Le Marche |
Travellers seeking out a taste of 'real Italy' are now discovering Le Marche, which is far less overrun with tourists than its neighbours, Umbria and Tuscany. The region lies in the eastern part of central Italy, and only its sandy Adriatic coastline has really seen any significant tourism development. Inland, the landscapes and many of the villages remain virtually as they have been for centuries.
The Renaissance town of Urbino tops the list of the region's most beautiful towns, remaining virtually intact since the days when Federico da Montefeltro was the town's Duke (1444-1482). The town's Renaissance Ducal Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town of Ascoli Piceno is centred around an elegant marble-floored public square, Piazza del Popolo, with historic streets leading down to the Tronto river. Other towns to visit include the seaside resorts of Pesaro and Sirolo; historic Fermo; and Macerata, known for its annual outdoor opera festival.
For natural beauty, visit the snow-capped peaks of Monti Sibillini in the south; the spectacular Frasassi limestone caves; or the natural Furlo Gorge mountain pass. One of the most attractive mountain regions is in the north of Le Marche, surrounding the medieval town of Cagli, where pretty Alpine meadows stretch up to the twin peaks of Monte Catria and Monte Acuto.
Le Marche has - as yet - escaped the ravages of mass tourism, but it looks like it's only a matter of time before its many assets become common knowledge.