Marche - Culture

The region of Le Marche, is nicely nestled along Italy's coastline. The pace here is slow and relaxed, the scenery magnificent and the history rich. There are 3000 years of history in this intriguing territory. Ancient settlements can be found in Picena and traces of Roman and Barbaric civilizations are scattered everywhere. This region is home to 50 castles and fortresses, many rural villas, numerous abbeys and about 70 art galleries. Museums in this region abound with both archaeological and cultural significance.

Evidence of the Gothic influence is everywhere. The province of Macerata, for example, has kept the highest examples of Gothic painting in Le Marche. Visitors here can view frescos by the Giottosques painters at the chapel of San Nicolas in Tolentino. Also well preserved are the frescos of San Severino and Camerino. The influence of the Renaissance period also is present with the extraordinary statutes and sculpted figures of Giovanni Boccati and Girolamo di Giovanni from Camerino. Venetian painters Carlo and Vittore Crivelli also left their mark. The 16th century painter Lorenzo Lotto also left several works of art in the region. Besides painters and artists, the region has been home to poet and scholar Annibal Caro of Civitanova and Giacomo Leopardi of Recanati, who was one of the greatest poets of modern times. There are two universities in the territory, Macerata and Camerino. Music and theatre also have historically played a huge role in the culture of Marche. The Sferisterio open air theatre in Macerata is well known throughout Italy and all of Europe.

The territory also is known for handicrafts such as leather work, paper making, wickerwork, furniture making and the restoration of antique furniture. Pottery, terracotta, wrought iron, hand made textiles, stone and marble works are also important crafts in the La Marche region. In nearby Pollenza, there is a school devoted to antique furniture restoration and the craft of woodworking. Visitors here will love spending an afternoon at one of the many open air markets where farmers, craftsmen and local vendors display and sell their wares. In Sarnano, there is a huge antique and handicraft market which takes place annually. In Treia, there is a permanent local handicraft exhibition. Other markets featuring local crafts are held in towns and villages throughout the territory. During the summer months, visitors will enjoy jazz and pop concerts in the open air. Opera performances also are held in Macerata and Pesaro.

The other main attraction here are the beautiful sandy beaches. The region is a popular spot for all kinds of water sports especially diving. The many lakes surrounding Le Marche feature crystal clear waters. The nearby mountains are also popular places for hiking, fishing and hunting. Spectacular limestone caves can be found at the town of Frasassi. Here you will find the largest underground cave system in all of Europe. Also see the Furlo Gorge.

If you love architecture, you must take a trip to Urbisaglia to see the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre. There are many castles and old forts in the region. Ancient Lazaretto, in Ancona, once was used as a Leper Colony. It is now restored and used for cultural and artistic events.

We offer a great selection of luxury rental accommodation including houses, villas, cabins and apartments. Our rentals feature saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools and a top quality maid service for an additional fee.