Le Marche
The region of Le Marche (pronounced "lay Markay"), with Toscana and Umbria, portrays the charm of Central Italy.
Located at centre east, it's the calf of Italy's boot. The territory gently raises from the plains on the Adriatic coast, with mild hills in the central area, up to the Appennini Mountains.
Although the coast has been popular for many years, much of the inland remains unspoilt, preserving the culture of real Italy.
Visiting Le Marche
The region is known for pleasing visitors who come to Le Marche looking for the taste of authentic Italy, untouched by mass tourism but welcoming to the foreigner.
What to visit
You can start with mountain villages where the time has stood still, or with small towns to discover by yourself, all immerse in the charming countryside, like Recanati, Cingoli, Jesi, Camerino, San Leo and Fermo. More popularI and also interesting to visit are the bigger towns of Urbino, premises of the court of the Duke of Montefeltro in the 15th century, Ascoli Piceno with the beautiful main square, Ancona with it's sea port and more hidden attractions, and Macerata with the annual open-air opera festival. Sirolo, situated on the sea, is small and delightful, while for busier areas look for San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabicce and Senigallia. If you love nature, don't miss the Frasassi caves, the Furlo Gorge, the Monte Conero and the Sibillini Mountains.
People of Le Marche
They are kind, modest, gentle and a little bit more relaxed then the ones in northern Italy. That means many like, and have time, to enjoy a relaxing conversation, possibly in front of a simple meal prepared by the home cook, mamma.
Learning Italian
Once you are in the region, you will notice that knowing the basics of the language will make you enjoy the company of the locals much more. Within the range of courses available on the market, the most effective ones, and most used by companies and government agencies are the courses on CD and DVD of Rosetta Stone.
Where to stay, hotels in Marche
Try the hotel search on map: marche area
with online booking provided by Venere.com. Once followed the link to their website, it is sufficient to click on the names of towns in the map.
Useful books and maps
More information about Le Marche
The most comprehensive site regarding Le Marche is the official tourist site of the region Marche Voyager, with information about nature, itineraries, history, food & wine and events.
Articles about Le Marche
Sunday Times article about Le Marche
Guardian article on Le Marche from 2001
BBC News report about Low Fare airlines, talking also about properties in Le Marche
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