Brands of regions and cities of Italy. Italy: The best resorts of the Marche region. Useful information for tourists

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Marche region is the administrative region of east coast and has a range of popular sea ​​resorts, which are part of the Adriatic Riviera. Unique natural landscapes, cultural and historical monuments of the most beautiful cities, as well as a pleasant mild climate and excellent sand and pebble beaches, have long been the main motives that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists here who want to enjoy their stay on the picturesque shores of this colorful region.

Peculiarities

Historically, the Marche region has played a huge role in the formation of the cultural and educational image of Italy. AT different years here were born, created and died, such outstanding personalities of past years as Donato Bramante, Gioacchino Rossini, Giacomo Leopardi, Rafael Sabatini, Maria Montessori, Rafael Santi, Franco Corelli. The rich heritage of bygone eras is kept in the famous cities of Ancona, Urbino, Loreto. Today, the Marche is considered a fairly stable region, with an efficient organization, a successful economy and a developed infrastructure. One of the main areas of activity is tourism, which has been receiving increased attention for many years. However, the region has gained world fame not only thanks to the resorts, but also due to its cuisine, with an abundance of all kinds of gastronomic delicacies and wine products.

general information

The territory of the Marche region occupies a little less than 10,000 square meters. km, and the population is about 1.5 million people. The region includes 5 provinces and 246 communes. Each of the provinces has its own administrative center. Local time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter. Timezone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer. Official website www.regione.marche.it.

A brief excursion into history

In ancient times, the Marche region was famous for its ports, which received ships from all over the world. In the 17th century, when the production of seafood grew noticeably here, an economic and urban surge followed, as a result of which there was a massive migration of residents from the depths of the mainland to 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 the Marche during the Renaissance, which gave the region a whole scattering of talented people who enriched this region with their creations.

Climate

Today, this area is considered perhaps the most picturesque and vibrant in Italy, which is largely due to not such a massive tourist dominance in relation to other regions of the country, as well as a mild and even climate that favorably affects the natural wealth of the region. The total number of sunny days here exceeds 200, and 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, because both in winter and summer, the local nature is replete with bright colors.

How to get there

The main airports serving the region are located in and.

Transport

Throughout the region there are modern highways and railways. Bus, train and ferry services are well established between the cities, minibuses and taxis run regularly. In almost all settlements there is a car and bicycle rental.

Major cities

The Marche is the capital of the region, which is the international trade and tourist center of the region, and besides, it is the largest port on the east coast of Italy. The city was founded long before the advent of our era and for centuries served as an important strategic and industrial link in the region. In the Middle Ages, the Anconian Republic was founded here, which later became part of the Italian Kingdom. Ancona has many unique historical and cultural monuments, as well as museums and religious buildings. Other major cities in the region that have the status of provincial capitals are Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro and Urbino, which also has the unofficial title of the cultural center of the Marche. According to historical data, it was here that one of the greatest artists of the world, Rafael Santi, was born.

Main resorts

One of the leading resorts in the region is considered to be a city located on the coast Adriatic Sea, has amazing landscapes. A tiny town located on a hill, with a population of no more than three hundred people, belongs to the city of Gabicce Mare. Another popular resort in the region, Fano, is located 50 km away. It is famous for its historical sights and excellent conditions for beach holiday, which in combination with each other gives an attractive explosive mixture for most travel enthusiasts. The chic Spiaggia di Veltuto beach stretches along the coast of Seniggalia, and a little further lies the San Benedetto del Tronto area, famous for its many nightclubs and many kilometers of palm trees.

Between Fano and San Benedetto, there are several other notable beach destinations, including Portonovo, Siroglio, Pedaso and Porto Recanati. The resort, designed for those who are looking for peace and solitude, also enjoys special attention from tourists. In addition to the beach program, vacationers are given the opportunity to go from here on a sightseeing bus to the ancient Urbino, which invariably attracts lovers of antiquities and artifacts. In the central part of the Adriatic coast there is a coastal town - Numana, which was awarded the Blue Flag several times for the cleanliness of the beaches and high ecology. The picturesque Conero Natural Park is also located here, 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 objects of the region are located in Loreto, Fano and Urbino, although in other cities of the region there are also many interesting places. Triumphal Arch of Trajan, Marche National Museum, Cathedral on the hill of Guasco, the Pinacoteca Comunale (Ancona), the Palace of the Dukes of Urbino, the majestic Porta Valbona, the monument to Raphael Sancy (Urbino), the Santa Casa Basilica, the Palazzo Comunale (Loreto), the Church of San Paterniano and the Palazzo Montevecchio (Fano) , are only a small part of the historical and cultural heritage that the Marche has. Pesaro is known for its many festivals and exhibitions held annually in this ancient city. The main natural attraction of the region is the famous Frasassi Caves. In general, the flora and fauna of these lands is extremely rich, and a journey through the local national parks and reserves is accompanied by a mass of pleasant emotions and positive impressions.

Kitchen

Culinary delights of the region are mainly represented by seafood and vegetables. In almost any restaurant in each of the many cities, the menu contains fresh fruits and classic national dishes. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of wines, which are based on grapes of different varieties, harvested from regional plantations.

shopping

In shops and souvenir shops, Fano, Urbino, Macerata and other large cities, a wide range of various goods and souvenirs for every taste is sold.

Traveling through the expanses of the Marche region provides a unique opportunity not only to appreciate all the delights of a resort holiday on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Riviera of Italy, but also to get to know the natural beauties of the central part of the country, learn a lot of interesting things about its history, traditions and culture.

The landscapes of the Marche are breathtaking. They were sung 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 region stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennines. It has two climatic zones. So, the northern part of the Marche is open to cold winds blowing from the northeast, so the climate here is more humid and also cool. And in the southern part - the climate is milder, rather dry. The sea coast has the mildest climate. The territory of the Marche is mostly mountainous. All the rivers flowing through it flow into the nearby Adriatic Sea.

Story

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

Already in Neolithic times, people began to inhabit the territory of this area. In the 3-2 millennium BC, Greek, 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 outlet to the Adriatic. At this time, two major roads were built - Salaria and Flaminia. Thanks to them, the coasts of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas were connected. It was at this time that the city of Ancona gained its importance as the most important maritime trading post in the eastern part of the country.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the territory goes to the Lombards, then for a long time it enters the Byzantine Empire.

At the end of the 8th century, the area becomes the property of the church. For many years, the coasts have been attacked by Saracen pirates, so people migrate to the mountainous regions. In the 18th century, the area was occupied by French troops. In 1869 it becomes 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 is the Marche region, where cities, palazzos, churches and cathedrals complement the rich nature. A striking example is the 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, who was transported from Palestine by the crusaders.

Holidays

Every year in August, Urbino celebrates a three-day Ducal feast. The city is filled with the atmosphere of antiquity, because there are tournaments and battles, historical and gastronomic reconstruction of taverns and tasting of products prepared according to preserved recipes from the Renaissance period. 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 Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan.

On the first Sunday in September, Ancona celebrates the Feast of the Sea. One of the most important moments of the Holiday is the solemn swim of the boats, decorated with flowers and bright ribbons. It is also a peculiar way to honor the memory of those who fell at sea during accidents, battles or travels.

cooking

Fish dishes that will amaze anyone with their variety. It is recommended to try a kind of Russian fish soup - brodetto. In different provinces of the Marche, recipes are different: brodetto, for example, all "anconitana (Apsopa), alla sanbenedettese (San Benedetto del Tronto), alla civitanovese (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, Ancona).

Brodetto. Photo cucinaitaliana.it

Education

Let us dwell on 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. At the moment, 17 thousand students are studying at the university in 10 faculties. Among them we note pedagogical, medical, economic, philosophical and sociological.

Ascoli Piceno

Economy

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

On the territory of the Marche, cereals are grown, as well as sugar beet, sunflower. Fishing is an important branch of the economy. 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 flights go to Albania, Croatia, Greece and Turkey. The city is located at the intersection of an important railway line - - Ancona - Pescara -. Today there is no rail connection to Urbino. Until 1987, Fano-Urbino functioned. The nearest train station is in Pesaro. The fare on public transport in the Marche is just over 1 euro.

Demography

The population of the Marche is 1.485 million people (13th place, according to an estimate 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 for tourists, perhaps, is the town of Urbino. It is located in the central part of the region. Urbino attracts with picturesque landscapes and a well-preserved medieval appearance.

Even before reaching the city, you can enjoy a bewitching, unusual panorama: from above, it seems like a kind of decoration for a medieval play. It feels like a huge palace emerges from a sea of ​​towers and tiled roofs. This is the Palazzo Ducale - the famous monument of Renaissance architecture. It combines picturesque layout and harmonious lightness. This masterpiece of architecture has been under construction for almost a hundred years. Outstanding architects of the Middle Ages, such as Luciano Laurana, 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 inhabitants of Urbino were very proud of their city, they even nicknamed it "vain Urbino". It is also known as the “city of mathematicians”, because a whole galaxy of remarkable scientists came out of here.

Urbino. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Ancona
known as a balneological resort. The loggia of Mercanti has been the symbol of the city since the 15th century. Despite the fires, the Italians were able to maintain the original style of this structure. 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, Trajan's Arc de Triomphe (built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD) requires special attention. She is one of the symbols of the city. Its greatness is only emphasized by the almost complete absence of bas-reliefs and the grayish color of marble. No less attractive for tourists is the Roman amphitheater, or rather, its ruins. Also noteworthy are the Romanesque Cathedral, Mole Vanvitelliana, the 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 an 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 an annual opera festival is held, known throughout the world. It is necessary to emphasize separately the Diamond Palace, which is a delightful building of the Renaissance. Also extraordinarily beautiful are the churches of Santa Maria della Porta, Madonna della Misericordi.

Macerata. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Pesaro is a city with an ancient history and aristocratic traditions. First of all, it is known as the birthplace of the outstanding composer Gioacchino Rossini. In memory of him, a memorial museum operates here, and a grandiose festival of opera performers is held annually in the opera house that bears his name. The main square of Pesaro called Popolo strikes with splendor. Here you can't help but admire the sparkling fountain made of original sculptures of newts and sea horses. The military fortress, built in the 15th century, attracts visitors with its grandeur. Not far from it is the Cathedral. The oldest mosaic floors have been preserved in it to this day. And the Museum of Ceramics invites you to get acquainted with the bizarre, original pottery of local craftsmen. If this is not interesting for you, you can go to the Pinakothek and admire the true masterpieces visual arts the 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 the Marche. It got its name from the name of the goddess Fortuna (the word "Fanum" is translated "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. Also preserved are the ancient walls with cylindrical towers, also erected by Augustus. In addition, tourists in Fano will definitely be interested in the Porta della Mandria gate, the Malatesta castle. In that medieval castle Today there is an archaeological museum. Here you can admire the ancient Greek figurines, brooches, amphorae, fragments of sculptures, etc. found by archaeologists. But the most impressive exhibit is a mosaic made in the 2nd-3rd centuries. ad. It depicts Neptune riding a chariot. Being in this city, one should not deprive attention of such palaces as Palazzo del Podesta, Palazzo Montevecchio. Columns, front stairs, fountains - this is something you need to see with your own eyes. Among the majestic sights of Fano, one should also mention the church of San Paterniano, the Romanesque Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria Nuova. Outstanding artists and sculptors of different times took part in their design.

Fano. Photo sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com

Celebrities

Rafael 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 an altar painting (1500 - 1501) in the Baronci Chapel of the Church of St. Augustine in Citta di Castello, which is halfway from Urbino to Perugia. In April 1520, the artist was buried in with the greatest honors in c. 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 took several champion titles and almost always wears number 46. He spent his childhood in the town of Tavullia. Especially in honor of the sportsman, a speed limit of 46 kilometers per hour (instead of the usual fifty) is adopted here.

The entire territory of the Marche is covered with hills and mountains, the flat areas are limited by the coastal strip. The highest mountain range in the region, one of the first four in height in all the Apennines, is called Monti Sibillini and is located in the middle of the provinces of Fermo, Ascoli Piceno and Macerata. The coast is interrupted approximately in the middle by Cape Conero, which divides it into two sections. Mount Conero is located on the cape, whose limestone cliffs spectacularly hang over the sea - this is the highest point of the entire Adriatic coast, the height of the rocks exceeds 500 meters above sea level. Conero protects the Gulf of Ancona from the north, where the port of the same name is located.

Urbino Historic Center / Shutterstock.com

The climate on the coast is temperate: summers are hot here, but it is refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze, and winters are cold. In mountainous regions, summers are warm and winters are harsh, with a high probability of snowfalls. The main cities of the Marche are the capital of Ancona, Pesaro, Urbino, Macerata, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno.

Tourism

Marche is a real discovery for lovers of diverse natural landscapes, man-made and miraculous beauties, which are concentrated on an area of ​​just under 10,000 square meters. It is a region with a thousand faces and colors: the yellow of sunflower fields, the green of hills and parks, the red of tradition, folklore and culture, and finally the blue, the rich color of the sea, lakes and rivers.

As many as 180 kilometers of coastline with 26 beach resorts, magnificent beaches, picturesque bays, 9 tourist ports and 18 "blue flags" that guarantee the quality of services and water. In this region it is possible to choose a beach with the finest sand, pebbles or rocky coast, with palm trees or cliffs. The variety of beach landscapes allows you to practice many sports.

Teatro Sferisterio in Macerata © Photo: Marche region

The deep part of the region is distinguished by an exceptionally beautiful landscape, which is formed by green and golden hills with patches of forests and meadows, harmoniously alternating with neat wheat fields and olive groves.

In the west, the Apennines confidently keep their watch, gently descending in parallel valleys to the sea, and in the south - the proud peaks of Monti Sibillini, exceeding 2,000 meters and attracting lovers of botany, mountain walks and trekking.

Cathedral of San Ciriaco in Ancona / Shutterstock.com

Marche is one of the richest regions of the country in terms of cultural heritage: 500 squares, more than 1000 major monuments, 37 fortresses, 106 castles, 15 citadels and 170 towers, thousands of churches (200 Romanesque, 96 abbeys, 183 sanctuaries), 72 ancient theaters , restored and operating. It also has the highest density of museums and art galleries, as well as many libraries (as many as 315), some of which hold ancient volumes.

So the Marche is a real museum region, consisting of a rich network of cities of art and ancient towns scattered over soft green hills, where unique masterpieces are kept - paintings by Piero della Francesca and Lorenzo Lotto, Raphael and Carlo Crivelli, Rubens and Titian, and there are also many ancient theaters and ancient Roman roads, testifying to the remarkable past of these lands.

In addition to museums, libraries, archives and theaters, the cultural heritage includes numerous religious monuments, abbeys, monasteries, churches distributed throughout the territory, and secular buildings - castles, stronghold cities, fortresses.

food and wine

In terms of enogastronomy, the Marche is a unique land; we can say that in this region there are all the main Italian delicacies. Due to the diverse and complex configuration of the natural landscape, here you can find various culinary traditions - the result of a harmonious combination of nature, traditions and culture. The gastronomic tradition of Marche is based on simple and healthy ingredients. Dishes with a strong taste, mainly meat, alternate here with fish, crustaceans and seafood.

Truffle. Marche is one of the few regions in Italy where high-quality truffles of both types - black and white - are produced. Mushroom picking is very common in the mountains.

Salami. The history of salami is closely connected with the peasant history of the local population: almost all parts of the pig's body were used on the farm, nothing was thrown away. So there were two main types of salami in the Marche - Fabriano and chauscolo, especially popular in the vicinity of Macerata. This is a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) product. In its manufacture, lard is threshed and mixed with meat, forming a single mass that can be spread on bread.

Other types of salami are coppa di testa, mazafegato, fegatelli, and salsiccia matta. Sausages londza, lonzino, capocollo, bacon pancetta-arrotolata and roast suckling pig (porchetta) are also valued. The prosciutto leg, one of the most valuable parts of the pork carcass, is produced throughout the region. Prosciutto from Carpegna is very popular both in Italy and around the world: in 2006 it received the status of an appellation of origin (DOP) in Europe.

Olive oil. The olive groves in Marche cover an area of ​​7,200 hectares, and the oil produced here has excellent organoleptic properties. The quality of the oil is inextricably linked with the quality of the fruits themselves: the tender olives from Ascoli are highly valued, which are considered the best olives to serve; they are also available in brine, stuffed or fried "ascolan".

Cheeses. This is a land rich in pastures, where livestock feed on natural forage and give rich and healthy milk. Therefore, there are many cheeses made from cow, sheep, goat and mixed milk - casecci, caprino, zlattato, raviggiolo, quark, ricottine and kacho in the form of a lemon. Unusual sheep cheeses are typical for all mountain regions: they are flavored with marjoram, thyme, blackberry shoots, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, olive oil and yolk are added. Pecorino cheese is also found in the northern part of the region, which is aged in oak barrels for three months, wrapped in walnut leaves or laid out in layers along with fragrant herbs or grape pomace. Also famous is Caciotta from Urbino (DOP), one of Michelangelo's favorite cheeses; it has been produced here since the 16th century.

Verdicchio vineyards in the Castelli di Jesi area / Shutterstock.com

Wine. The hills of the Marche region are ideal for viticulture and the production of sugary and aromatic grapes from which wines of excellent quality are made. The variety of wine products in the region is really great: 15 DOC wines (Bianchello del Metauro, Colli Maceratesi, Colli Pesaresi, Esino, Falerio, I Terreni di San Severino, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, Terre di Offida, Pergola, Rosso Conero, Serrapetrona, Rosso Piceno, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi e Verdicchio di Matelica) and 5 DOCGs (Conero, Offida, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona, Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva, Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva). There are many holidays dedicated to wine, as well as routes through the region, allowing you to simultaneously get acquainted with its art, traditions and culture. Be sure to visit the enoteca of the Marche region in Jesi and Offida.

Desserts. The authenticity of Marche cuisine finds its expression in the dessert part of the menu. Local sweets are distinguished by the use of local products and ease of preparation. Almost all of them belong to the peasant tradition and are associated with the carnival, religious holidays or turning points of the various seasons. The list is endless: castagnole, biscuits with wine, morocchini, shughetti or polenta from musta, bostrengos, salami from figs, frustingo, chambellone, pizza sbattuta, chicherchiata, chestnut ravioli, funghetti di Offida, calcioni or piconi, frappe , almond or walnut cookies, Cavallucci di Cingoli and others.

How to get there

By plane
Marche's main airport is international Airport Ancona Falconara (www.marcheairport.com), named after the great Renaissance painter Rafael Santi, who was born in the nearby city of Urbino. This airport links Marche with Rome, Naples, Alghero, Cagliari, Catania and Trapani. There are also direct flights to some cities in Europe and the Middle East: Munich, Brussels, London, Dusseldorf, Barcelona, ​​Tirana, Marsa El Alam, Sharm El Sheikh.

By car
Whether you are coming to Marche from the north or the south, there are two options: the A14 Bologna-Taranto motorway or the SS16 parallel highway. The largest and most interesting cities connected by roads that fan out from the coast to the continental part of the region: SS3 Flaminia from Rome crosses Umbria and ends in Fano, SS76 from Fabriano goes to Jesi and Ancona, SS77 links Foligno with Civitanova Marche, passing through Tolentino and Macerata, SS4 The Salaria connects Rome and Rieti with Ascoli Piceno and San Benedetto del Tronto.

By train
The main railway lines of the region are the Adriatic from north to south (Milan-Bologna-Ancona-Pescara-Bari-Lecce) and the Transappennine (Ancona-Fabriano-Foligno-Orte-Rome). The neighborhood of Macerata is crossed by the Civitanova-Fabriano line, the neighborhood of Fabriano - by the Fabriano-Pergola line, the area around Piceno - San Benedetto del Tronto-Ascoli Piceno. Ancona and Pesaro, on the line that continues the Milan-Reggio Emilia-Bologna branch towards Rimini, Pesaro and Ancona, are served by Freccia Rossa high-speed trains.

By sea
Ancona is one of the most important ports in the Adriatic, both in terms of tourism and trade. From here there are flights to Greece, Croatia, Albania and Montenegro. In the port of Ancona moored and cruise ships, and from the port of Pesaro you can get to Croatia by catamaran.
Nine Marche tourist ports are available for mooring yachts: Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano, Senigallia, Ancona, Numana, Civitanova Marche, Porto San Giorgio and San Benedetto del Tronto.

Official website of the tourist department of the Marche region:

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

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

Geographic location and climate

The administrative Marche region in the central part of the Adriatic coast, covering an area of ​​9366 km². In fact, this is the 15th place in terms of area among all 20 Italian regions. The warm Adriatic Sea washes Marche from the east, in the north the region borders on San Marino and, in the west - on Umbria, in the north-west - with, and in the south - with.

The administrative center and, in fact, the only major port in the region is Ancona. Except for a narrow coastal strip, the territory of the region has a mountainous relief. 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. The time zone is UTC+1. In summer, the time differs from Moscow by 2 hours, and in winter - by 3 hours.

General information and features of the administrative division

An area of ​​​​9366 km² is about 3.2% of all of Italy. The population according to the situation for 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 the central part of the country. Today, the region's GDP is 2.6% of Italy. The predominance of small landed property and the lack of fertile land causes the slow development of agriculture. At the same time, Marche remains one of the main centers of shipbuilding in the country.

Marche region. A bit of history

The settlement of the territories of the Marche region took place as early as the 9th-3rd centuries BC. e. during the Iron Age. In ancient times, the Adriatic coast was under the control of the powerful Senon tribe, which was constantly in conflict with the Romans. At the end of the 3rd century, the area known as Pisenum came under the control of the Romans. Later there were the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the wars with the Goths in 535-554, the entry into the Ravenna Exarchate of Byzantium, the Lombards, the conquest in 724-814 by Charles I the Great and inclusion in the Holy Roman Empire.

Over time, the territory was transferred under the control of the Pope. But staying in the Papal States turned out to be a formality, since the real management of the region was carried out by local clans. In 1796, Pius was forced by Napoleon to allow Ancona to be occupied. Then there was a short period of independence and entry in 1798 into the Roman Republic. 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 external similarity: the city harbor protected by a cape resembles an elbow. For a long time, coins with palm branches and the Greek language were in the everyday life of local residents.

Cities and sights of the Marche

Perhaps one of the most interesting from a tourist point of view is the city Urbino. This settlement of about 15,000 people, spread out on the hills of Foglia and Metauro in the center of the region, has not changed much since the Middle Ages. From afar, the city resembles a large-scale theatrical scenery in a medieval theater: a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture grows among a large number of tiled roofs 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 merit was the interiors of the palace. In addition to the Palazzo Ducale, in Urbino it is worth visiting the church of St. Bernardino degli Zoccolanti, built in 1472.

By the way, it was in this city that the famous treatise "Fundamentals of Arithmetic" by Luca Pacioli was born in 1494, in which he considered some accounting issues. Perhaps that is why the Italian Urbino is considered the "cradle" of accounting.

The administrative center of the region is the city Ancona attractive for 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 Arc de Triomphe of Trajan of the 2nd century are worthy of special mention. And, of course, the scale of the speleological complex of the Frassassi 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 glorious as the birthplace of the great Gioacchino Rossini. AT Loreto you can also see the earthly home of the Virgin Mary.

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Culture and art

It is no secret that the cultural heritage of any country is not limited to monuments of architecture and art. And in Mark they even know how to make the prose of life into art. Thus, the traditions of craftsmanship in the manufacture of textiles, leather products and paper are not only passed down from generation to generation, but also formed the basis of the production capacities of enterprises. The world-famous company Indesit, which produces household appliances, and manufacturers of 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, Gioacchino Rossini and Valentino Rossi. But the most famous native of this area is Rafael Santi. On the street Contrada del Monte in Urbino, the house in which the artist was born is still preserved.

Of course, comparing the Marche with the major tourist centers of Italy would be incorrect. But every year more and more tourists come to the region, preferring a relaxing holiday against the backdrop of nature.

It surprises with its originality and its dissimilarity to other wonderful regions of central Italy - Marche. The extremely harmonious winding forms of this region express its perfection and splendor: high rocky sheer cliffs and caves framing the beaches of unforgettable beauty; located among the picturesque hills, the history, traditions and art of this region; as well as mountain slopes equipped with the latest technology, waiting for skiing enthusiasts.
The territory of this region is characterized mainly by mountainous and hilly terrain; the western part of this region is occupied by the Adriatic slope Umbro-Marcan Apennines, and the eastern part smoothly descends with its sandy beaches to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is impossible to remain indifferent when you see the coastline of the sandy golden coast stretching into the distance, washed by crystal clear waters. A well-equipped resort located here Senigallia conducive to walks along the edge of the sea, especially at sunset.
No less attractive and resorts Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano,Civitanova Marche and San Benedetto del Tronto. Here you can have a great rest on the beaches equipped with everything you need, which were especially popular in the elite bourgeois circles already in the 19th century.
Those who prefer wild nature should go to the Conero coast, known for its picturesque landscapes and corners of pristine nature, which can often only be reached by sea or along paths trodden among lush Mediterranean vegetation.

In the Marche region, special attention is paid to nature conservation, national and regional parks, as well as WWF protected areas. Trekking lovers Monti Sibillini parks and Monti della Laga offer unique landscapes. It is impossible to ignore the karst caves, which are of particular interest to speleologists. Frasassi caves. They attract tourists from all over Europe, as some of the caves have been inhabited since prehistoric times.

On the hills of Ascoli Piceno and in Esino Valley there are a great many gardens and vineyards surrounding the old peasant houses, always distinguished by traditional hospitality and hospitality; it is here that you can once again feel the true taste of simple things. Mansions and simple village houses adapted for agritourism will provide a unique opportunity to go back in time.
Provinces of the Marche: Ancona(administrative center of the region), Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata , Pesaro and Urbino .

This region resurrects the memory of its great past, which left its mark on its cultural and historical development. Its echoes are felt everywhere: in the cities of art; on the squares that seem hospitable salons; in the streets and in the palaces; as well as in medieval towns that seem to be frozen in time.

One of the monumental cities of Italy is Ascoli Piceno. Its historical medieval center, as well as the square Piazza del Popolo, adorned with an arched portico and battlements of the palace Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo attract many tourists here. Some handicraft shops are also open to the public - evidence of the creativity and skill of the Ascolians, who produce, for example, excellent musical stringed instruments. On the first Sunday of August, the city hosts a traditional jousting tournament. Quintana, during which Ascoli Piceno is completely transformed, recreating its historical appearance. On this day, skilful horse riders compete with each other in a tournament called "Giostra del Saracino".

Ancient port city Ancona, known as "East Gate", carefully preserves important historical monuments, and also invites you to visit its hospitable beaches. And located on the site of the ancient Greek Acropolis, the Cathedral Cathedral of St. Cyriacus of Jerusalem considered one of the most interesting medieval churches in the Marche region.
The historic center of Urbino with the famous Ducal Palace located here Palazzo Ducale is a prime example of the art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The city is also worth seeing. Gradara with its ancient castle, which is a magnificent example of medieval military architecture. An extremely romantic and equally tragic story love of Paolo and Francesca, the characters of the "Divine Comedy" of the great Dante.
Important, from the point of view of religious tourism, is a visit to the House of the Virgin in Loreto - one of the greatest shrines and a permanent place of pilgrimage for all Catholic Christians.

Going to Pesaro, home of the famous composer Gioacchino Rossini, fans of classical music can enjoy its unique music. The Rossini Opera Festival, held here in August for two weeks, has become an invariable meeting place and an event of world significance for music lovers. The city of Pesaro is rich not only in cultural events, but also in a number of other interesting sights.
Sweet lovers who got into the city during the Carnival Fano, will be in the truest sense of the word "abandoned" with sweets and chocolate. The three oldest traditions of this carnival are: sweets scattered from improvised allegorical carriages into the crowd, the "vulon" mask - a caricature of the most famous people of the city, and the so-called "Arabita music": musicians playing such "instruments" as tin cans, coffee pots , jugs.

The harmonious combination of sea and mountains makes the Marche region an ideal holiday destination for those who would like to plunge into the crystal clear waters of the local coast or explore the rich vegetable world parks and reserves in this region.
Natural parks and reserves occupy a fairly large part of the protected area of ​​the region.
Monti Sibillini National Park and Gran Sasso i Monti della Laga Nature Reserve offer visitors unprecedented beauty landscapes that amaze the imagination with their rich flora and fauna. lovers birdwatching they can observe here golden eagles, eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls. A rich choice of routes awaits amateurs trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, as well as all those who come here just to enjoy walks through the local forests and groves.

Following numerous cycling routes, travelers have an interesting opportunity to discover the beauties of nature, as well as the historical, cultural and even gastronomic traditions of the region. For those who are fond of winter sports, the mountain slopes of the Apennines offer a whole range of entertainment: snowboarding, ski slope systems, a snow park, as well as cross-country skiing trails of varying complexity and length. A ice palace in locality Ussita ready to surprise those who like it skating.

Traveling in the Marche region, one cannot fail to visit the magnificent Cape Conero, which is part of the regional reserve of the same name, located south of Ancona. Cape Conero with resorts Portonovo, Sirolo and Numana are a favorite holiday destination for the people of Ancona. The high, indented coast and the wonderful Adriatic Sea make this region one of the most attractive tourist resorts on the Italian coast.
The seabed off the coast of the cape is characterized by the same as the coast itself, rocky and sandy relief. The beauty of the local depths, rich in underwater flora and fauna, attracts many lovers here. scuba diving.

In the first days of May, the traditional annual fair is held in Ancona Fiera di San Ciriaco dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St. Cyriacus of Jerusalem. For four days, the city is filled with hundreds of stalls with local crafts, exhibitions, stalls with typical products of the area, street musicians and impromptu exhibitions of artists under open sky. Music lovers can appreciate the international jazz festival organized in this city Ancona Jazz. This event is very popular and has great significance for the entire region.

Peculiarity local cuisine lies in the harmonious combination of aromas and tastes characteristic of various areas of this region. The originality of the gastronomic tastes of the regions remote from the coast is expressed in the rich aromas of dishes typical for this territory. The baked ones are in great demand here. piglet("porchetta"), marinated lamb, dishes c mushrooms, dishes with famous truffles from Acqualagna and Sant'Agata Feltria. Noodles are popular as first courses. "tagliatelle", "strozzapreti" and traditional "vincisgrassi", the main ingredient in all local casseroles and lasagnas.

The freshness and aroma of the sea can be felt by tasting the numerous fish dishes. Brodetto is considered to be the main fish dish. The recipe for this fish soup includes more than 14 types of fish; in Pescara and Ancona, tomatoes are also added to the brodetto, and saffron in Ascoli. Ascoli's specialty is "fritto misto al ascolana": stuffed olives, cream, zucchini, artichokes and lamb ribs. Among the sweet dishes stand out "chambelotto" with anise mushrooms, pastry dessert with honey "chicherkyata", fried dumplings "ravioli" stuffed with chestnuts, cream and cottage cheese.

It is impossible not to mention such local products as sheep cheese wrapped in walnut leaves and ripened in tuff caves. Pecorino from Talamello, ham, loin, as well as made from pork offal "coppa di testa".

All these dishes are accompanied by the fine wines of the Ascoli Piceno region: white "Falerio dei Colli Ascolani", red "Rosso Piceno" and "Rosso Piceno Superiore", and for dessert - pre-boiled and then aged in wine barrels grape must "wine cotto", as well as anise liqueurs "anisetta" and "mistra".