Marche Region by Marche Tourism

MARCHE REGION ITALY

THE COAST

THE HINTERLAND

THE CITIES OF ART

THE PROTECTED AREAS PLEIN AIR

MARCHE SEGRETE

DOC WINES

TRADITIONAL LOCAL PRODUCE

COORDINATION Department of Promotion, Internationalization, Tourism and Trade Laura Pierini CONTRIBUTION - GRAPHICS Tourism Service Laura Capozucca &225',1$7,21 Bianca Maria Giombetti 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3URPRWLRQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDOL]DWLRQ Stefano Gregori 7RXULVP DQG 7UDGH Mario Ruggini 6DQGUR $EHODUGL &2175,%87,21 *5$3+,&6 Regional Association of Camping in the Marche 7RXULVP 6HUYLFH Federcampeggio /DXUD &DSR]XFFD Giambattista Bancolini - Gianfranco Badalini %LDQFD 0DULD *LRPEHWWL Cinzia Pellegrini 6WHIDQR *UHJRUL PHOTOGRAPHS BY Tourism Service Archives 3+272*5$3+6 %< - Region Marche 7RXULVP 6HUYLFH $UFKLYHV 5HJLRQ 0DUFKH Guide Map of Region Marche - T.C.I. *XLGH 0DS RI 5HJLRQ 0DUFKH 7 & , PRINTED BY TECNOSTAMPA - Ostra Vetere (AN) FREE )5(( ',675,%87,21 DISTRIBUTION ÂŠ Â&#x2039; (GLWLRQ Edition 2009

s and camper services marked in this brochure, there are numerous campsites, tourist resorts and farm holiday resorts within the region, where it is possible to stay and find great hospitality and suitable services.

MARCHE REGION

THE MARCHE ITALY IN ONE REGION

TOURISM DEPARTMENT

From *DELFFH 0DU H, a well known seaside resort lying on a small gulf with *DELFFH 0RQWH (from where you can enjoy a charming view), you should head towards *UDGDUD, which is famous both for its fascinating and beautiful mediaeval streets and lanes and for its &DVWOH which boasts many renaissance fresco paintings and memories of the love, as sung by Dante, of Paolo and Francesca. If you take the SDQRUDPLF URDG which runs between Gabicce Mare and Pesaro, you cross the heart of the 5HJLRQDO 3DUN RI 0RQWH 6DQ %DUWROR with picturesque fishing villages (&DVWHOGLPH]]R )LRUHQ]XROD GL )RFDUD) and the renaissance jewels of 9LOOD &DSULOH, 9LOOD ,PSHULDOH and 9LOOD 9 LWWRULD In 3HVDUR, the ancient 3LVDXUXP, which was the base of the Della Rovere Lordship until 1631, the &RVWDQ]D )RUWUHVV and the treasures housed in the museums evoke the courtly importance of the town. In Piazza del Popolo, the Town Hall, Palace of the Paggeria and the renaissance 'XFDO 3DODFH look out on the fountain with its tritons and sea horses. In the 7RZQ 0XVHXPV (the $UW *DOOHU\ and the &HUDPLFV 0XVHXP), apart from the splendid 3DOD 3HVDU R by Giovanni Bellini, paintings by Guido Reni, Marco Zoppo, Jacobello del Fiore and Simone Cantarini are also preserved. In August, the birthplace of Gioacchino Rossini offers singing connoisseurs the 5RVVLQL 2SHUD )HVWLYDO (ROF), an important event which is known world-wide. The &DWKHGUDO, the 2OLYHULDQR $U FKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP, 5RVVLQLÂśV +RXVH , the Music Conservatory and the art-nouveau Ruggeri town house should not be missed. From there, continue in the direction of Urbino, with a brief rest in 3HWULDQR to see 5DSKDHOÂśV %DWKV . Once having arrived in 8UELQR, the city of the Renaissance, which, with its ancient walls, is an inestimable treasure trove of art, culture and history, an absolute must is a visit to the 'XFDO 3DODFH which holds the 0DUFKH 1DWLRQDO *DOOHU\ where masterpieces from various historical periods are preserved, with works by Raffaello, Piero della Francesca, Tiziano, Paolo Uccello, Luca Signorelli, etc. The 3DODFH perfectly connects with the other buildings planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini on the initiative of Federico da Montefeltro: the Church of S. Bernardino degli Zoccolanti (Mausoleum of the (Mausol Dukes of Montefeltro) and Monte the Convent of S. Chiara. Other Chia important sights import to see se are: the imposing &DWKHGUDO, the th 2UDWRU\ Province of R I 6 D Q Pesaro-Urbinoo

*LRYDQQL and 5DSKDHOÂśV %LUWK +RXVH . In the town, on the 3rd Sunday of August, there is an interesting historic commemoration of 7KH 'XNHÂś V )HVWLYDO . Continue towards 6DVVRFRUYDUR, which is renowned for its unique 8EDOGLQHVTXH )RUWU HVV, in the shape of a warship, planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, and where an interesting $UW *DOOHU\ has been prepared. Here, during the Second World War, more than 10,000 works of art coming from all over Italy were hidden and saved. Once having passed 0DFHUDWD )HOWULD, with its typical streets, lanes and &DVWOH located on a rise, and 3LWLQXP %DWKV, it is well worth stopping in 3LHWUDUXEELD, to see the fortified ancient centre with the FDVWOH ruins and, then in )URQWLQR, to visit the &RQYHQW RI 0RQWHILRUHQWLQR which dates back to the 13th century. Shortly afterwards, you reach &DUSHJQD, known for its valued SURVFLXWWR (cured ham). The town boasts the powerful 3ULQFHVÂś 3DODFH, and the Parish of San Giovanni Battista and it is also the base of the 5HJLRQDO 3DUN RI 6DVVR 6LPRQH DQG 6LPRQFHOOR , with its rich woodlands (for example the beechwood of Pianacquadio) and panoramic viewpoints. Continue towards 3HQQDELOOL, renowned for its annual National Market Exhibition of Antiques, its ancient monuments and original PXVHL PLQL PL of Tonino Guerra and pass through 3HWUHOOD *XLGL, until you reach 6DQWÂś$JDWD )HOWULD , dominated by the )UHJRVR )RUWUHVV, a splendid mediaeval fortress used as a 0XVHXP. In October and November, the festival and market exhibitions of the ZKLWH WUXIIOH take place here, this being an important treasure of the area. Reach 1RYDIHOWULD, with its seventeenth century Town Hall building and the fourteenth century Chapel of S. Marina, then 7DODPHOOR, famous for its IRU PDJJLR GL IRVVD (cave-matured sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk cheese), with its November festival, and for a Giotto-style &UXFLIL[. After having passed the )RUWUHVV RI 0DLROHWWR and the rambling village of 0DLROR, you arrive in 6DQ /HR , with its unmistakable profile, at the top of a rocky peak. The town, which has in the past, been the Capital of Italy, possesses two valuable Romanesque churches: the 3LHYH and the &DWKHGUDO. The original and inaccessible )RUWUHVV, in whose dungeons Cagliostro died, holds a rich collection of ancient weapons and historical documents. The &RQYHQW RI 6 ,JQH , which was founded by S. Francesco in 1213 is also worth seeing. Returning towards the coast, 0RQWHFRSLROR, an equipped tourist resort for both Winter and Summer holidays is worth a visit, as are 0RQWH &HULJQRQH, dominated by a Fortress, 0RQWH *ULPDQR with its well known %DWKV and 0RQWHFDOYR LQ )RJOLD which boasts a mediaeval 7RZHU.

1 GABICCE MARE 2 GRADARA 3 PESARO 4 URBINO 5 MACERATA FELTRIA 6 PIETRARUBBIA 7 MONTECALVO IN FOGLIA

10 11

The valley of high and low Metauro is a treasure trove of historical, religious and panoramic beauties. )DQR, which is full of artistic heritage, still shows many traces of its Roman origins, such as the monumental $XJXVWXV¶$UFK, the door to the ancient road of 9LD )ODPLQLD. In the town centre, in Piazza XX Settembre, you can admire the sixteenth century Fortune Fountain, in front of which stands the theatre: )RUWXQH 7KHDWU H, which was previously the Reason’s Palace. Through the renaissance Arco Borgia-Cybo you gain access to the 0DODWHVWLDQD &RXUW\DUG, which is today used for plein air shows and is also the base for the 7RZQ 0XVHXP and $UW *DOOHU\ where works by Guercino, Guido Reni and canvases by local painters are exhibited. Other treasures can be found in the &DWKHGUDO, in the Church of San Paterniano and in the &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD 1XRYD Worth visiting, in the surrounding area, is the characteristic +HUPLWDJH RI 0RQWH *LRYH and &DULJQDQR %DWKV. Following 9LD )ODPLQLD , you arrive in )RVVRPEURQH, with its churches, the monumental /LEUDU\, the museums, the 'XFDO 3DODFH and the renaissance &RUWH $OWD . On the 2nd Sunday of May, the 7ULXPSK RI &DUQLYDO takes place, as a celebration of the festivals that Cardinal Giulio della Rovere wanted to organise in the town in 1559. The 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN is located in the village of 6DQ 0DUWLQR GHO 3LDQR , with the ancient Roman town of )RUXP 6HPSURQLL (Fossombrone). Nearby )HUPLJQDQR, the birthplace of Bramante, is interesting for its Roman bridge and a mediaeval 7RZHU. It is also noted for its original 3DOLR GHOOD 5DQD (with frogs running st on wheel barrows) which takes place on the 1 Sunday after Easter, preceded by the 3URFHVVLRQ RI WKH 'XNH RI 8UELQR . Continuing on, you reach 8UEDQLD which, with its seven bridges, boasts almost intact fourteenth century walling, and important historic and artistic jewels and museums. It was at first Castel delle Ripe, then &DVWHO 'XUDQWH, and was already well known for the splendour of its FHUDPLFV. Still today, craftsmanship relating to majolica, carpets and wrought iron, blooms. In the surrounding area, there is the 'XFDO 3DUN or %DUFR, a hunting area which was once used by the Dukes of Urbino. Now the only part remaining is the large villa, started by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. You tthen reach 6DQW¶ 6DQW¶$QJHOR LQ 9D G R , w h i c h i s famous for th the commerccialisation of Province of the WUXIIOH Pesaro-Urbinoo

(market-exhibition in October and November) and for YLQ VDQWR (a sweet wine), with the noteworthy &DWKHGUDO and 5HDVRQ¶V 3DODFH . A brief deviation leads to 3LDQGLPHOHWR whose mediaeval centre gathers tightly around the renaissance &DVWOH of the 2OLYD (DUOV where the )DUPLQJ 0XVHXP and the (DUWK 6FLHQFHV 0XVHXP are held. It is the birthplace of Evangelista di Piandimeleto, a painter and master of Raphael. In July, court life is celebrated with the &RQWHVW RI WKH 2OLYD (DUOV and in October, in the village of 6DQ 6LVWR, there is the renowned 0DUNHW ([KLELWLRQ RI WKH 0XVKU RRP. Having returned in the direction of Bocca Trabaria, it is advisable to go to 0HUFDWHOOR VXO 0HWDXUR, which still retains its ancient look, with mediaeval houses and charming narrow streets and, in the &KXUFK RI 6 )UDQFHVFR there is an authentic anthology of paintings from Central Italy, that date back to between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. 3 km far from here, and well worth a visit, there is an intact mediaeval village, &DVWHOOR GHOOD 3LHYH, and %RUJR 3DFH, from where you can go on interesting excursions in the nearby valleys. A little later, you reach the small village of /DPROL, characterised by the &KXUFK RI 6 0LFKHOH $UFDQJHOR, which belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of S. Michele delle Lamole founded in the 7th-8th century. Returning towards the coast, take the road for 3LREELFR, famous throughout the world for its “&OXE GHL %UXWWL ” (8JO\ &OXE), this boasts the mediaeval centre, the imposing &DVWOH RI WKH %UDQFDOHRQL and the *HRSDOHRQWRORJLFDO 1DWXUDOLVWLF $QWKU RSLFDO DQG 2UQLWKRORJLFDO 0XVHXP . For generations, able craftsmen’s hands have woven crude wool FDUSHWV on looms. $SHFFKLR should not be missed, located in an area that is rich with mushrooms and truffles, it is a mediaeval village with an interesting 0XVHXP that of )RVVLOV DQG 0LQHUDOV RI 0RQWH 1HURQH After a pleasant gastronomical rest in $FTXDODJQD, the capital of the valuable ZKLWH WUXIIOH (in February, August, October and November there are national and regional market exhibitions) and known for VWRQH craftsmanship, following the ancient consular road of 9LD )ODPLQLD, you cross the evocative *ROD GHO )XUOR – recently recognised as a 6WDWH 1DWXUDO 5HVHUYH – with the tunnel ()RUXOXV) dug out of compact limestone, using a chisel, by the Roman legions in 76 A.D. and the lake. Nearby, you can admire the Romanesque $EEH\ RI 6 9LQFHQ]R DO )XUOR and the 6DQFWXDU\ RI 3HOLQJR.

1 FANO 2 FOSSOMBRONE 3 FERMIGNANO 4 URBANIA 5 SANT’ANGELO IN VADO 6 PIANDIMELETO 7 MERCATELLO SUL METAURO 8 BORGO PACE 9 PIOBBICO 10 APECCHIO 10 11 ACQUALAGNA 11

The route is made up of areas of exceptional interest, both from a historical-artistic point of view, and from the religious aspect, due to the presence of several important monumental churches. Leaving from 0DURWWD, with the old fishing town and an unusual beach, partly pebbles with a gentle slope, proceed towards 0RQGROIR, which extends over three hills and is known for /D &DFFLDWD, a historic re-creation of an ancient game called 3DOORQH DO EUDFFLDOH (in July). The Church of S. Agostino of RomanesqueGothic foundation is worth visiting (restored in 1726) and the Church of S. Gervasio provides an interesting example of Romanesque architecture. Having reached 2UFLDQR GL 3HVDU R, a small town which is easily visible, even from a long way away due to its high bell tower and the Malatestian 7RZHU of the &DVWOH, it is worth noting the renaissance &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD 1XRYD. Continue towards 0RQGDYLR, which is famous for the )RUWUHVV, a work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini, and within which there is a +LVWRULF 0XVHXP (with models in costume), and the traditional :LOG %RDU +XQWLQJ (in midAugust). One compulsory stopping place is 6DQ /RUHQ]R LQ &DPSR , in the valley of Cesano, with the splendid $EEH\ RI 6 /RU HQ]R which dates back to the 7th century. It was built by Benedictine monks with archaeological material which had been taken from the area, but its current aspect is of the 13th century. Other sights worth seeing are the 3DODFH RI WKH 5XVSROL 3ULQFHV , the great 0DJLVWUDWHÂśV 3DODFH , the 7LEHULQL 7KHDWU H of 1816 with three levels of boxes and the 7RZQ 0XVHXP with a section dedicated to $UFKDHRORJ\ and another related to 1DWXUDOLVWLF (WKQRJUDSKLFV. The characteristic, mediaeval villages on the hill of )UDWWH 5RVD, known for its terracotta works are worth visiting, as is 0RQWDOIRJOLR, which still retains the walls with a characteristic entrance gate. Going through Cesanense, you reach 3HUJROD, the city of one hundred churches, including the Church of S. Giacomo and the &DWKHGUDO, which are full of valuable artistic works. As witness to its ancient past, the IDPRXV *ROGHQ %URQ]HV IURP &DUWRFHWR GL 3HUJROD are still held and date back to the age of Julian-Claudius, having been discovered in 1946 in 6 /XFLD GL &DODPHOOR. The Th complex contributes to one of the very ver few great equestrian eques sculpture groups from fro ancient Roman R Times up u to now Province of and probaPesaro-Urbino

bly represents a family group originally made up of two couples of female figures, cloaked and veiled, and two knights in high-ranking military clothing with very ornately decorated horses. Continue towards &DJOL an enchanting town gathered around its grand 7RZQ +DOO and the facing piazza, full of monuments and fifteenth and sixteenth century buildings. The majestic helixoidal Tower, a work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini and a remain of the ancient )RUWUHVV is, today, the base for a &RQWHPSRUDU\ 6FXOSWXUH &HQWU H. 3RQWH 0DOOLR a powerful Roman work that was restored in the Augustan age, with an archway of 26 quoins, is well worth a visit. Every year in Cagli, on the 2nd Sunday of August, there is a historical representation of the GLXRFR GHOOÂś2FD with the &RQWHVW. Along the road for Cantiano, you meet the evocative *ROD GL %XUDQR and can admire the so-called 3RQWH *URVVR (Large Bridge), dating back to Roman Times with two diverging arches. &DQWLDQR, with the structure of a mediaeval implantation and the seventeenth century &ROOHJLDWD, is famous for its working of the VRXU FKHUULHV and for /D 7XUED, an ancient and evocative representation of the scenes of the 3DVVLRQ, dating back to 1260 Heading back towards the coast, )URQWRQH is worth a deviation. Its old rocky town located around the evocative Malatestian &DVWOH and the splendid +HUPLWDJH RI 6DQWD &U RFH GL )RQWH $YHOODQD located in a solitary valley full of woodlands and mentioned by Dante in the 'LYLQH &RPHG\ are incredible views. Founded in 980 by S. Romualdo, it has hosted saints and bishops, including S. Pier Damiani, who enlarged it and made it famous. Presented as an extended and articulate construction which includes large guestroom, the true and real heart of the hermitage has a linked Romanesque-Gothic church. Amongst the most interesting places of the vast complex, which has recently undergone radical restoration work, the VFULSWRULXP the historic /LEUDU\ which holds valuable ancient texts, the Capitular room, the refectory and the cloister stand out as being exceptional. An interesting piece of knowledge: at approximately 300 metres from the hermitage, the specific conformation of the valley provides an exceptional echo. After a few km you meet 6HUUD 6DQWÂś$EERQGLR, a village, located on the slopes of Monte Catria (1702 m), dominated by high woodlands.

1 MAROTTA 2 MONDOLFO 3 ORCIANO DI PESARO 4 MONDAVIO 5 SAN LORENZO IN CAMPO 6 FRATTE ROSA 7 PERGOLA 8 CAGLI 9 CANTIANO 10 10 FRONTONE 11 11 SERRA SANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ABBONDIO

Leaving from the famous YHOYHW EHDFK, you cross through the interesting centres of the green Marche hills where 9HUGLFFKLR wine is produced. 6HQLJDOOLD, located by the river Misa, is a resort area that is well known thanks to its extremely fine stretches of sand. The heart of the town is the well preserved 5RYHUHVFD )RUWU HVV, and Piazza del Duca opens out in front of this, with its sixteenth century Lions Fountain and made beautiful by historical buildings, including the 'XNH¶V 3DODFH and the 3DOD]]HWWR %DYLHUD where valuable stucco work by Federico Brandani can be admired. The church of the Croce, the church of S. Martino, the &DWKHGUDO with annexed 'LRFHVDQ $UW *DOOHU\ and the %LUWKSODFH RI 3LXV ,; are worth visiting. In a panoramic position, in the immediate surroundings, you can see the renaissance &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD GHOOH *UD]LH where a precious painting by the Perugino is preserved in the apse, and the 0XVHXP RI +LVWRU\ RI WKH 6KDUH &URSSLQJ 6\VWHP held in the Convent. Continue on to &RULQDOGR, a picturesque mediaeval centre which boasts one of the most spectacular outside walls of the region. The eighteenth century 6DQFWXDU\ RI 6 0DULD *RUHWWL, the Church of the Addolorata and the ex Benedictine Convent which holds the 7RZQ $UW &ROOHFWLRQ are all worth a visit. The 3rd Sunday of July, the &RQWHVW RI WKH : HOO RI 3ROHQWD takes place – a celebration of the victory by the Corinaldesi in 1517, over Francesco Maria I della Rovere’s army, which had besieged the town. In the surrounding area, &DVWHOOHRQH GL 6XDVD is known for its mediaeval &DVWOH, its well preserved historic centre and for the important archaeological finds of the ancient Roman town of 6XDVD 6HQRQXP (in particular the $PSKLWKHDWUH and a patrician ³GRPXV´ with rich mosaics), safeguarded in the 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN and in the 7RZQ $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP. Continuing on towards %DUEDUD, with the ancient walls and the &DVWOH (14th century), you arrive in 6HUUD GH¶ &RQWL, which has the surrounding mediaeval walls, on which the 0RQDVWHU\ RI 6 0DULD 0DGGDOHQD was built in the fifteenth century. Once passed 0RLH, where the Romanesque $EEH\ RI 6 0DULD is an absolute must, you reach 0DLRODWL 6SRQWLQL, S , the home of 9HUGLFFKLR wine and the m mu sician Gaspare Sp musician Spontini, in whose memory the Museum ‘* 6SRQWLQL ’ hhass been created, ha hholding ho lding relics, m mementoes emen and m anu manuscripts. S h o r t l y aafterwards, ft Province off yyou o get to Ancona

&XSUDPRQWDQD, an important centre for the production of 9HUGLFFKLR wine, to which both a famous festival is dedicated (the 1st Sunday of October), and the curious ,QWHUQDWLRQDO /DEHO 0XVHXP. After a rest in the evocative $EEH\ RI %HDWR $QJHOR, you reach 6WDIIROR, which is interesting for its historic centre, still mostly surrounded by a powerful wall circle. It is also noted for its original 0XVHXP GHGLFDWHG WR WKH $UW RI : LQH which, amongst other curiosities, owns a valuable oak and stone press. Continue on to -HVL, the Roman $HVLV, which dominates the Esino valley. The town, with a thriving community, and also the dominion of the Malatesta and Francesco Sforza, was the birthplace of Frederick II from Swabia and the musician G. B. Pergolesi, to whom the prestigious 7KHDWUH is dedicated. Within the eighteenth century 3LDQHWWL 3DODFH, the 7RZQ 0XVHXPV are held, together with a valuable $UW *DOOHU\ , in which many of Lorenzo Lotto’s masterpieces can be admired, including the famous $OWDUSLHFH RI 6 /XFLD. The 3DOD]]R GHOOD 6LJQRULD, planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini houses the 7RZQ /LEUDU\. Mediaeval areas, aristocratic buildings and splendid churches characterise a harmonious and well preserved historic centre. Not far from Jesi, along the Esino river, you may visit the Nature Reserve of Ripa Bianca. Going back towards the coast, a deviation for 0RUUR G¶$OED is strongly advised. This small town is still contained within the fifteenth century walls, with steep slopes and owns the 0XVHXP RI 6KDUH &URSSLQJ &XOWXUH which reunites peasants’ tools of the past. The area, full of vineyards, is famous for the production of the red wine of controlled origin /DFULPD GL 0RUUR G¶$OED. In the same area, 2VWUD is worth a visit. This is a town whose walls and beautiful historic centre dominate the valley of the Misa, and which boasts an important $QWLTXH VKRZ (in August). The piazza provides home for an imposing 7RZQ )RUWUHVV, for the ancient church of S. Francesco and the 6DQFWXDU\ RI WKH 0DGRQQD GHOOD 5RVD, visited by many pilgrims. Continue towards &KLDUDYDOOH, where you can admire the $EEH\ RI 6 0DULD LQ &DVWDJQROD , one of the oldest constructions founded by the Cistercians from Clairvaux in Italy, and you arrive in 0DULQD GL 0RQWHPDUFLDQR which has a beautiful coastline and the remains of a small fortress dating back to the fifteenth century.

1 SENIGALLIA 2 CORINALDO 3 CASTELLEONE DI SUASA 4 MAIOLATI SPONTINI 5 CUPRAMONTANA 6 STAFFOLO 7 JESI 8 MORRO D’ALBA 9 OSTRA 10 CHIARAVALLE 10 11 MARINA DI MONTEMARCIANO 11

From the &RQHUR 5LYLHUD, with its characteristic seaside resorts, you should continue through the inland towns, full of art and ancient memories. $QFRQD (from the Greek $QNRQ), the administrative centre of the Marche, founded by the Syracuse people, has always connected its existence with the port, dominated by the &DWKHGUDO RI 6DQ &LULDFR. A visit to the historic centre lets you discover the oldest and most evocative part of the town: in Piazza della Repubblica, the imposing front of the 0XVH 7KHDWUH appears and, on the opposite side, the Church of the SS. Sacramento. Near there, we can find the port, with archways 7UDMDQÂśV $U FK (100-115 A.D.) and &OHPHQWLQH $UFK (planned by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century), the gate 3RUWD 3LD (Baroque), the 0ROH 9DQYLWHOOLDQD (charming /D]]DUHWWR, today used for exhibitions and shows), the 0DHUFKDQWVÂś 0HHWLQJ 3ODFH, symbol of the ancient mercantile vitality of the town, and the Romanesque &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD GHOOD 3LD]]D . On the slopes of the Guasco hill, there is Piazza del Senato with the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace, the Church of S. Pellegrino degli Scalzi and Ferretti Palace, which is the home of the 0DUFKH 1DWLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP. Once arrived at the (OGHUVÂś 3DODFH and the Church of the GesĂš, following the road via Pizzecolli down, you can admire the Gothic entrance to the Church of S. Francesco alle Scale and the sixteenth century %RVGDUL 3DODFH, which is home to the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a section dedicated to 0RGHUQ $UW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in which important works by Tiziano, Carlo Crivelli, Lotto, Guercino and Gentileschi are shown, together with a few paintings by Andrea Lilli, a local Ancona artist. The 3LD]]D GHO 3OHELVFLWR , considered as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;living roomâ&#x20AC;? of the city, is flanked by a sixteenth century 7RZHU by the *RYHUQPHQWÂśV 3DODFH and by the &KXUFK RI 6 'RPHQLFR, inside which a &UXFLIL[LRQ by Tiziano and an $QQXQFLDWLRQ by Guercino, are preserved. From the 3DVVHWWR, taking the SDQRUDPLF URXWH along the famous &RQHUR 5LYLHUD , you can distinguish the enchanting countryside of 0RQWH &RQHUR, which acquires chromatic shadings that are particularly evocative in spring, for the flowering of the dyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broom and, in autumn, for the strawberry trees. The jewel of the t coast is the %D\ RI 3RUWRQRYR, 3RUWRQRY a marvel of still unspoiled nature, on w h o s e b e a c h of rocks and pebbles, well equipw ped, p d, laps pe la an emerald green sea. The bay holds ancient Province ooff treasures, Ancona

including the 1DSROHRQLF )RUW , the &OHPHQWLQD 7RZHU and, set into a rocky buttress, the Romanesque &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD . After a brief pause on the summit of Monte Conero, to admire the $EEH\ RI 6 3LHWU R, founded by the Benedictines in the first half of the 11th century, continuing South, you meet first 6LUROR, an elegant seaside resort sheer above the sea and home to the 5HJLRQDO 3DUN RI 0RQWH &RQHU R, and, immediately afterwards, 1XPDQD, where, from the small yet evocative piazza, from which the 7RZHU RI WKH 3LQFLR emerges, it is possible to see the small tourist port. Well worth visiting is the 6WDWH $QWLTXDULXP which brings together archaeological material found in the territory of Sirolo and Numana, and offers a complete documentation of the Piceni people. 0DUFHOOL is the most modern area of the Riviera, with numerous tourist resorts, residences and recreation structures. On the summit of a nearby hill, /RUHWR emerges, partially surrounded by sixteenth century walling and ramparts, with the largest 0DULDQ 6DQFWXDU\ in Italy. The legend states that the House of Nazareth was carried here by angels in order to escape the invasion of Palestine by the Mohammedans. In the %DVLOLFD some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance period have worked, including Signorelli, Melozzo from ForlĂŹ, Bramante and Lotto. In the West wing of the $SRVWROLF 3DODFH , you can visit the $UW 0XVHXP RI WKH +RO\ +RXVH . Continuing North, you meet &DVWHOILGDUGR, the capital of the DFFRUGLRQ, an instrument to which an interesting ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 0XVHXP is dedicated. Shortly afterwards, you reach 2VLPR, full of ancient remains, amongst which we could mention the thirteen Roman statues from the Imperial age, kept in the 7RZQ +DOO , the Romanesque &DWKHGUDO, with the small piazza and the %DWWLVWHUR, the 6DQFWXDU\ RI 6 *LXVHSSH GD &RSHUWLQR and the prestigious &DPSDQD 3DODFH which houses the 7RZQ 0XVHXP . In the surrounding area, you can find $VSLR 7HUPH, a hydrotherapy centre, immersed in green land. 2IIDJQD, the production area for the red wine 5RVVR &RQHU R, is dominated by the )RUWUHVV which is home to the 0XVHXP RI $QFLHQW :HDSRQV and, during the last week of July, has evocative 0HGLDHYDO )HVWLYDOV in which the ancient tradition of the &RQWHVD GHOOD &UHVFLD is relived. In 3ROYHULJL, and not to be missed, is the renowned ,QWHDWUR ,QWHUQDWLRQDO )HVWLYDO (in July) and :LWFKHVÂś 1LJKW (in September).

1 ANCONA 2 PORTONOVO 3 SIROLO 4 NUMANA 5 LORETO 6 CASTELFIDARDO 7 OSIMO 8 OFFAGNA 9 POLVERIGI

The route suggested leads to the discovery of the beautiful countryside and history of the area of Fabriano, enhanced by the evocative )UDVDVVL &DYHV. )DEULDQR, the home town of Gentile da Fabriano, Antonio da Fabriano and Allegretto Nuzi, is an important commercial and industrial centre, noted for its ancient SDSHU PLOOV dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. In the ex &RQYHQW RI 6 'RPHQLFR , we can find the 3DSHU DQG : DWHUPDUN 0XVHXP where it is possible, amongst other things, to see how paper was made once upon a time. The town retains its mediaeval aspect, modelled around 3LD]]D GHO 3RGHVWj (with the thirteenth century fountain Sturinalto and the Palazzo del PodestĂ ) and documented by the numerous paintings which can be found in the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\ Âł% 0RODMROLÂ´, held in the fifteenth century monumental complex of the ex +RVSLWDO RI 6DQWD 0DULD GHO %XRQ *HV . The *HQWLOH 7KHDWUH, one of the most interesting examples of nineteenth century theatres of the region, has a beautiful curtain that was painted by Luigi Serra. The )HVWLYDO RI 6DQ *LRYDQQL (on the 24th June) is particularly heartfelt, and during this, costume parades decked with flowers and /D 6ILGD GHO 0DJOLR. The peaceful town of 3RJJLR 6DQ 5RPXDOGR (936 m), where there are beautiful walks to be had, and the $EEH\ RI 9DO GL &DVWUR, founded in 1006 by S. Romualdo (who died there in 1027), that holds valuable fresco paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Once taken the main road (Statale 76), in a short time you reach the vast hypogean complex that is the )UDVDVVL &DYHV, a karstic environment of extraordinary beauty. A visit allows you, in about an hour, to admire with stupor, small lakes, inlaid stalactites, enormous stalagmites, until you reach the majestic $QFRQD $E\VV (240 m. high), the +DOO RI WKH 7 ZR +XQGUHG, the +DOO RI WKH &DQGOHV, the +DOO RI WKH EHDU and that of the ,QILQLWH, wich are very well lit. Near there it is possible to visit the sulphurous baths of 6 9LWWRUH DOOH &KLXVH which probably dates back to the end of the 10th century. It was amongst the richest religious seats of the district and one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in the region of the Marche. The &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD LQIUD 6D[D and the nearby VPDOO WHPSOH VPDOO W with octagonal plan and cupola, commissioned commissi by L Pope Leo XII to G i u s e p p e Valadier, Val are very ver evocative and held w within an Province of immense Ancona

cave. Nearby *HQJD is well worth seeing. It boasts a mediaeval urban structure that is still intact, together with the town walls and the 3DODFH RI WKH (DUOV RI *HQJD. Continuing on, you reach 6DVVRIHUUDWR, a town made up of two centres: the modern 7RZQ and, high up on the hill, the &DVWOH, dominated by the remains of the )RUWUHVV that was built by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, papal legate, in 1368. In the oldest part, which is full of monuments and works of art, the Church of S. Francesco, the 0RQWDQDUL 3DODFH (home to the *DOOHU\ RI 0RGHUQ DQG &RQWHPSRUDU\ $UW and the 0XVHXP RI 3RSXODU $UWV DQG 7UDGLWLRQV), the 3ULRUVÂś 3DODFH (home to the $UW *DOOHU\ and the 6HQWLQDWH $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP) and the 2OLYD 3DODFH (home to the 7RZQ /LEUDU\) particularly stand out. Nearby, you can visit the Romanesque &KXUFK RI 6 &URFH and the Roman town of 6HQWLQXP, which has become the 5HJLRQDO $U FKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN, with important building and road archaeological evidence, including large baths. In $UFHYLD, which used to be considered as being impregnable due to its position on a rocky spur which dominates the high valley of the River Misa, the most prestigious monument is the &ROOHJLDWH &KXUFK RI 6 0HGDUGR, the local patron saint. In this building, two paintings by Luca Signorelli are kept, together with an ornamental glazed terracotta cover by Giovanni Della Robbia and a /DVW -XGJHPHQW by Ercole Ramazzani. The area surrounding the town is of particular interest, characterised by the so called Âł&DVWOHVÂ´, which include the picturesque fortified villages of 3DOD]]R &DVWLJOLRQL 3LWLFFKLR /RU HWHOOR 1LGDVWRUH and $YDFHOOL, in whose Parish, an altarpiece of the 0DGRQQD GHO 5RVDULR can be admired. This is in terracotta and attributed to Mattia Della Robbia. Nearby, on a small knoll, there is the small Romanesque &KXUFK RI 6 $QVXLQR (11th century) and, just a few kilometres beyond this, you meet 0HUJR. This town developed in Mediaeval Times around the &DVWOH, of which now remains a part of the ancient walling. You then reach 6HUUD 6DQ 4XLULFR with its typical, and unique in their type, FRSHUWHOOH, roads covered with houses built on the remains of the Castle walls, and seat of the 5HJLRQDO 3DUN RI WKH *ROD GHOOD 5RVVD DQG GL )UDVDVVL. The uncontaminated environment is often surprising, and includes three different biotopes: *ROD GL )UDVDVVL , *ROD GHOOD 5RVVD and 9DOOH 6FDSSXFFLD, with the evocative natural gorge.

1 FABRIANO 2 POGGIO SAN ROMUALDO 3 GROTTE DI FRASASSI 4 GENGA 5 SASSOFERRATO 6 ARCEVIA 7 MERGO 8 SERRA SAN QUIRICO

This route satisfies various expectations: from the sunny beaches of the Riviera, to the unique DWPRVSKHUH which you breathe in Recanati and in other places, full of artistic heritage. 3RUWR 5HFDQDWL, which comes from the time of Frederick II as the port of Recanati (only a short distance from the place where the Roman colony 3RWHQWLD was), is an ancient fishing village which was founded around the fifteenth century 6ZDELDQ &DVWOH in which the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\ is held. Still today, the town keeps its characteristics and environments of the past, which you can find walking along its streets, accompanied by the smell of the sea. Continue towards 5HFDQDWL, the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi, for a route through the places dear to this poet’s heart: the piazza and the monument dedicated to him, the memorabilia kept in the 7RZQ +DOO, the small piazza of 6DEDWR GHO 9 LOODJJLR and the tower of the 3DVVHUR 6ROLWDULR. /HRSDUGL 3DODFH, the birth-house of the poet and the adjoining 1DWLRQDO &HQWUH IRU WKH /HRSDU GLDQ VWXG\ bring you to the &ROOH GHOO¶,QILQLWR where the first verse of the famous idyll: ³DOZD\V GHDU WR PH ZDV WKLV ORQHO\ KLOO´ is sculpted. The 7RZQ 0XVHXP, to be found in 9LOOD &ROORUHGR 0HOV is worth visiting, as it boasts considerable works including four important paintings by Lorenzo Lotto. There are a further two museums which stand out: the ³%HQLDPLQR *LJOL´ 0XVHXP which is held within the 7RZQ +DOO and houses photographs, personal items, testimonials and scene costumes belonging to the famous singer, and the 'LRFHVDQ 0XVHXP within the Bishop’s Residence. Take road SS 361, and cross 9LOOD 3RWHQ]D, with the WKHDWUH ruins of the Roman city of +HOYLD 5uFLQD, and you arrive in 0DFHUDWD, founded on hills in order to escape the incursions of the barbarians. This town is full, above all, of Renaissance, Baroque and eighteenth century art. Amongst its most representative monuments, you are reminded of the $UHQD 6IHULVWHULR by Ireneo Aleandri, a splendid example of neo-classical architecture and home to an important Summer /\ULFDO 6HDVRQ . The ancient walls which, almost intact, rise above the panoramic ring of roads and enclose the old town. Piazza della Libertà with the 7KH 0HU FKDQWV¶ 0HHWLQJ 3ODFH, the &ORFN 7 RZHU, the Town Hall, the Palace of Prefec the Prefecture, the eighteen century eighteenth / D X UR 5 R V V L 7 K H D W UH , t h e numerous mu museums, the WK r i c h Province ooff F H Q W X U \ Macerata

,WDOLDQ &ROOHFWLRQ in 5LFFL 3DODFH and the ancient 8QLYHUVLW\ make Macerata a cultural reference point. Well worth seeing are the eighteenth century Buonaccorsi Palace, the 6DQFWXDU\ RI WKH 0DGRQQD GHOOD 0LVHULFRU GLD, Consalvi Palace, 0R]]L 3DODFH, known as that of the Diamonds, the Collegiate Church of S. Giovanni and the ex College of the Jesuits, home to the 7RZQ 0XVHXP , the $UW *DOOHU\ , the &KDULRW 0XVHXP and the 7RZQ /LEUDU\ (with more than 350,000 books). Continue South and take road SS 485 to reach the &KXUFK RI 6DQ &ODXGLR DO &KLHQWL , whose unique structure of two superimposed environments with a narrow façade between two cylindrical, angular towers, dates back to the end of the 11th century. After a few kilometres, on a hill, 0RQWH 6DQ *LXVWR emerges, a well known shoe centre with beautiful historical places of interests including %RQDIHGH 3DODFH with fresco paintings by Aspertini and the &ROOHFWLRQ RI 'UDZLQJ E\ $QFLHQW 0DHVWUL, and the &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD LQ 7HOXVLDQR which holds the famous &UXFLIL[LRQ, a masterpiece by Lorenzo Lotto and the only painting to be kept in its original place. Continuing on towards the coast, you should not forget to see the splendid Romanesque building of 6 0DULD D 3Lq GL &KLHQWL (in 0RQWHFRVDUR 6FDOR) with its evocative internal structure, of two overlying floors with ambulatory and radial apses. You then arrive in &LYLWDQRYD 0DU FKH, famous for the production of shoes, as well as being an equipped seaside resort with long beaches and plenty of hotels. Every year, at the end of July, there is the &LYLWDQRYD 'DQ]D, an interesting meeting with the most well-known artists world-wide. Historically more important, is the town of &LYLWDQRYD $OWD , the birth place of Annibal Caro. This is characterised by a surrounding wall with towers, bulwarks, two gates, beautiful noble palaces (including &HVDULQL 3DODFH), churches and the rich ³0 0RU HWWL´ 0RGHUQ $UW *DOOHU\. Shortly afterwards, you reach 3RUWR 3RWHQ]D 3LFHQD, a pretty summer tourist resort, and you should continue in the direction of 3RWHQ]D 3LFHQD, which is noted for the working of damasks and silk brocades by the nuns of the Istituto dell’Addolorata and for the traditional festival of the *UDSSROR G¶2UR (in September). In the surrounding area, it is worth making a deviation to see the renaissance %RQDFFRUVL 9LOOD, a splendid example of an Italian style garden, and 0RQWHOXSRQH, a mediaeval town that retains the walls, watchtowers, gates and defence systems.

1 PORTO RECANATI 2 RECANATI 3 MACERATA 4 MONTE SAN GIUSTO 5 CIVITANOVA MARCHE 6 PORTO POTENZA PICENA 7 POTENZA PICENA 8 MONTELUPONE

Leave from Tolentino and continue in the discovery of the surrounding areas, rich with art, history and natural beauty. In 7ROHQWLQR an aim for many pilgrims, you can find the %DVLOLFD RI 6 1LFROD (of the 14th century) with a portal by Nanni of Bartolo, a very famous &DSSHOORQH, entirely decorated with a grandiose cycle of fresco paintings from the Rimini school of the fourteenth century and a beautiful &ORLVWHU. The &DWKHGUDO, the 9DFFDM 7KHDWUH, and the characteristic ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &DULFDWXUH 0XVHXP (the only one in Italy) should not be missed, and neither should the &DVWOH RI 5DQFLD (end of the 12th century) which was once a farm and fortified granary under the $EEH\ RI )LDVWUD , transformed into a castle by Da Varano in 1353, and can be found in the surrounding area. Every year, in May, there is a re-enacting of the %DWWOH RI 7ROHQWLQR (1815), in which Gioacchino Murat was defeated by the Austrian army. Three kilometres from the town, there are the %DWKV RI 6 /XFLD, in an oak woods. Continue to &DOGDUROD, the birthplace of the De Magistris painters, authors of the decoration of the 3DUDGLVH 5RRP in the 7RZQ +DOO . The road named after the artists leads to the 3DOORWWD &DVWOH, of mediaeval origins, amply reworked in the sixteenth century. In August, you can see the *LRVWUD GH OH &DVWHOOD manifestation with &RQWHVW and train. Continuing along the valley of the Chienti and bordering the /DNH RI 3LHYHIDYHUD, a deviation for 6HUUDSHWURQD is advised, in order to try, the famous wine 9HUQDFFLD of controlled origin in the typical taverns. The thirteenth century )RUWUHVV RI 9DUDQR, high up on a cliff, represents the picturesque entrance to the Dukedom of &DPHULQR, which, in the 15th century, thanks to the presence of artists such as Arcangelo di Cola, Giovanni Boccati and Girolamo di Giovanni, was the protagonist of an intense economic and artistic boom period. The town has kept its mediaeval defence aspects of the surrounding area, as outlined several times by the pen of one of the greatest Italian dramatists, Ugo Betti. Blessed with one of the most ancient and important universities of Europe, with its base in the 'XFDO 3DODFH, it owns representative buildings such as the &DWKHGUDO and the %LVKRSÂśV 3DODFH S , in which works of inesti inestimable value are held, in including the 0DGRQQD 0DGRQQD LQ *ORU\ DQG 6 DQG 6W 3KLOLS by Tiepolo. Tiep In May, the roads are filled with m magnificent renaissance Province of style proMacerata

cessions on the occasion of the &RUVD DOOD 6SDGD. 3LRUDFR, a small mediaeval centre located in an evocative rocky gorge and famous for its ancient paper mill is worth a visit, as is 0DWHOLFD, an interesting artistic town, characterised by the octagonal )RXQWDLQ (1619) and by numerous historic buildings, including the 0DJLVWUDWHÂśV 3DODFH (from the 13th century) and the fifteenth century 3LHUVDQWL 3DODFH where a 0XVHXP holding valuable works of art is based. In the area, the well-known wine of controlled origin 9HUGLFFKLR GL 0DWHOLFD is produced. Continue towards 6DQ 6HYHULQR 0DUFKH which is made up of two nuclei. The first has, as its essence, the Romanesque &DWKHGUDO, the second, the large, elliptic, 3LD]]D GHO 3RSROR, surrounded by renaissance porticoes and buildings. The fresco paintings by Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni bear witness to the important San Severino school of painting. In fact, these paintings are still visible in a few churches and in the richly supplied 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\, whilst the Roman remains of the $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP tell the story of the birth of the town. Every year, in June, there is the 3DOLR GHL &DVWHOOL with various competitions, including the &RUVD GHOOH 7 RUUL. Along the road SS 361, in 3LHYH, you can see the area which was already occupied in Roman Times by 6HSWHPSHGD, and which has now become the 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN. Continue to &LQJROL, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;%DOFRQ\ RI WKH 0DUFKHÂ´, which offers unforgettable views to the sea and long walks alongside the lake and in the underbrush of Montenero. The town holds renaissance buildings, mediaeval churches which have often been reworked during the Baroque period, including the &ROOHJLDWH &KXUFK RI 6 (VXSHUDQ]LR and, the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\, holds a valuable 0DGRQQD RI WKH 5RVDU\ by Lorenzo Lotto. The 3rd Sunday of August marks the reconstruction of &LQJROL with the game of 3DOORQH D EUDFFLDOH. In the surrounding areas, you can find $SLUR, a typical Summer resort, with the interesting $EEH\ RI 6 8UEDQR . Continue in the direction of 7UHLD, a pretty mediaeval town whose nucleus consists of the showy Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by the arcade of the Town Hall (also the home of the 7RZQ $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP), from the Church of S. Filippo and the Building of the *HRUJLFDO $FDGHP\. The 'LVILGD GHO %UDFFLDOH which is held every 1st Sunday of August has very ancient origins. 3ROOHQ]D, a famous DQWLTXHV centre, is worth visiting, together with the &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD $VVXQWD GL 5DPERQD which was founded by the Longobards in the 8th century.

1 TOLENTINO 2 CALDAROLA 3 SERRAPETRONA 4 CAMERINO 5 PIORACO 6 MATELICA 7 SAN SEVERINO MARCHE 8 CINGOLI 9 APIRO 10 TREIA 11 POLLENZA

Art and nature make a perfect couple in this area of the province of Macerata, which includes many villages of the 1DWLRQDO 3DUN RI 0RQWL 6LELOOLQL and starts from the Cistercian $EEH\ RI 6 0DULD GL &KLDUDYDOOH GL )LDVWUD, built in 1142 and today inserted into the 1DWLRQDO 5HVHUYH $EEDGLD GL )LDVWUD , where you can visit a few interesting museums and go for walks, bicycle rides or horse rides. Continue to 8UELVDJOLD, which holds the imposing 15th century )RUWUHVV and was built on the remains of the Roman 8UEV 6DOYLD, whose excavation material is preserved in the local 6WDWH $U FKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP. In the ancient town, protected in the 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN, you can see the theatre, the DPSKLWKHDWUH (where, in summer there is an appreciated theatre season), the cryptoportico, the urban walls, a part of the aqueduct and the reservoir. In the surrounding area, 0RJOLDQR is worth a visit, to admire a valuable 2XU /DG\ RI WKH $VVXPSWLRQ DQG 6DLQWV by Lorenzo Lotto, and to purchase characteristic products in ZLFNHU. Continue towards &ROPXUDQR, a small hill town gathered together around a main piazza, and you arrive in 6DQ *LQHVLR, a mediaeval village surrounded by substantial walling equipped with large towers and bulwarks, from where you can see a fantastic panorama. The +RVSLWDO RI 6 3DROR, the beautiful &ROOHJLDWH FKXUFK which is full of works of art, the Church of S. Francesco, the 0XVHXP and the $UW *DOOHU\ are all interesting places to visit. Every year on the 15th August, there is a recreation of the &RQWHVW RI 6DQ *LQHVLR, during which the different districts challenge each other in the *LRVWUD HTXHVWUH GHO O¶DQHOOR. Take the road to 0RQDVWHUR, go through the evocative and wild *ROH GHO )LDVWU RQH (from where many excursions and routes leave for the 0RQNV¶ +HUPLWDJH, the 5HG %ODGHV, etc.) and, going alongside the /DNH RI )LDVWUD , you arrive at the modern town of 6DQ /RU HQ]R DO /DJR, which is often visited during the summer. In )LDVWUD, a few towers and surviving parts of the wall above a knoll bear witness to a castle that was built during the 11th century. Should you wish to, you can descend as far as 3LHYHERYLJOLDQD, where the famous 9DUQHOOL is produced, you can admire ancient abbeys and then continue towards 3LHYH 7RULQD where you can visit the 0XV 0XVHXP RI 2XU /DQG and the +HUPLWDJH RI 6DQW¶$ RI 6DQW¶$QJHOR GL 3UHIRJ 3UHIRJOLR, and go for a walk in the Natu Nature Reserve of Torricchio. A Afterwards it is advisable Province of to make a Macerata

stop in 9LVVR, with its noble past, born witness to by numerous examples of mediaeval and renaissance architecture and also the base of the 1DWLRQDO 3DUN RI 0RQWL 6LELOOLQL . The 3LD]]D GHL 0DUWLUL 9LVVDQL, which is bordered by elegant fifteenth and sixteenth century buildings, is characterised by two important buildings: the Collegiate Church of S. Maria (with fourteenth century portal) and the Church of Sant’Agostino in whose rooms, the 0XVHXP $UW *DOOHU\ is based. Once you have reached &DVWHOVDQWDQJHOR VXO 1HUD, a small mediaeval village with Romanesque churches, which is known for its EODFN WUXIIOH and for the ski resorts on Monte Prata, climb to )URQWLJQDQR, where you can find the lift installations and the leaving base for excursions up Monte Bove. Go down as far as 8VVLWD, an appreciated tourist resort for winter sports, and continue to the 6DQFWXDU\ RI 6 0DULD in 0DFHUHWR, an imposing building with a Bramante style plan carried out in 1528, and isolated high up, at the foot of the Monti Sibillini. Passing through &XSL and )LDVWUD, you reach $FTXDFDQLQD, where you can see the &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD GL 5LR 6DFUR, which was founded by the Benedictine Monks around the eleventh century, with a beautiful crypt with a nave and two aisles. Continue on to %RORJQROD, one of the smallest and highest towns in the Marche (1070 m.), of mediaeval origins. This offers visitors healthy air and unspoiled natural surroundings with beautiful excursions on mounts Priora, Rotondo, Pizzo di Meta, and Castel Manardo. The area of 3LQWXUD, a winter sports centre, allows the discovery of an evocative panorama, whilst in nearby 3UDWL GL 5DJQROR , you can cross-country ski and, in spring, admire the splendid and multicoloured blooming of the orchids, primroses, cornflowers, etc. Shortly afterwards, you reach 6DUQDQR, a renowned %DWKV &HQWUH which is visited above all by mountain lovers and skiers due to its numerous trails. It is famous for the “red brick” roofs, the mediaeval streets and lanes, with steep, narrow roads that finish in a small, silent piazza, where the thirteenth century &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD $VVXQWD with Gothic portal and large bell tower can be found. The Town Hall which houses the $UW *DOOHU\ and the /LEUDU\ are worth visiting, as are, in the surrounding areas, the &RQYHQW RI 6 /LEHUDWR and the remains of the +HUPLWDJH RI 6RIILDQR, remembered in the “)LRUHWWL” of S. Francesco. In June, there is an interesting 1DWLRQDO $QWLTXH 0DUNHW ([KLELWLRQ and the &RQWHVW RI WKH 6HUDILQR is evoked.

1 ABBADIA DI FIASTRA 2 URBISAGLIA 3 COLMURANO 4 SAN GINESIO 5 FIASTRA 6 VISSO 7 CASTELSANTANGELO SUL NERA 8 USSITA 9 ACQUACANINA 10 BOLOGNOLA 11 SARNANO

The route develops around the vast and rich area of Fermo. 3RUWR 6 *LRUJLR , which in the past was the guarding place of the coast when infested by Turkish pirates, has developed the function of a port, becoming an active and blooming fishing centre. Today it is an important seaside resort (with a tourist port of more than 1000 boat places), made up of a mediaeval centre with the )RUWUHVV and of the modern living areas with roads lined with trees, luxuriant gardens and several kinds of accommodations. Continue for )HUPR, which is considered the monumental â&#x20AC;&#x153;living roomâ&#x20AC;? of the Marche, and one of the most flourishing centres of the region. The ancient Roman Reservoirs should not be missed, as neither should the vast and panoramic 6TXDUH RI WKH *LUIDOFR, on the base of which the &DWKHGUDO is silhouetted. The splendid 3LD]]D GHO 3RSROR, flanked by porticoes, the 7KHDWUH GHOOÂś$TXLOD, the sixteenth century 3ULRUVÂś 3DODFH, whose internal rooms house the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\ which boasts important paintings and a valuable canvas by Rubens, the Palazzo degli Studi with a well-supplied /LEUDU\, the Church of S. Agostino, the Gothic cycle of courtly fresco paintings on the Oratory annex of S. Monica and the numerous museums that testimony, still today, to the extraordinary historic and cultural make up of the city, should also be seen. In the eighteenth century 9LWDOL 9 LOOD, there are the 0XVHXP RI 1DWXUDO 6FLHQFHV and the 3RODU (WKQRJUDSKLF 0XVHXP . Each year, on the 15th August, there is the &RQWHVW RI 2XU /DG\ RI WKH $VVXPSWLRQ, a luxuriant and knightly representation with the historic 5LGH 7UDLQ. A brief deviation allows us to discover the beauty of 6DQWÂś(OSLGLR D 0DU H, famous for its interesting historic centre, the &RQWHVD GHO 6HFFKLR (2nd Sunday in August) and the manifestation 7KH 0LGGOH $JHV 7RZQ in which, for three days, you return to the past with entertainment and shows. Once you have arrived in 0RQWHJLRUJLR, with an urban installation that is characterised by an unusual triangular base and narrow mediaeval style roads, it is worth seeing the Church of S. Francesco. Passing for 0RQWH 9LGRQ &RUUDGR , a small village with the remains of the ancient fortifications and the birthplace of the painter Osvaldo Licini, you reach 0RQWDSSRQH 0RQWDSSRQ in a short time. This tow town offers the Romanesq Romanesque Oratory of the Sacramento and the +DW 0XVHXP. 0XV 0DVVD )HU )HUPDQD is w worth a stop, t admire a to Province of valuable Ascoli Piceno

polyptych by Carlo Crivelli and a painting by Vittore Crivelli within the &KXUFK RI WKH 66 /RUHQ]R 6LOYHVWUR DQG 5XILQR. Continue South, until you reach )DOHURQH, with a piazza, the Loggetta dei Mercanti and the &KXUFK RI 6 )RUWXQDWR , where an important work by Vittore Crivelli is exhibited. )DOHULR, a wine of controlled origin from the Ascoli Piceno hills, takes its name from the town. Near 3LDQH GL )DOHU RQH, you can visit the 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN with the remains of )DOHULR 3LFHQXV, an ancient Roman town, of which traces of an aqueduct remain, together with evidence of some villas and the splendid WKHDWUH with stage and cavea, where, in summer, interesting theatrical productions take place. Nearby 6HUYLJOLDQR was built according to urbanistic rules of the eighteenth century, with small garden piazzas and groups of terraced houses. On the Saturday and Sunday after the August Bank Holiday (15th August), there is a representation of the .QLJKWKRRG 7 RZQDPHQW LQ &OHPHQWLQR &DVWOH with 15th century costumes. 6DQWD 9LWWRULD LQ 0DWHQDQR is, instead, a historically important centre due to the presence, in the 10th century, of the Farfa monks, to whom we owe the &KXUFK RI 6 9LWWRULD, in the high part of the town. In 0RQWDOWR GHOOH 0DUFKH, a town in which Sixtus V lived and which became the Episcopal centre in 1586, the imposing &DWKHGUDO with a high portico and polygonal bell tower is worth seeing, together with the Town Hall, home to the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\, the 7RZQ $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP and the 'LRFHVDQ 0XVHXP RI 6DFUHG $UW. Returning towards the coast, we advise visiting 3HWULWROL, founded in the 10th century by the Farfa monks, with remains of mediaeval fortifications and an ancient nucleus made up of characteristic houses. 0RQWHUXEELDQR, which provided the birthplace for Vincenzo Pagani whose nineteenth century work &ROOHJLDWH &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD GHL /HWWHUDWL can be admired, is the place where, on the day of Pentecost, the $UPDWD GL 3HQWHFRVWH 6FLz OD 3LFD with the *LRVWUD GHOOÂśDQHOOR is relived. Nearby, you can find 0RUHVFR, with its fortified structure with two ancient towers and the characteristic piazza, contained in the manner of a courtyard. A few kilometres later, you arrive in $OWLGRQD which still retains most of its castle walling and, in 7RUUH GL 3DOPH , a small and pretty centre on the top of a panoramic hill, with numerous mediaeval buildings. Torre di Palme is also known for the water of the %DWKV )RQWL GL 3DOPH.

1 PORTO SAN GIORGIO 2 FERMO 3 SANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ELPIDIO A MARE 4 MONTE VIDON CORRADO 5 MASSA FERMANA 6 FALERONE 7 SANTA VITTORIA IN MATENANO 8 MONTALTO DELLE MARCHE 9 PETRITOLI 10 MORESCO 11 ALTIDONA

The route offers evocative images of the green 5LYLHUD 3LFHQD, alternated with those of the gentle hills and ancient towns. From 3HGDVR, a tourist seaside resort, go towards &DPSRILORQH, which owes its fame to the homonymous PDF FKHURQFLQL (festival in August). The old town still reserves its elliptical map with many houses built near the Castle walls and lanes with barrel or cross vaults. A few kilometres further there is 0RQWHILRUH GHOOÂś$VR a well-preserved historic centre which offers, in the &ROOHJLDWH &KXUFK RI 6 /XFLD, a valuable polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, a refined example of fifteenth century painting. Worth seeing are the two 5RRPV, where several works by Adolfo De Carolis, who was born here, and Domenico Cantatore are exhibited. Continue towards 5LSDWUDQVRQH, a small jewel with a characteristic historic centre, with mediaeval views, houses from the 15th and 16th centuries and the narrowest road in Italy. It is rich with archaeological finds that are exhibited in the 7RZQ $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP and with monuments such as the &DWKHGUDO and the Palazzo del PodestĂ , and suggests a visit to an interesting 3ODVWHU &DVWV *DOOHU\ dedicated to the works of the local sculptor Uno Gera and a rich 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\, held within the seventeenth century Palazzo Bonomi. Before leaving, we advise following the whole length of the ring road in order to appreciate the beautiful panorama. You should reach 2IILGD, famous for the ancient tradition of the SLOORZ ODFH , and whose centre, surrounded by intact walling, still retains the remains of the fifteenth century )RUWUHVV. The 7RZQ +DOO possesses an elegant loggia and a powerful fourteenth century tower, whilst the 3DOD]]R 3DJQDQHOOL holds the $UFKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP, the precious $UW *DOOHU\ , with paintings by Pietro Alemanno and Simone De Magistris, and the 0XVHXP RI 3RSXODU 7UDGLWLRQV. At the edge of the village, isolated on a panoramic knoll, the majestic $EEH\ RI 6 0DULD GHOOD 5RFFD emerges, one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic monuments of the region, in whose crypt you can admire a cycle of fresco paintings by the Maestro of Offida. The town is noteworthy also for the production of the wines of controlled origin of the 3LFHQL +LOOV and for &DUQLYDO 6KURYH 7XHVGD\ , which consists of a reckless ox hunt (today it is a man dressed up, but bu it was true up uuntil 1819), with the ox running, ning maddened through the thr streets. Continue via C Provinces off $FTXDYLYD Fermo and Ascoli Piceno

3LFHQD, which has kept its mediaeval character with castle walls, ancient houses, towers and the imposing )RUWUHVV, completed by Baccio Pontelli (15th century), inside which we can find the 0XVHXP RI $QFLHQW :HDSRQV. Between the end of July and the beginning of August, the 6SRQVDOLD takes place. This is a historical recreation of the wedding of Forasteria and Rinaldo from the powerful Brunforte family, son of Fidesmino, Imperial Vicar of Frederick II. Then, you arrive in 6DQ %HQHGHWWR GHO 7URQWR, the main seaside station of Piceno and one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy for its large sandy beach with palm trees, oleanders and cluster pines that give shade to a coast that extends for more than 2 km. The highest centre is ancient and presents an interesting mediaeval character in narrow roads with the fourteenth century 7RZHU RI WKH *XDOWLHUL , probable remains of a Fortress. The seaside town is more extended and modern, with tree-lined roads onto which artnouveau style buildings face. The Âł$ &DSULRWWLÂ´ )LVK 0XVHXP with aquariums, archaeological finds and numerous fossils should not be missed. Neither should the )LVKLQJ DQG 0DULQH &LYLOLVDWLRQ 0XVHXP the $QWLTXDULXP 7UXHQWLQXP and the $PSKRUD 0XVHXP which brings together phenolic, Italic and Roman items, found in this stretch of sea, and a visit to the humid area of the 1DWXUH 5HVHUYH RI 6HQWLQD. Continuing North along the coast, you reach *URWWDPPDUH, the jewel of the Adriatic. This mediaeval town, located on the brow of a hill, with rustic houses and small roads keeps intact the perfume of the orange trees that is typical of the Picena Riviera. At the edges of the sandy beach, the coastline with palms and flower beds, the hotels and tourist resorts have transformed the town into a popular coastal area. In nearby &XSUD 0DULWWLPD , you can visit the 3LFHQR 0DODFRORJLFDO 0XVHXP, the most important collection in Italy of shells coming from all over the world, with more than 700,000 examples. The most modern nucleus lies along the beach, whilst the most ancient, 0DUDQR, is on a hill still surrounded by the old walling, with towers that were raised in the 15th century. The solitary narrow streets uphill lead to the &KXUFK RI 6 0DULD LQ &DVWHOOR, of Roman foundation and in the outskirts of which, you can find the remains of the mediaeval )RUWUHVV. At approximately 1500 m from the current town, you can see the 5HJLRQDO $UFKDHRORJLFDO 3DUN of the Roman town of &XSUD 0DULWLPD.

1 PEDASO 2 CAMPOFILONE 3 MONTEFIORE DELLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ASO 4 RIPATRANSONE 5 OFFIDA 6 ACQUAVIVA PICENA 7 SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO 8 GROTTAMMARE 9 CUPRA MARITTIMA

This area conserves a noteworthy historic and cultural heritage and is an exemplary fusion between the natural environment and manmade changes. The warm colours of the travertine and the remains of the ancient 9LD 6DODULD , often included in mediaeval buildings, characterise the historic centre of $VFROL 3LFHQR , the extraordinary past of which is, still today, witnessed by the Roman monuments that have survived (the remains of the 7KHDWUH, the $XJXVWDQ %ULGJH , etc.) and by the numerous Romanesque buildings, including churches, ancient houses and powerful noble towers. From the famous 3LD]]D GHO 3RSROR (where you can admire the historic &DIIq 0HOHWWL ), a quiet renaissance environment with the massive structure of the &DSWDLQV 3DODFH and the harmonious flank of the &KXUFK RI 6 )UDQFHVFR , evocative routes radiate out, through mediaeval roads and renaissance palaces. The piazza is the base, every year, of one of the most extraordinary historical representations of Italy, the famous 4XLQWDQD, with a parade in fifteenth century costumes of more than 1400 figures. In 3LD]]D $UULQJR, which was theatre of the public meetings in mediaeval times, the &DWKHGUDO, within which there is a famous polyptych by Carlo Crivelli figuring the 0DGRQQD ZLWK &KLOG DQG 6DLQWV exhibited, and the %DSWLVWHU\, an octagonal building of the 12th century. The long side of the piazza is defined by the façade of the 7RZQ +DOO, home to the 7RZQ $UW *DOOHU\ whose rich collection counts, amongst others, works by Cola dell’Amatrice, Vincenzo Pagani, Pietro Alemanno, Carlo Crivelli, Tiziano and Guido Reni. The 0RGHUQ $UW *DOOHU\ , the 6WDWH $U FKDHRORJLFDO 0XVHXP and the 9HQWLGLR %DVVR 7KHDWU H are also worth seeing. Following 9LD 6DODULD , you reach $FTXDVDQWD 7HUPH, renowned for its sulphuric water, and $UTXDWD GHO 7URQWR, located in an enchanting panoramic position, with the superb mediaeval )RUWUHVV that has been well restored. It is the only town in Italy to be included in two national parks: the 1DWLRQDO 3DUN RI 0RQWL 6LELOOLQL in fact, extends as far as reaching the 1DWLRQDO 3DUN RI *UDQ 6DVVR DQG 0RQWL GHOOD /DJD . Take the SDQRUDPLF URDG to go up to Monte Vettore, and continue to 0R 0RQWHJDOOR, a pleasant tou tourist resort. Shortly afterwards, you arrive in 0RQWHPRQDFR wh which offers sp splendid counttryside and innumerable Province of possibilities Ascoli Picenoo

for walks on the Sibillini Mountains, in particular up 0RQWH 6LELOOD , from the bizarre top surrounded by a “necklace” of rose-coloured rocks, that legend tells is the dwelling place of the priestess of Apollo. Nearby, you can find )RFH, the privileged base for the excursions to 0RQWH 9HWWRUH and to the /DNH RI 3LODWR (1940 m), the only of natural origin of the Marche, in whose water lives the small and rare chirocephalo of the Marchesoni. Not far from these, you can admire the /DNH RI *HURVD with the ancient &KXUFK RI 6 *LRUJLR DOO¶,VROD. Continue towards 0RQWHIRUWLQR which still conserves the atmosphere of the times intact, with its narrow streets, stone and brick built houses and the $UW *DOOHU\ rich with valuable works of art, the fruit of the collection of the painter Fortunato Duranti. A road which follows the route of the Ambro stream, after about 6 km, brings you to the 6DQFWXDU\ RI WKH 0DGRQQD GHOO¶$PEU R, built following a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary and visited by many pilgrims. Another road brings you to the evocative and steep *ROD GHOO¶,QIHUQDFFLR. Not very far there is the little town of $PDQGROD which has a beautiful historic centre with the Church of S. Agostino, the Church of S. Francesco, the Town Hall, the base of ancient archives, and a remarkable anthropo-geograpghical museum. The town is known for the working and restoration of ZRRG, the antiques, the production of WUXIIOHV (fair in FebruaryMarch) and for the ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 7KHDWU H )HVWLYDO (in September). In the surrounding area, the Romanesque complex of the $EEH\ RI WKH 6DLQWV 5XIILQR DQG 9 LWDOH with fresco paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries, and the /DNH RI 6 5XIILQR should not be missed. Once past 6PHULOOR, a typical mediaeval town, with a beautiful wood and the ³)HVVD´ (narrow and characteristic rock fissure), you arrive in the fortified centre of 0RQWHIDOFRQH $SSHQQLQR, located on the summit of a hill, inaccessible from the southwest due to the height of the cliff (more than 200 m), with interesting remains of a mediaeval )RUWUHVV. Immediately afterwards, you reach &RPXQDQ]D, which boasts a historic centre with old terraced houses, right on the river Aso, the beautiful Baroque &KXUFK RI 6 &DWHULQD G¶$OHVVDQGULD, the working of LURQ, the EODFN WUXIIOH and the evocative representation of the /LYLQJ &ULE on 26th December. )RUFH is worth seeing, with its ancient centre that is built around an impervious hill and is noted for its craftsman’s working of domestic utensils and various objects in wrought FRSSHU.

1 ASCOLI PICENO 2 ACQUASANTA TERME 3 ARQUATA DEL TRONTO 4 MONTEGALLO 5 MONTEMONACO 6 MONTEFORTINO 7 AMANDOLA 8 SMERILLO 9 MONTEFALCONE APPENNINO 10 COMUNANZA 11 FORCE

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GABICCE MONTE VALLUGOLA CASTEL DI MEZZO FIORENZUOLA DI FOCARA

SANTA MARINA ALTA

MADONNA DEL PONTE METAURILIA

TORRETTE DI FANO

MAROTTA

CESANO

MARZOCCA

MARINA DI MONTEMARCIANO

PALOMBINA

TORRETTE

LEGEND

Marinas Sandy Beaches Shingly Beaches Rocky and Shingly Beaches Sandy and Shingly Beaches

Protected Areas Motorways Superhighways National Roads

+2: 72 5($&+

Other important roads

02725:$< A14 /,1( Milano, Bologna, Ancona, Lecce, Roma, Falconara, Ancona $,53257 Raffaello Sanzio, Ancona/Falconara M. Milano - Roma - Pescara 3257 2) $1&21$ Croazia, Grecia, Turchia, Cipro, Israele

State Railways

Shipping lines

Airports

NORD

7+( 0$5&+(ÂŤ

EST 2

OVEST

SUD

TRAVE

PORTONOVO MONTE CONERO

MARCELLI

FONTESPINA

LIDO DI FERMO

MARINA PALMENSE TORRE DI PALME

MARINA DI ALTIDONA

A14

PORTO Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ASCOLI

180 km of coastline, stunningly beautiful beaches, 26 cities facing the Adriatic Sea that are ideal locations for a relaxing vacation, the port of Ancona and 9 tourist ports. 500 squares, 1000 important monuments, over a hundred cities boasting significant works of art, thousands of churches (200 of which are Romanesque), 183 religious shrines, 34 archeological sites, 72 historic theatres. The largest number of museums and galleries in Italy (342) in ratio to the number of cities (2 ). 315 libraries housing over 4 million volumes. Numerous protected areas: 2 national parks (Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga), four regional parks (Monte Conero, Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa and Frasassi), 5 nature reserves (Abbadia di Fiastra, Gola del Furlo, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca and Sentina), more than 100 floricultural areas and 15 national forests.

60125 ANCONA - Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 Tel. +39.071.8062431 - Fax +39.071.8062154 www.turismo.marche.it www.le-marche.com www.die-marche.com turismo SURPR]LRQH@regione.marche.it Freephone: 800222111 (only in Italy)