photo: mytravellinglens.com

Returning to Marche

We look forward to returning to the Marche Region of Italy. It was in 2005 that we first spend some time in this Region. We enjoyed it, and we are hoping the area will be a bit lighter with the number of tourists than other regions of Italy. Information and photos of our previous Marche travels is included in our Travel Journal.

Mombaroccio

We have rented an apartment in an old villa that is located just outside of this town. Sights to see are:

Palazzo Ducale is one of the main attractions in Mombaroccio. Is is known as the Palazzo Malatestiano. The Renaissance palace was built in the 15th century and features a beautiful façade with intricate decorations. Today, it serves as the Town Hall and occasionally hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

San Giorgio church (14th C) features a simple yet elegant interior with several noteworthy artworks and religious artifacts.

In the historic center of the town are narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and small squares.

One of the traditional dishes of the area are ciauscolo (a type of spreadable salami), vincisgrassi (a rich lasagna-like dish), and crescia sfogliata (a savory flatbread).

Mombaroccio is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. We hope the olive tree blight that has hit various regions in Italy has not been too brutal.

The Marche

photo: mytravellinglens.com

For some reason it has been decades since we have been back to the Marche (pronounced: (leh mart-keh). In getting ready for this year's trip I have reviewed some of the notes made in my Travel Journal and looked at photos in my catalogue.

It is a reach of lush green colour, and also has that enchanted feel with a medieval town on just about every hilltop. Travel to the coast and you will find beatiful beaches and beautiful water. Travel within the region can take time as drives are typically in the valleys which run east-west- sometimes there simply are no quick roads north-south!

Urbino

Located about 40 km from our house. We wanted to return to Urbino last year when we were in Umbria but road construction prevented the trip. This year will be a good time to return. Main Sights include the Palazzo Ducale (on our previous trip we spent the majority of our time in the Palazzo Ducale) and the the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche and the Urbino Cathedral this year. 

• My Travels in Italy - Urbino

We have a beautiful apartment in the Villagrande near Mombaroccio.

Our apartment is elegant and there is lots of room.

Our Villa in Villagrande

We will be staying in a beautiful villa that dates to 1563. We have a roomy apartment within the villa. Located on the hills three are views of the Adriatic Sea. On the estate there is a swimming pool and pleasant garden areas. Well positioned, it is only 1/2 km from the centre of Villagrande, which is a hamlet within Mombaroccio.

Cartoceto

Just 7km down the road is the small town of Cartoceto. The 1351 fortress was destroyed in an earthquake in 1572 and crumbled much of the historic centre of the town. But wanderingitlay says walk through what remains of the walled hill town and there are view impressuve of landscape. The Bar Nanà in the Piazza del Popolo is of note.

Saltara

Just a bit further down the road (10 from Mombaroccio) is the small town of Saltara. Although I do not see it in the photo, articles on the town say Saltara medieval castle is accessed by a characteristic staircase of 106 steps, it has recently been restored. Likewise the Palazzo del Bali, with its large park, has also been restored. Chiesa del Gonfalone is also noted.

The next town down the road, Serrumgarina, was not written-up as a town with sights.

 

Montefelcino

Further along the road south of our town, and located just 5 km south the the ancient Via Flaminia is the medieval town of Montefelcino. There is a castle, several churches, such as Saints Peter and Paul (1290), San Pevero, and S. Maria Scala Coeli both have frescoes of note.. The Museum of ancient itinerant trades. has a collection of ancient bicycles.

The area within the walls of the so-called Palazzo del Feudatario, a noted building with a severe arched portal and rusticated jambs, commissioned by Count Fabio Landriani; today in the summer is an annual market-exhibition of artistic crafts and antiques, known as the Mercatino del Feudatario.

The medieval fortress of the town is gone.

Serrungarina

There are two Serrungarina: “the old”, Brisighella, or now Borgo Bello; and the “new”, called in time with different names: San Longarino, Serra Serra Ungarina or Longarina. Top Sights:

• Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate - A beautiful church known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
• Piazza Bernardino Serafini - The central square of Serrungarina, offering a glimpse into the town’s daily life and culture
• Casa Oliva - A historic building that now serves as a hotel, providing a unique blend of history and modern comfort.

Great Photo Locations

• Piazza Bernardino Serafini - the town’s central square
• Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate - church’s architecture and surroundings
• Casa Oliva - historic building and scenic backdrop

Monteciccardo

Described as a captivating hilltop town known for its medieval charm and breathtaking panoramic views. Still surrounded by sturdy embankment walls, the town preserves minimal traces of what was the ancient Malatesta fortress, rebuilt by Francesco di Giorgio Martini at the end of the 15th century. Near the town it is possible to visit the so-called "Conventino", an ancient convent of the Servants of Mary with its church and bell tower. The Conventino is also home to a Centre for Contemporary Art . The museum was founded thanks to donations from some artists who participated in the contemporary art exhibition "Borderline" in the 1980s. In 2003, the collection was catalogued, documented and made accessible to the public thanks to the setting up of five rooms located in the Cloister. The exhibition features approximately fifty works, including sculptures, installations, paintings, photographs, drawings, by Italian and foreign artists, mostly created in the 1980s.

Castello della Pieve

An hour's drive (70 km) from our apartment in Mombaroccio, this is one of the ten most beautiful towns in Marche, it is perches high on a hill. This Borgo is eerily haunting and empty. It is very tiny and can been seen in about fivbe minutes, but it is also very picturesque and worth getting to for this reason. Castello della Piece is the place where Dante Alighieri's excile was decreed.

Mercatello sul Metauro

This could be seen on the way to Castello della Pieve. It is on the list of the top ten towns of Marche. It is from the 12th Century. An ancient bridge crosses the Metauro River, It is know for its many churches and historica Palazzo Donati.

Pergola

Located about 37 km (45 minutes) from our apartment in Mombaroccio, is the town of Peregola. Home to the famous Pergola's Gilded Bronzes (large gilded bronze equestrian sculptures) and charming medieval streets. It is listed as one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia, "The most beautiful villages of Italy. The town's historic centre is said to be a delightful area with medieval architecture, charming streets, and historical landmarks, such as the Church of San Giacomo and the Palazzo Municipale. The ancient Ducal Palace, the Malatesta Palace and the 18th-century Angelo Dal Foco Theatre, recently restored after years of neglect, are written up as being worth a visit.

Cagli

Cagli, is about 44 km (45 minutes) from our apartment in Mombaroccio. It is written up as having Offers picturesque streets and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and scenic landscapes. Cagli's historical centre has medieval palaces, ancient churches, and charming piazzas. The town's layout has retained its medieval structure, creating a captivating atmosphere. Piazza Matteotti: Visit the main square, Piazza Matteotti, which serves as the heart of Cagli. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings and is a lively gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Palazzo Pubblico: Admire the Palazzo Pubblico, a beautiful Renaissance palace that houses the town hall. The palace's facade and interior are adorned with artistic details.

San Leo

About 75 km (1 1/2 hours) from our Mombaroccio apartment is the small town of San Leo, Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). San Leo is a captivating hilltop town nestled in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Perched on a rugged outcrop overlooking the Marecchia Valley, the town is renowned for its stunning panoramic views, ancient fortress, and rich history that dates back to ancient times.

• San Leo Fortress: The most iconic landmark of San Leo is the impressive San Leo Fortress (Rocca di San Leo). Built in the 9th century, the fortress sits atop a rocky cliff, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the fortress, walk along its walls, and learn about its fascinating history.

• Piazza Dante: The main square of San Leo, Piazza Dante, is a charming spot with cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. It is an ideal place to sit, relax, and soak in the town's atmosphere.

• San Leo Cathedral: The town's Cathedral, or Pieve, dedicated to St. Leo, features a beautiful Romanesque facade and an impressive bell tower. The interior contains stunning frescoes and religious artifacts.

• Palazzo Mediceo: This Renaissance palace was once the residence of the powerful Medici family. It now serves as a museum, showcasing historical artifacts and artwork.

• Via degli Asini: San Leo is famous for its picturesque streets, including Via degli Asini (Donkey Street), a narrow and winding alley lined with ancient houses and archways.

 

Offida

photo: mytravellinglens.com

Located about 12 km from Ascoli Piceno. Noted as one of the most beautiful villages of Italy.

Santa Maria della Rocca is perched on a rock outcropping on the edge of the town. There is an upper and lower chapel, the  upper has noted frescoes.

The Palazzo Comunal was built in 13th and 14th Century.

Monastery of San Marco buit in the 14th Century.

Montalto di Marche

photo: mytravellinglens.com

Grottammare

photo: mytravellinglens.com

On one of our previous trips we enjoyed lunch here. The town is one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia. In terms of historical note, Pope Sixtus V (1521 to 1590) was born here.

Piazza del Popolo. The fountain was destroyed in 1944 but reconstructed

Pesaro

About 70 km from our house in Mombaroccio. It is located in the nothern most corner of Marche, hear the boarder with Emilia-Romagna. When driving up from the south on the A14, take the Fano exit. Lots of traffic control, mean traffic fines to come, for driving in the centre of town. Look for the multi-story Curvone car park is located on Viale dei Partigiani, and another can be found on via Marsala. There are also several free car parks in San Decenzio (400 spaces), Via dell'Acquedotto, and Villa Marina car park in the Ponente area of Viale Trieste.

Pesaro’s Piazza del Popolo, constructed in the 17th century, has a 20th-century Palazzo Comunale (town hall) that replaced a 16th-century iteration after the latter was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1930. Named La Pupilla di Pesaro (the pupil of Pesaro), the fountain in Piazza del Popolo was designed and built in 1588 by Lorenzo Ottoni, a student of Bernini. The whimsical Baroque structure is an allegory to the sea with a delightful assortment of seahorses, shells, shipwrecks, water nymphs, and Tritons astraddle dolphins. The spouting sculpture was destroyed in 1944 during World War II, but was rebuilt in 1960, and again restored in 1988 to bring the white Istrian stone and red-orange Veronese marble back to life.

Sights include the Ducal Palace, Pesaro Cathedral, Museo Diocesano as well as the Wall of Books - a celebrated and iconic feature found on the ourside wall of Palazzo Moscam, Civic Museums of Pesaro, in the courtyard. It was created for a production of the opera "Moïse et Pharaon" at the Rossini Opera Festival in 1997. It is to look like an open-air bookstore and has become one of the most photographed spots in the Marche region. Italy Magazine says The Musei Civici inside Palazzo Mosca is a must. The former residence of the wealthy Mosca family, the museum, renovation in 2013, holds masterworks such as Giovanni Bellini’s polyptych, Coronation of the Virgin, Guido Reni’s Fall of the Giants, and Simone Cantarini’s Penitent Mary Magdalene. Check out the interesting assemblage of decorative arts and ceramics from different eras.

 

Ancona

About 90 km, from our house, the main Sights include the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, Arch of Trajan, Ancona Harbor. Ancona is the only Italian city where you can watch the sun rise and set over the sea. 

The Ancona Cathedral is located on the Piazzale del Duomo. Construction started in 996 and was completed in 1017. The Cathedral treasures a Madonna painting. Next to the Cathedral, inside the Old Episcopio Palace there is the Diocesan Museum, admittance is free of charge, check the opening time on www.museodiocesanoancona.it .

Inside the harbour are the ruins of the ancient roman Trajanean port and the very well preserved Arch of Trajan dated circa 100-116 AD.

There is the roman forum and amphitheater where in summer time some classic plays take place. From this spot, through a stepped pathway you can quickly reach the Archeological National Museum of the Marche Region.

From Piazza del Papa a lovely narrow street full of small shops will lead you to Corso Mazzini, which together with the parallel Corso Garibaldi form the shopping heart of Ancona. Here you will find many stores, a fashion market open daily till 12 a.m. and a traditional covered food market.
Walking up the pedestrian Corso Mazzini, just before Piazza Roma lays the Calamo Fountain better known as Fontana delle 13 cannelle - "Thirteen Spouts Fountain".

 

 

Fermo

I remember briefly being in Fermo from our previous travels in the Marche Region and it being a town that I would like to revist. Palazzo dei Priori, dates back to 1296.  The town has narrow medieval streets with well-preserved buildings. There are underground Roman Cisterns. The Cathedral of Fermo has an impressive Romanesque facade and Gothic interior. We did not see the underground tunnels of the Roman cisterns beneath the historic center.

 

Loreto

photo: mytravellinglens.com

We may revsit Loreto which we saw over a decade ago. Here is the Sanctuary home of the Holy House of Nazareth, believed to be where the Virgin Mary lived. There is an elevated walkway that goes by old towers and above the homes of the city.  

• My Travels in Italy - Loreto

Gola del Furlo

The Furlo Pas, or the Furlo Gorge is a narrow gorge located along the original route of the Via Flaminia, in the section where it runs alongside the Candigliano River, one of the tributaries of the Metauro. The gorge was formed between Mount Pietralata and Mount Paganuccio. The river itself would be quite deep, but this is not noticeable due to the dam that has transformed the river into a placid watercourse with an adjoining lake.is known for green fields, rocky cliffs, intense forests - the landscape is described as magic.  Further along the route is Acqualagna.

Gradara

Medieval town with walls and a castle. One of the most beautiful Italian villages.

Torre di Palme

 

Montegridolfo

About 26 km/35 minutes from our apartment in Mombaroccio.

Jesi

We included this town on our previous visits to the Region. Impressive town with a well preserved historic centre. The town has imposing defensive walls and medieval towers.   

Fano

Approximately 55 km from our house is the seaside town of Fano, founded by the ancient Romans 3 BC prospered as an important trading port and military center. Later the town was under the rule of various noble families with prosperity and decline. Today it has a population of about 61,000. Historic Centre has streets to walk with medieval buildings, quaint squares, and cultural landmarks.Sights to see include -

• Arch of Augustus - a well-preserved Roman arch built in honor of Emperor Augustus. There are also Roman Walls, and the Malatesta Castle.

• Palazzo Malatestiano - historic palace housing the Civic Museum with rich collections of art and artifacts.

• Santa Maria Nuova Church - beautiful architecture and paintings by Perugino.

• San Michele Church - historic church dating back to the 15th century.

• Rocca Malatestiana - medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the town.

• Fano Cathedral - stunning cathedral with impressive architecture and historical significance.

• Piazza XX Settembre - main square of Fano, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafes.

• Teatro della Fortuna - a historic theater known for its beautiful interior and cultural events.

Ascoli Piceno 

photo: mytravellinglens.com

We enjoyed our time in this town back in 2005. The attractive stone, travertino, is used for many buildings giving the town a warm pleasant feel. There are about 50 towers still in the medieval town. Articles note that at one time there were more than 200.

San Francesco - 1258 - bell tower and copper cupola dates from 1400 and 1500. Attached is former Franciscan monastery with two cloisters. The larger cloister, Chiostro Maggiore also called the Piazza della Verdura and houses a daily food market.

• My Travels in Italy - Ascoli Piceno

Considerations

Senigallia - Distance: Approximately 75 km - Main Sights: Rocca Roveresca, Foro Annonario, Velvet Beach 

Rimini - Distance: Approximately 90 km - Main Sights: Arch of Augustus, Tempio Malatestiano, Castel Sismondo 

San Marino, an independent country, was very interesting and we spent some time a few years ago.

Ravenna: - Distance: Approximately 180 km - Main Sights: Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Dante's Tomb 

Cesenatico: - Distance: Approximately 110 km - Main Sights: Porto Canale, Maritime Museum, Piazza delle Conserve 

Mondavio

Mondavio – about 25 km/35 minutes from our apartment is the town of Mondvio. Features a well-preserved medieval layout and historic buildings. As you approach Mondavio, the sight becomes increasingly impressive. The majestic castle and the striking trio of bell towers, nestled within the impeccably preserved town walls.

Urbisaglia - Distance: Approximately 30 km - Main Sights: Roman Theater, Archaeological Park, Civic Tower 

Macerata: - Distance: Approximately 60 km - Main Sights: Sferisterio Arena, Macerata Cathedral, Palazzo Buonaccorsi

Fabriano, known for its paper. We visited the town on our 2022 vist to the area.

Sassocorvaro

Located about 50 kn (50 minhutes) from our apartment in Mombaroccio, a charming town that overlooks a scenic small lake. Ubaldinesca Fortress is an impressive masterpiece of the 15th-century military architecture by Giorgio Martini. Mercatale Lake, located between the village of Mercatale and at the foot of the hill of the old town of Sassocorvaro, is an artificial lake originated by a dam. Frontino - Mulino di Ponte Vecchio - Ponte Vecchio Mill is nowadays used both to produce flour and to serve as a museum of farming traditions, a place where visitors can see the ancient equipment, the instruments, and the tools used in past times to perform agricultural and artisan activities. 

Recanti

Recanati, 296 m above sea level, is found on the winding and almost flat crest of a hill between the valleys of the Potenza and Musone rivers. As with other centres in the Marche region, Recanati is a typical "balcony city" due to the wide panorama that can be seen from there: cities and villages are scattered in large numbers across the wide expanse, between plains, valleys and hills.

Casa Leopardi - by guided tour, see the library, the house and the museum. The library has over 20,000 books. The museum (not on the tour, but independent tour) has a collection of objects and documents. Book tickets on-line.