| Page Views: 2,384 Last Visit to Marche: October, 2006 | Castles/Palaces, Sea/Mountains, & Food/Wine... by deecat - last update: May 30, 2009 |
The New Tuscany: Le Marche Le Marche (pronouned La Mar kay) is tucked between the Apennines Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It's becoming known as "the new Tuscany" because of all the beautiful hill towns, wonderful cuisine, and breathtaking views. However, there are fewer tourist, the cost is lower, and the local people are still delighted to see foreign visitors.
In the Marches (as the Le Marche is called by most Americans), there were lots of self-governing communities in the 14th and 15th centuries who became independent states that were ruled by families continually in conflict with other familes and communities. That's why there are so many fortresses and castles in this area. In most of the towns that we visited, the military architect, Francesco di Giorgio Martini did remarkable work. That was true in Mondavio, Urbino, & Urbani. |
|  | Umbrella-laden Beaches of the Adriatic Sea The cities on the Adriatic Sea have origins that have long histories as ports and markets. There are two regional nature parks on the coast:
Colle San Bartolo Rigional Park
Monte Conero Regional Park (which we visited).
These are places where unspoilt natural environment is the star. Here you can see a multitude of birds and other wildlife.
The views along the coast are fabulous, and the historic towns add another dimension to the area of %Le Marche. |
| Ascola Olives & Caprese Salad in Ascoli Piceno |
| | Delicious Foods and Wines The Le Marche offers an incredible variety of foods cooked in traditional manner. Along the coast, they are known for delicious fish recipes such as brodetto (fish soup).
At the foot of the Monti Sibillini, Pork is "king". For instance, porchetta (roast suckling big) originated from this region. Cured pork products are also renown here such as: Carpegna hams, the salame of Fabriano, Ciausculu from Visso..
Numerous sheep's milk cheeses such as formaggio di fossa of Talamello and pecorino are produced in all the mountain areas.
Perhaps the Le Marche area is best know for the cultivation of truffles (both black and white).
Found in the province of Ascoli Piceno is the olive all'ascolana which is the local olives stuffed with minced meat and then fried!
The pasta of the area is called maccheroncini di Campofilone which is very thin tagliarini served with ragout.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is the best known wine of the Marches. For the red wine, Rosso Piceno Superiore and Le strade del Rosso Conero are quite good. |
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| Pros: | "Compelling Beauty, Enticing Food/Wine, & Historic Sites" | | In A Nutshell: | "Green foothills, historic towns, Adriatic Sea, & craggy Apennines" |
deecat's Marche Travel Tips
 Comments for deecat about Marche | | | | |
lynnehamman Tue Jul 14, 2009 16:00 UTC
Dee- I so much enjoyed reading this page.Excellent information and good photos. I agree that it is a hidden gem. It has something for everyone.We also often 'wing it' regarding accommodation. Its fun. | Yaqui Mon Jun 29, 2009 22:21 UTC
Oh Dee, I wish we all could throw out agenda's when traveling, but it is always a good excuse to venture back:) Barchi is charming. Caffe' Meletti looks so relaxing & marvelous. Looks like you and Allen had a fabulous time. Love your pages as always. | jillzi Tue Jun 23, 2009 21:51 UTC
For a little-known region, this Marche is just wonderful. The hotel tips are excellent and concise. Great food, lovely towns, enjoyable reading. | TheWanderingCamel Sun May 31, 2009 06:13 UTC
Fabriano has long been on my list of places I must get to - now youi've made me know the net will be cast wider and I can see a whole tour of il Marche on the agenda. Thank you so much for this lovely page. leyle |
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