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Marche

Marche, Italy

Discover the Undiscovered: Marche, Italy Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains lies Marche, a hidden gem in the heart of Italy. Here, rolling hills blanketed in vineyards and olive groves meet dram…

#Marche#Italy#Coastal region#Wine production#Historic towns

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Marche.

Top Hotels in Marche

Top Flights to Marche

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Marche.

Tours

Le Marche Sightseeing Adventure

Explore the historic and scenic sights of Le Marche, from ancient towns to beautiful landscapes.

Cultural Tour of Pesaro

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Pesaro through its museums and historic spots.

Shopping

Shopping in Ancona

Enjoy the vibrant shopping scene in Ancona with a mix of local boutiques and international brands.

Outdoor

Hiking in Sibillini Mountains

Discover the natural beauty of the Sibillini Mountains with guided hiking tours.

Beach Day at Riviera del Conero

Relax and enjoy the sun at one of Italy's most beautiful coastal areas.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Marche.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

1.5 million

Languages

Italian, French, Occitan

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Marche.

What people love

Marche, located in Italy, offers a variety of pros for travelers looking to explore this region. Here are some detailed reasons why traveling to Marche can be a great experience:

Beautiful Landscape: Marche is known for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The region also boasts a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea, with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Historical and Cultural Sites: Marche is home to many charming medieval towns and villages, each with its own unique history and architecture. Some notable places to visit include Urbino, Ascoli Piceno, and Ancona, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Culinary Delights: Marche is a food lover's paradise, known for its delicious cuisine that is a blend of land and sea flavors. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes, truffles, olive oil, and wines from local vineyards.
Outdoor Activities: The diverse landscape of Marche makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can enjoy activities such as hiking in the Sibillini Mountains, cycling through vineyards, or relaxing on the beaches along the coast.
Less Crowded: Compared to more popular tourist destinations in Italy, Marche is relatively undiscovered, making it a great choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience a more authentic Italian experience.

Overall, traveling to Marche can offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, history, and delicious cuisine, making it a rewarding destination for those looking to explore a lesser-known part of Italy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Marche, Italy may include:

Limited public transportation: Marche is not as well-connected by public transportation compared to other tourist areas in Italy. This may make it more challenging to get around the region without a car.
Limited English spoken: While tourist areas may have English-speaking locals, in more rural or off-the-beaten-path locations in Marche, you may encounter fewer English speakers. This could potentially pose a communication barrier for travelers who do not speak Italian.
Seasonal closures: Some attractions, restaurants, and shops in Marche may have seasonal closures or limited operating hours, especially in smaller towns or villages. It's important to check ahead of time to ensure that the places you want to visit will be open during your travel dates.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Marche is less developed in terms of tourist infrastructure compared to more popular regions like Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. This means you may not find as many tourist services, accommodations, or amenities catered specifically to international travelers.
Weather variability: The weather in Marche can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters. Travelers should be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the time of year they visit.

Overall, while Marche has its own unique charm and beauty, travelers should be aware of these potential cons and plan accordingly to have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Marche is a region located in central Italy, bordered by Emilia-Romagna and the republic of San Marino to the north, Tuscany to the northwest, Umbria to the west, Abruzzo and Lazio to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its capital is Ancona.

Ancient History

Pre-Roman Period: The region was originally inhabited by the Picentes, a tribe that gave the name Picenum to the area. The Greeks also established settlements along the coast.
Roman Era: After the Roman conquest in the 3rd century BC, the region became part of the Roman Empire. Important Roman roads, such as the Via Flaminia, were built to connect the area to Rome. Ancona, the regional capital, became a significant port.

Middle Ages

Byzantine Rule: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was part of the Exarchate of Ravenna under Byzantine control.
Lombard and Frankish Periods: The Lombards and later the Franks ruled parts of Marche. It was during this time that the region was divided into various small feudal territories.
Papal States: By the 8th century, Marche became part of the Papal States, which influenced the region's cultural and political development for many centuries.

Renaissance Period

Cultural Flourishing: The Renaissance brought cultural and artistic growth. Urbino, under the rule of Federico da Montefeltro, became a center of Renaissance culture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Artists and Scholars: Notable figures from this period include the painter Raphael, born in Urbino, and Bramante, the architect.

Modern History

Napoleonic Era: In the late 18th century, Marche came under French control during the Napoleonic Wars.
Unification of Italy: In 1860, Marche joined the Kingdom of Italy after a plebiscite following the defeat of papal forces.
20th Century: The region was affected by World War II, with significant battles such as the Battle of Ancona taking place.

Significant Landmarks

Urbino: The Ducal Palace is a renowned Renaissance building.
Loreto: Known for the Basilica della Santa Casa, a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
Ascoli Piceno: Famous for its Piazza del Popolo and historic architecture.
Ancona: Besides being a crucial port, it hosts landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Ciriaco.

Cultural Contributions

Cuisine: The region is known for its truffles, olives, and seafood.
Music and Art: Marche has produced notable musicians and artists, contributing to Italy's rich cultural history.

Marche's rich history and cultural heritage make it a unique region with a diverse array of historical experiences and contributions to Italy's national identity.