The Italians have known about Le Marche for years, particularly its sun-kissed Adriatic waters, which they swarm to every July and August. But beyond that, it remains off the tourist radar, although that’s been changing recently. In his 1957 book Viaggio in Italia, Guido Piovene had this to say: “Italy, with its range of landscapes, is a distillation of the world; the Marche is a distillation of Italy.” There’s surprise and delight around each corner. In between the pebble and sand beaches on its 112-mile coastline and the peaks of the Sibillini mountain range lies a variety of character, culture, and cuisine that turns each day’s experiences into a journey of discovery. The region’s jewel in the crown is Urbino, northern university town and birthplace of Renaissance master, Raphael. At the opposite end of the region lies Ascoli Piceno, capital of the southernmost province of the same name. A city of quiet elegance and style, it boasts one of the most breathtaking piazzas in all of Italy. Every August, its travertine flagstones play host to an authentic medieval jousting festival.
Free Articles
- What’s New in Italy for 2024: From Roots Tourism to Historic Train Trips
- Ascoli Piceno: Towers, Travertine and Olives
- New Companion Book to PBS Special Gives Actionable Advice to Make Your Dream of Italy Come True
- Editor’s Note: August/September 2021 Dream of Italy Issue
- Editor’s Note: February/March 2021 Dream of Italy Issue
- Excerpt From Always Italy by Frances Mayes with Ondine Cohane
- What’s New in Italy in 2020: 500th Anniversary of Raphael’s Death
- Unique Christmas Celebrations in Central Italy
- So You Want to Own and Run a Bed & Breakfast in Italy?
- What’s Cooking at an Agriturismo: Livin’ La Tavola Marche
- Unusual Italy Museums: Le Marche’s Accordion Museum
- Five of Le Marche’s Most Unusual Museums
Premium Content – Members Only
- What’s New in Italy in 2024: Pesaro is Italy’s Capital of Culture (December 2023/January 2024)
- The Small But Essential Pleasures of Italy (October/November 2021)
- The Bartners: A New Life on the Farm (February/March 2021)
- Share Your Dream: Dreaming of an Uncle I Never Met (June/July 2020)
- Share Your Dream: Hiking to Due Sorelle (June/July 2020)
- There’s Always Italy: A Chat with Frances Mayes (March 2020)
- Recipe: Stuffed Olives From Ascoli (June/July 2019)
- Sweet 16 Places to Stay
- Dream of Italy’s 16th Anniversary Favorites
- Italy’s Spooky Folklore Figures
- Science in Every Sip at Le Marche Vineyard
- Great Local Tour Guides in Umbria, Le Marche and Abruzzo
- Adventure at a Villa in Le Marche
- Own a Piece of the Dream: Fractional Ownership in Italy
- Meandering through a Corner of Le Marche: On the Truffle Trail
- Meandering through a Corner of Le Marche: O, Come All Ye Faithful to Loreto
- Meandering through a Corner of Le Marche: The Renaissance Jewel of Urbino
- Meandering through a Corner of Le Marche: Pesaro’s Favorite Son
- Meandering through a Corner of Le Marche
- Recipes from La Tavola Marche: Fava Bean Crostini, Spaghetti with Clams, Whole Fish in Salt Crust
- What to See and Where to Eat in Le Marche
- Yoga in Italy: Italy Yoga Retreat in Lazio
- Recommended Rental Agencies, Apartments and Villas in Italy
- Le Marche: Italy in One Region
- Italy’s Best Beaches Can Be Found in Campania, Puglia and Sardinia