"Castles/Palaces, Sea/Mountains, & Food/Wine..." Top 5 Page for this destination Marche by deecat

Marche Travel Guide: 543 reviews and 1,525 photos

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

Urbani Beach at Sirolo

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.

Delicious Foods and Wines

Ascola Olives & Caprese Salad in Ascoli Piceno

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Compelling Beauty, Enticing Food/Wine, & Historic Sites
In a nutshell:Green foothills, historic towns, Adriatic Sea, & craggy Apennines

Last visit to Marche: Oct 2006
Intro Updated May 30, 2009
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Reviews (15)

Ceramic artist in his artisans' workshop in Sirolo - Marche

Ancient Crafts Still Practised Local Customs (2)

The Le Marche is an area where ancient crafts are still practised in artisans' worshops. Since this area is based on the... more travel advice

Palazzo Dei Capitani in Piazza Del Popolo - Marche

Nightlife in the Marches Nightlife (1)

For those of you looking for a Disco, a bar, or any other "hot spot", you won't find it with me. Allan and I love to go... more travel advice

Wonderful Out-Of-The-Way Places in Le... Off The Beaten Path (1)

We certainly saw plenty of out-of-the-way places while visiting the Le Marche. We became very intimate with the... more travel advice

Plenty of Market Days in Le Marche Shopping (1)

The first markets we experienced in Le Marche was in Ascoli Piceno. The Vegetable market is held in the large cloister... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All If you like Military Architecture, Try...
Hotels (1)
Places to Stay in the Le Marche
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Comments (28)

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jillzi Aug 18, 2010 at 11:01 AM

This is an outstanding page! For a little-known region, this Marche is just wonderful. The hotel tips are excellent and concise. Great food, lovely towns, enjoyable reading.
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misterrabbit Jul 28, 2010 at 12:27 PM

Specatcular five star tips, Dee. Not a well-known place but it should be because it is so wonderful. You've done such a great job with Marche. Loved the hotel, and those restaurants. Yum.
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toonsarah Apr 18, 2010 at 8:06 AM

This is a new area of Italy for me, but one which you describe so well and so enticingly that I feel I must certainly visit one day! Sirolo in particular sounds just such a place as we would love - historic, photogenic and with great restaurants :-)
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balhannah Feb 8, 2010 at 1:44 PM

What a great time you had here, and so much that interests me too! So old, 2000years, hard for me to imagine living in a "young" country!
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hunterV Dec 11, 2009 at 6:54 AM

>>>> Hi, Dee! Thanks for another splendid description of your journeys! <<<<<
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lynnehamman Jul 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM

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.
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Yaqui Jun 29, 2009 at 2:21 PM

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.
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TheWanderingCamel May 30, 2009 at 10:13 PM

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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volopolo May 29, 2009 at 8:24 AM

i like the picture of Mondavio's Fortification
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sourbugger Apr 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM

this town looks pretty much like my idea of heaven - must go then one day whilst i still am on this mortal coil