The landscapes of Marche are breathtaking. They were and continue to be sung by poets and writers. What is interesting about this region today?

Geography

Marche is a region located in Central Italy. Its administrative center is Ancona. The city has approximately 100 thousand inhabitants. The area spreads from Adriatic Sea to the Apennines. It has two climatic zones. So, Northern part The Marche is exposed to cold winds blowing from the northeast, so the climate here is more humid and also cooler. And in the southern part the climate is milder, rather dry. sea ​​coast has the mildest climate. The territory of the Marche is mainly mountainous. All rivers flowing through it flow into the nearby Adriatic Sea.

Story

The name Marche traces its roots back to the ancient German word “mark”, meaning “border”. This is due to the fact that the territory was the border of the Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century.

Already during the Neolithic period, people began to inhabit the territory of this area. In the 3-2 millennium BC, Greek and Balkan tribes lived here. In the 3rd century BC, the Romans appeared in these parts. They were interested in exercising control over this particular area, since it represented a strategic exit to the Adriatic. At this time, two important roads were built - Salaria and Flaminia. Thanks to them, the coasts of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. It was at this time that the city of Ancona gained its importance as the most important maritime trading point in the eastern part of the country.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory went to the Lombards, then for a long time it became part of the Byzantine Empire.

At the end of the 8th century the area became the domain of the church. For many years the coasts have been attacked by Saracen pirates, so the people migrate to the mountainous regions. In the 18th century, the area was occupied by French troops. In 1869 it became part of the Italian state.

Culture

As you know, it is one of the leading states in the world in terms of the scale of cultural and artistic heritage. Proof of this is the Marche region, where the rich nature is complemented by cities, palazzos, churches and cathedrals. A striking example maybe Palazzo Ducale in Urbino - a famous monument of Renaissance architecture. Or Loreto, where the Santa Casa is located - the earthly abode of the Virgin Mary, which was transported from Palestine by the crusaders.

Holidays

Every August the three-day Ducal Festival is celebrated in Urbino. The city is filled with the atmosphere of antiquity, because tournaments and battles, historical and gastronomic reconstruction of taverns and tasting of products prepared according to preserved recipes from the Renaissance period take place here. The highlight of the program is a theatrical performance that shows the scene of the celebration of the victory of the troops of Federigo da Montefeltro over the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza.

On the first Sunday in September, Ancona celebrates the Festival of the Sea. One of the most important moments of the Holiday is the ceremonial swimming of boats decorated with flowers and bright ribbons. It is also a unique way to honor those who have died at sea during accidents, battles or voyages.

Cooking

Fish dishes that will amaze anyone with their variety. It is recommended to try a similar version of Russian fish soup - brodetto. In different provinces of the Marche, the recipes differ: brodetto, for example alla Anconitana (Apsopa), alla San Benedetto del Tronto, alla Civitanova Marche. A fragrant dinner will be decorated with a bottle of wine labeled DOC: Falerio dei Colli Ascolani (white), Bianchello del Metauro (white), Rosso Conero (red) or Lacrima di Morro d`Alba (red, province of Ancona).

Brodetto. Photo cucinaitaliana.it

Education

Let’s take a closer look at the Carlo Bo University of Urbino (Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo). It was founded in 1506, during the reign of the Duke of Urbino, Guidobaldo Montefeltre, known for his passion for education and art. In 2003, the university received the name of Carlo Bo-rector, who made a great contribution to the development of this educational institution. On this moment 17 thousand students study at the university in 10 faculties. Among them we note pedagogical, medical, economic, philosophical and sociological.

Ascoli-Piceno

Economy

The region is located quite far from central Italy, so its economy has lagged behind for a long time. Currently, the production of paper, electronic organs, and fashionable shoes is most developed here. Pharmaceutical, clothing, furniture, petrochemical and some other industries are also developing well.

In the Marche, grain crops are grown, as well as sugar beets and sunflowers. An important sector of the economy is fishing. This is evidenced by the large number of fishing ports. The most famous among them are Pesaro, Civitanova, Fano, San Benedetto del Tronto. More than half of the region's population works in the service and trade sectors.

Ancona Airport (Aeroporto di Ancona-Falconara) serves 400 thousand people annually with the help of 5 airlines. It is 18 km from the center of Ancona. Ancona is considered one of the important strategic ports of the Adriatic Sea. Ferry routes go to Albania, Croatia, Greece and Turkey. The city is located at the intersection of an important railway line - - Ancona - Pescara -. Today railway connection absent from Urbino. Until 1987, Fano-Urbino operated. The nearest station is in Pesaro. The cost of public transport in Marche is just over 1 euro.

Demography

Marche's population is 1.485 million people (13th place, according to estimates for 2003). Large cities - Ancona (100 thousand inhabitants), Pesaro (90,000), Fano (57,000), Ascoli Piceno (50,000), Macerata (42,000).

Tourism


The most attractive town for tourists is probably the town of Urbino. It is located in the central part of the region. Urbino attracts with its picturesque landscapes and perfectly preserved medieval appearance.

Before you even reach the city, you can enjoy a mesmerizing, extraordinary panorama: from above it seems like a kind of backdrop for a medieval play. It feels as if a huge palace is floating out of a sea of ​​towers and tiled roofs. This is Palazzo Ducale - a famous monument of Renaissance architecture. It combines a picturesque layout and harmonious lightness. This masterpiece of architecture took almost a hundred years to build. Outstanding medieval architects such as Luciano Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini participated in its construction. In addition to this palace, the city has many other attractions.

Due to the fact that the residents of Urbino were very proud of their city, it was even nicknamed “vain Urbino.” It is also known as the “city of mathematicians” because a whole galaxy of remarkable scientists came from here.

Urbino. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Ancona
known as balneological resort. The Loggia Mercanti has been the symbol of the city since the 15th century. Despite the fires, the Italians were able to preserve the original style of this building. The spirit of past eras is felt in the picturesque enfilades and all kinds of bas-reliefs. The city has many monuments of antiquity, as well as the Middle Ages. Among them, special attention is required Triumphal Arch Trajan (built in the early 2nd century AD). It is one of the symbols of the city. Its grandeur is only emphasized by the almost complete absence of bas-reliefs and the grayish color of the marble. The Roman amphitheater, or rather its ruins, is no less attractive to tourists. Also notable are the Romanesque Cathedral, Mole Vanvitelliana, Diocesan Museum, etc.

Ancona. Photo pixabay.com

Macerata
Macerata is an equally interesting city for tourists in the Marche region. It is located near the sea, which gives it additional charm. The city is famous for its university. This is one of the oldest universities not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. In Macerata, you should definitely visit the Arena Sferisterio, where the opera festival, famous throughout the world, is held annually. It is necessary to separately emphasize the Diamond Palace, which is a delightful building of the Renaissance. Also incredibly beautiful are the churches of Santa Maria della Porta and Madonna della Misericordi.

Macerata. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com


Pesaro is a city with ancient history and aristocratic traditions. First of all, it is known as the birthplace of the outstanding composer Gioachino Rossini. In memory of him, there is a memorial museum here, and a grandiose festival of opera performers is held annually in the opera house that bears his name. Amazes with magnificence main square Pesaro called Popolo. Here you can’t help but admire the sparkling fountain made of unique sculptures of tritons and seahorses. The military fortress, built in the 15th century, attracts visitors with its grandeur. Not far from it is the Cathedral. The most ancient mosaic floors have been preserved in it to this day. And the Museum of Ceramics invites you to get acquainted with the bizarre, unique pottery of local craftsmen. If this is not interesting to you, you can go to the Pinakothek and admire the true masterpieces visual arts Renaissance. And in the vicinity of the city you can visit medieval monasteries.

Pesaro. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Fano
Fano is one of the largest and most ancient cities of Marche. It received its name from the name of the goddess Fortuna (the word “Fanum” translates as “fortune”). The Arch of Augustus can be considered as a symbol of Fano. It was built by order of Emperor Augustus in the first decade of our era. Ancient walls with cylindrical towers, also built by Augustus, have also been preserved. In addition, tourists in Fano will definitely be interested in the Porta della Mandria gate and Malatesta Castle. In that medieval castle Today it houses an archaeological museum. Here you can admire ancient Greek figurines, brooches, amphorae, fragments of sculptures, etc. found by archaeologists. But the most impressive exhibit is the mosaic made in the 2nd-3rd centuries. ad. It depicts Neptune riding a chariot. While in this city, you should not neglect such palaces as Palazzo del Podesta and Palazzo Montevecchio. Columns, grand staircases, fountains - you need to see this with your own eyes. Among the majestic attractions of Fano are also the Church of San Paterniano, the Romanesque Cathedral, and the Church of Santa Maria Nuova. Outstanding artists and sculptors from different times took part in their design.

Fano. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Celebrities

Raphael Santi (1483 - 1520) - “the bright genius of the Renaissance” was born in Urbino at the end of the 15th century. The first documented masterpiece of Raphael is considered to be the altar painting (1500 - 1501) in the Baronci Chapel of the Church of St. Augustine in Città di Castello, halfway from Urbino to Perugia. In April 1520, the artist was buried with the greatest honors in. On the marble sarcophagus of Raphael there is an inscription: “Ille hic est Raffael, timuit quo sospite vinci, rerum magna parens et moriente mori” - “Here is that famous Raphael, while he was alive, Nature was afraid that he would conquer her, when he was dying, Nature I was afraid to die with him.”

Italian motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi was born in 1979 in Urbino. He is the son of another famous motorcycle racer, Graziano Rossi. During his career, he won several championship titles and almost always wears number 46. He spent his childhood in the town of Tavullia. Especially in honor of the sportsman, the speed limit here is 46 kilometers per hour (instead of the usual fifty).

The Italian region of Marche in the east of the country is an area that unites cities with very different histories and cultures.

By its name this administrative region owes to the Frankish tribes who appeared here in the 10th century and called the border lands “Mark”. Marche is located on east coast Central Italy and is one of the smallest regions of the country.

Geographical location and climate

Located administrative Marche region central part 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 big port 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 its southern cities the climate is dry and mild, in the northern cities 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 according to the situation in 2013 is 1,545,155 people, of which 100,000 live in administrative center Ancona. The region consists of five provinces: Ancona, Fermo, Macerato and Pesaro e Urbino.

For many years, the Marche region lagged behind others in economic development Italian regions due to the lack of roads connecting it with the central part of the country. 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. In use for quite a long time local residents there were coins with palm fronds and Greek.

Cities and attractions of Marche

Perhaps one of the most interesting with tourist spot 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 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 the Triumphal Arch of Trajan of the 2nd century are worthy of special mention. And, of course, the scale of the speleological complex of the Frassasi caves will not leave anyone indifferent. One of the oldest European universities, founded 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's no secret that 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 large tourist centers Italy would be incorrect. But every year everything comes to the region large quantity tourists who prefer a relaxing holiday amid nature.

The Marche region is located in central Italy. It stretches along the Adriatic coast for 170 km, but most of it is occupied by hills and mountains. This geography paints its unusual landscape with snow-capped peaks and sandy beaches, which are characterized by purity sea ​​water.

The attractions of Marche are varied. Medieval borgs coexist with cities of art, Christian shrines, especially the basilica in Loreto, attract pilgrims, and natural beauty gives unforgettable emotions to active tourists.

The capital of Marche is the city of Ancona, which owns one of the largest ports in Italy.

Brief history of Marche

During the Iron Age, Picenian tribes lived in the territory of the Marche. In the 4th century BC. The Gauls invaded from the north, at the same time the Greeks from Syracuse founded the colony of Ancona. In 295 BC. A battle broke out in which the Piceni and the Romans defeated the Gauls. But when the Piceni rebelled against the Romans, it was suppressed and the territories became part of the Roman state. After the fall of the Roman Empire they became part of the Eastern Roman Empire. In the earlier Middle Ages, these lands were called the Ancona March.
This was followed by invasions of the Lombards, and the territory was divided into two parts: the coastal cities in the north of the region up to Ancona were part of the Eastern Roman Empire, the southern lands came under the rule of the Lombards.
During the free communes, Pesaro, Fano, Ancona, Jesi, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno flourished.
During the Renaissance, the artistic and cultural component of cities grew. From the end of the 16th to the beginning of the 17th centuries. The Marches were part of the Papal States. With the arrival of Napoleon's French army, the region became the Republic of Anconitan and then merged with the Roman Republic.
In 1860, Marche became part of a united Italy. During the First World War, Ancona suffered from bombing. During the Second World War, the region put up strong resistance and also suffered losses.

When is the best time to go to Marche?

If you choose a beach holiday, then best season it will be summer, during which the heat cools sea ​​breeze. Winters can be quite cold and rainy.
The mountainous area is cool in summer and snow is possible in winter. Late spring will be the ideal period for excursion routes.

How to get to Marche

The airport is located in the city of Ancona, but Alitalia flights are almost non-existent or cancelled. You can use Rimini Airport, from which Ancona is 100 km away. From Rome to Ancona – 300 km.
The port of Ancona is connected to Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Albania and Montenegro.










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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 big cities. And in almost every, even the smallest settlement, you can find 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 where everything is still preserved culinary traditions. 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 hard-earned money... Unpretentious beach hotels according to the “bed-to-bed” principle, “shop tours” or “gastronomic” according to your taste and wallet size, excursions to distant lands and to distant lands at fabulous prices, of course., because Rome, Venice and Florence are located in Rimini 3-4 hour availability. 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 included in the top 10 the most beautiful beaches 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 it Italian stamps 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 as a starter, so to speak, I want, due to my writing abilities, to lift the curtain on the natural beauties of the province.

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 a trip along the Adriatic Sea, then you will find smooth sandy coast, periodically separated by low hills, and in some places by steep cliffs. So there is a choice beach holiday depends only on your desire and mood... Today it can be kilometers of sand and a wide, busy beach, and tomorrow it can be 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: tiled roofs are gray or orange, paved promenades, large and small squares, 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...

Amazing Italian region can be proud that it has given the world unique, talented people. The Marche region is home to outstanding architects, mathematicians, sculptors, musicians and artists. Its capital is the port city of Ancona, located on the 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 best craftsmen of that time. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, the Teatro Sferisterio, located in Macerata, hosts annual opera festivals. The karst grottoes of Frasassi are so large that the famous Milan Duomo could easily fit there. There are many parks in Marche, one of which contains caves that once served as a haven for hermit monks. The Riviera Conero stretches from Ancona to Numana. And also...

  • In the 13th century, technologies were invented in Fabriano (province of Ancona) that made paper stronger and more accessible. The first watermarks 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 establishment was founded at the beginning of the 16th century.
  • The composer, author of the opera “The Barber of Siville” Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was born in Pesaro, the great Rafael Santi (1483-1520) was born in Urbino, and the greatest master of architecture, author of the project for St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, Donato Bramante (1444-1520), was born in Fermignano. 1514), in Fano - Italian composer Vincenzo Rastrelli (1760-1839).
  • Marche is the birthplace of Carlo Maratta (1625-1713), recognized during his lifetime as the greatest artist of his time. Today his works 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 Silvestrines, whose representatives adhered to the most extreme severity in their pursuit of poverty.
  • Six popes come from the Marche region. These are Sixtus V (1521-1590) and Pius IX (1792-1878), Clement XI (1649-1721) and Nicholas IV (1227-1292), Leo XII (1760-1829) and Pius VIII (1761-1830).

A little history

In ancient times, the lands of the Marche were inhabited by the Piceni, and the territory was called Picenum. 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 across the territory, and turned Ancona into a full-fledged sea gate, intended for the importation of goods and sending legionnaires for triumphal conquests. After the fall of the Western Empire, power over the territory changed hands. As a result of the confrontation between the Lombards and the Pope, the lands in the 8th century came under the control of the Franks, led by Charlemagne. He decided to mark the boundaries of his possessions by forming separate marks (border areas). Soon their combined name appeared - Marche.

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

Attractions Marche

Each city in the region offers something special to see. In Urbino it is worth visiting the Palazzo Ducale, and in Loreto one of the most revered places by Christian pilgrims is the Sanctuary of the Holy House. The city of Osimo has become famous for its amazing Cathedral, made in the Roman-Gothic style, and the Sanctuary Holy Virgin in Campocavallo, built on the site of the Miracle that took place over 10 years. At the top of a hill in Pesaro lies the Villa Imperiale, once owned by the Sforza Dukes. There is a lot to see in Ascoli Piceno unique monuments, and its travertine and tuff structures are awe-inspiring.

When to go to Marche

Marche weather

The coastal zone is characterized by a sub-continental climate, which means that summers are hot and winters are rainy and moderately warm. average temperature in January it is about four degrees Celsius. In the south of the region, winter temperatures are within +8 degrees. In the foothills and hills, summers are mild and winters can experience heavy snowfall. 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.

Long coastline with many beaches and picturesque bays, it offers a comfortable holiday on the Adriatic Sea in the summer. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also do aquatic species sports, and go fishing. 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 that house real masterpieces from famous masters of the past and present. Almost every town in the Marche region has its own charm.

The region invites lovers of culinary delicacies 12 months a year. Marche cuisine is a successful combination of centuries-old traditions supported by unique natural conditions. 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 territory is located just above the middle part of the Apennine Peninsula. It extends: on the one hand, along the sandy and pebble coast of the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, along mountain range, crossing the entire Italian boot. The rivers in the Marche region are short, there are no large natural lakes, but the compact bodies of water are extremely beautiful and attractive from a landscape point of view. In Mark there is 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. Most high peak has Mount Vettore - 2476 m above sea level. The region is considered earthquake-prone. The Marche region borders on Umbria, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, and quite a bit on Tuscany, Lazio and the Republic of San Marino. The region is divided into 5 provinces.

How to get to Marche

18km from Ancona there is international Airport Falconara, named after Rafael Santi. Aircraft from several Italian, as well as European and Middle Eastern cities land here. The closest international airport from the Marche region that receives planes from Moscow is in Rimini.

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