Marche

Between Emilia-Romagna in the north and Abruzzo in the south, Marche is a magical region in central Italy. In the east, the waves of the Adriatic roll out on fine sandy beaches, while the peaks of the Apeninn Mountains rise in the west and north.

The Marche region is home to numerous places steeped in history that are well worth a visit. Cities such as Ascoli Piceno, the university city of Urbino and the harbour city of Ancona are tourist magnets in the region. You can spend a relaxing day swimming on the fine sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea, of which the beach at Gabicce Mare is one of the most famous.

Marche is a region of fascinating beauty in central Italy. The landscape is characterised by hills and mountains, rivers, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. The region is surrounded by the Apennine Mountains and is characterised by numerous small villages and towns that line the hills and valleys.

One example of the region's natural splendour is the Monte Sibillini National Park. The mountain range is known for its spectacular peaks and rich flora and fauna. Hikers and nature lovers will find numerous paths and routes that lead through the picturesque forests and mountains. The region's coastal landscapes are also impressive. The Conero Regional Park is a jewel on the Adriatic coast with its high cliffs, bays and turquoise-coloured sea.

Towns steeped in history

If you are interested in history and architecture, you don't necessarily have to travel to Rome, Venice, Pisa or Ravenna. In the Marche region, there are several cities steeped in history waiting to be discovered. The city of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its architecture and art. The city was an important centre of the Renaissance in the 15th century. In the city centre, you will find the centuries-old university and beautiful buildings, including the famous Ducal Palace.

Ascoli Piceno is a cultural attraction. The town has a long history and welcomes its visitors with a unique historical ensemble of buildings. Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, is located in the city centre. The coastal city of Ancona had an important seaport in ancient Greek and Roman times. The Cathedral of San Ciriaco in the city centre was built on the foundations of a Greek temple. Anyone looking for a property in Italy as an investment or residence will find what they are looking for in the cities of Le Marche.

Beach paradises on the Adriatic

Visitors to the Marche region can look forward to numerous paradisiacal beaches on the Adriatic. One of the most famous beaches along the 180-kilometre-long coastline is Gabicce Mare, which is an extension of the Rimini Riviera. The seaside resort of Senigallia welcomes its guests with more than ten kilometres of sandy beach. The Conero Riviera in the regional park of the same name is a picture-book landscape with dream beaches. The special feature of this beach is a bastion built by Napoleon in 1808.

The karst caves of Frassasi

The karst caves of Frassasi are a very special attraction. The stalactite caves are located not far from the village of Fabriano. The fairytale world of stalagmites and stalactites deep in the mountain was only discovered in 1971. The cave system is 18 kilometres long and has huge stone halls. Even the first cave is so high that it could easily accommodate Milan Cathedral. Prehistoric rock paintings from the Stone Age are evidence of the early colonisation of the caves.