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SOUTHERN MARCHE.The happy few who have already discovered Le Marche predict that it will become ‘the new Tuscany’ or ‘the next Umbria’ but the Marche has its own unique combination of qualities which provide for an unforgettable holiday. The varied and seductive landscapes range
from the rugged Montefeltro hills of the north, down through golden wheatfields and green
hills topped by medieval villages, to the dramatic peaks of the Monti Sibillini – the
highest and most beautiful stretch of the Apennines.
The whole region is fringed with the golden beaches of the Adriatic coast. Marche’s history encompasses ancient Romans,
renaissance courtiers, warring dukes and noble tribes like the Piceni. Today the region boasts two of Italy’s
premier opera festivals, at Macerata and Pésaro. We have chosen properties in three very special areas: around Urbino in the north, in the centre close to Macerata, and in the foothills of the Monti Sibillini in the south. Urbino was built as an ideal Renaissance city and became one of Europe’s great centres of learning. It is dominated by the Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance masterpiece which houses the region’s art collection, and is a great base for exploring the wilds of the Montefeltro and medieval towns like Urbania and Cagli. The golden sands of Pésaro and Fano are a short drive away. The walled hilltown of Macerata is most
famous for its summer opera festival but, with its large university population, is also
one of the liveliest towns in the region. It
has elegant piazzas, fine restaurants and good art galleries but is completely off the
tourist trail. The extensive Roman remains of
Urbs Salvia are close by. The Monti Sibillin
National Park is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers but the stunning mountain
scenery can also be enjoyed from charming towns like Amŕndola and Sarnano or on scenic
drives through the hills. The provincial
capital, Ascoli Piceno, is a gem, little known even to Italians, with one of the most
beautiful central piazzas in Italy. |
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