 thousand people. It is a large port and a world famous balneological resort. There are many ancient monuments in Ancona that have survived from ancient times. The city is very popular with tourists, but Italians themselves strive here, some - to improve their health, some - to walk along the surrounding hills. Not far from Ancona in the late 1940s, speleologists discovered the Frasassi caves (Grotte di Frasassi), which have become 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 Silvestrins.

Monuments of Ancona, which found the ancient Roman era - Trajan's Arch (Arco di Traiano) and the dilapidated amphitheater (Anfiteatro romano). Numerous tourists come 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).

The cathedral, traditional for every Italian city, several churches of the X-XI centuries, old palazzo - there is a lot to see in Ancona. Her convenient location makes the city attractive even for those who did not initially 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 (it is home to just over 90 thousand people), it is the center of the province of Pesaro e Urbino (Provincia di Pesaro e Urbino). Further 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, rather warm in winter, and 8 km of beaches beckon townspeople and visitors.
It is easily accessible by train from, and Ancona; regular bus service connects the city with Rome and Ancona.

Gioachino Rossini was born in Pesaro, so his house is the main attraction for tourists. 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 the famous composer.

From other interesting places in Pesaro it is worth paying attention to the old Villa Imperiale (La Villa Imperiale). It is known for being home to the Dukes of Sforza, the main rivals of the Medici dynasty, for several decades. Lovely mansion located on the top of a hill from which you can see beautiful view to the city.

When going to Pesaro, make 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 is held here. You can not only have fun among the townspeople, but also take advantage of a number of advantageous offers: during the holiday, sales are organized, city markets open, and cafes and restaurants serve their customers at special prices.

Fano

The city of Fano was well known since. In those days it was called the "Temple of Fortune" (Fanum Fortunae). The city's fortress wall, partially preserved to this day, as well as the Arch of Augustus (Arco d'Augusto) are evidence of the ancient past of the city. It was built by Emperor Augustus in the early years of our era. Today, the arch is a symbolic gateway to the city and is its main tourist attraction.

Another gate, la Porta della Mandria, is less frequently 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 with and were in ruins until 1925.

One of the must-see points of the program when visiting Fano is the 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 travel guides 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 buildings in its center are built of travertine, a beige lime tuff.

To understand what is about in question, imagine, also folded from travertine. The whole center of Ascoli, including squares and sidewalks, is exactly like this - beige, having either pink or pearl gray tint.

The heart of the city is Piazza del Popolo, or People's Square. She is smart and ceremonially solemn, it is not for nothing that many consider her one of the most beautiful in Italy. Closed around the perimeter by the walls of monumental historical buildings, it looks like a ceremonial hall, above which there is no ceiling - only a bright blue sky. The effect is amazing, especially when facing the hills that can be seen behind the buildings surrounding the area.

The city's cathedral, which bears the name of Ascoli Picena's patron saint, Saint Emidio (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 the most ancient parts of it 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 present appearance in the 1530s, when its facade was dismantled and rebuilt.

There are many monuments of antiquity in the city. Whole streets built by the ancient Romans have survived here, walking along which, you very well understand how old this city is. One of the surviving buildings from that era is the bridge over the Tronto River. Its length is 62 meters, width is 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 a city that has no analogues - Arena Sferisterio... The arena, partly similar to the ancient Roman circuses, was built in 1829. It was intended for a sports game that has been 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, cut in a special way - as if cut.

Little Urbino is a unique and must-see city. Its peculiarity is that, despite its more than modest size, it is a real cultural center of the region. Urbino is home to about 15 and a half thousand people. At the same time - attention! - about the same number of students study at a 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 expanded the list of disciplines.

Urbino itself was founded in the 4th century BC. Its main buildings, erected during the Renaissance, have almost completely survived to our days, 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 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The residence of the Dukes of Urbinsky 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 cathedral (Duomo di Urbino) in the neoclassical style of 1801.

It is impossible to 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 survived, the furniture and other interior items presented in the museum are typical of that time. The museum is open daily, the entrance ticket price 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 a little over an hour. 35 kilometers between the two cities can also be traveled by taxi, average price 45 euros.

Spa Marche

Since the Marche and the sea are inextricably linked, it is impossible not to mention the resorts of the region. Let's list the main ones, "moving" from the north of the coast to the south.

Gabicce Mare and Gabicce Monte - one resort, consisting of two levels, "beach" and "mountain", located on the top of the 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.

In the already mentioned Fano, there are two beaches - the pebbly Spiaggia Sassonia, along which the townspeople like to stroll in the evenings, and the sandy Spiaggia Lido, which is more suitable for sunbathing and swimming, and therefore more popular. The farther from the city center, the more chances you have to find a free, quiet beach that is not crowded with holidaymakers.

A little further on Fano towards Ancona lies the city of Senigallia. Its long (over 13 km) resort area, called Spiaggia Di Velluto, "velvet beach", is known as one of the best beaches on the Adriatic coast.

South of Fano and Ancona up 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 seeking in the Marche not only to wander the historic streets, but also to relax in comfort at the seaside resorts.

San Benedetto del Tronto, located in the south of the Marche, is one of the main centers of resort life in the region. Its main attraction is a long palm tree lane running parallel to the coastline. It has seven thousand trees.
If you are more attracted to a secluded getaway away from expensive hotels and noisy restaurants, you can arrange a romantic trip to the beaches in the vicinity of the town of Numana, south of Sirolo - take a boat and sail along the coast in search of a small deserted cove.

Halfway between Sirolo and San Benedetto del Tronto, not far from Fermo, there is Porto Sant'Elpidio, where a whole pine forest grows along the coast.