The Caves of Frasassi, Urbino, Camerino, Ascoli Piceno … There are many wonders that make the Marche the only Italian destination included among the places not to be missed in the "Top Regions – Best in Travel" ranking for 2020 by the Lonely Planet . But here we reveal the other brands, those of small hidden villages, enchanting, out of time
Being able to range from the sea to the hills and reach the mountains within a few kilometers. In Marche central the holiday seems made on purpose to satisfy the whole family. From outdoor activities to art, up to cooking and wine, under the lowest common denominator of small villages. Agritourisms, bed and breakfasts for tourism spread in one of the regions with the lowest population density where you can find relaxation and attractions. Here are some itineraries not to be missed including day excursions, cycle paths and comfortable walks with a surprise ending.
From the Conero Riviera to the villages of the Infinite
Recanati is the Borgo Antico of Giacomo Leopardi. A hill town that together with Urbino is the cultural capital of the Marche region. Just in these days Giacomo Leopardi's private rooms were opened to the public for the first time, the places of the most intimate memories, of his first loves and of his daily life. The garden that inspired the immortal verses of The memories and the sitting room where the Leopardi brothers entertained, Giacomo's private rooms can be used upon reservation. In Recanati many cultural events have been confirmed, including the Leopardian celebrations on the Colle dell'Infinito, a magical place where the natural light of the moon is reproduced in the evening thanks to the work of the famous scenographer Dante Ferretti. Beniamino Gigli has a dedicated museum, and in summer music festivals and poetry readings are held. Do not miss the walk through the center in the footsteps of the places that inspired Giacomo's poems and a visit to the museum rooms of Villa Colloredo Mells which also contains numerous masterpieces by Lorenzo Lotto.
Spirituality, history and art in the Holy House of Loreto
Spirituality and culture for sight a Loreto, in which this year is celebrated on Lauretan Jubilee and where you can visit the museum annexed to the Holy House with Lotto canvases and the Sala del Pomarancio a rare example of painting, stucco sculpture and cabinet making from the Mannerist era. According to tradition, the Holy House of Loreto it is part of the house of the Virgin, which consisted of a cave carved into the rock and a room in front. The latter was transported in 1291, according to tradition for "angelic mystery" from Nazareth, first in ancient Illyria and then reached the Lauretan hill during the night of December 10, 1294 and placed on a public road where it is still kept.
Above and behind the sea there are the villages of the Conero
There is a few kilometers away Offagna, orange flag and one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, dominated by the Medieval fortress. Built in the mid-fifteenth century. on the ruins of a previous castle, it is one of the most beautiful defensive constructions in the Marche; The quadrangular keep of the five-storey keep still intact, in which the Museum of Ancient Weapons is set up. Along the walls edged with dovetail battlements, the patrol path runs.
An "open air" excursion to the neighbor is worthwhile Selva di Gallignano, a forest that is also a biodiversity laboratory so much that it contains experimental crops from the Doric University. Hazel groves, cerrete and Mediterranean forest scents with educational posters along the walkways that illustrate the characteristics of the forest ecosystem. But the villages are also close to the sea and the promontory of Mount Conero: to visit the villages of Sirolo, with its panoramic terrace, then Numana with the Costarella, the staircase that leads from the town to the port and the beautiful caves under the town of Camerano, which is then home to Rosso Conero.
The Castles of Jesi: wine, culture and day trips
Jesi it is definitely one of the cities from which to start looking for medieval villages. Here he was born Frederick II of Swabia, Stupor Mundi, and eighteen are the castles that crown it. There is always room for an aperitif in the center based on typical products. The search for good wines and gastronomic culture pass through Morro d'Alba, where you can walk in the ancient round of the walls (called the Scarpa) sipping a fragrant red (Lacrima), or for Montecarotto, on the Rive Gauche dell'Esino where there is the largest cellar in the region, which can be visited and with the possibility of tasting. Anyone looking for extra virgin olive oil should know that Venetian merchants attributed a higher price to "Marca oil" by virtue of its quality. To find the best extra virgin olive oil and maybe walk among the centuries-old olive groves, you will have to visit Monsano, San Marcello, Monte San Vito, and Scapezzano di Senigallia, between countryside that looks like mosaics and medieval centers overlooking the sea.
TO Cupramontanainstead, it rises slightly higher, and in addition to Verdicchio and good typical Marche cuisine, there is one of the most evocative excursions between spirituality and nature. About fifteen minutes of a road suitable for everyone. A path that winds through an ancient wet forest, today a protected floristic area where, thanks to its particular microclimate, rare tree species are preserved. At the end of the path the hermitage of the White Friars appears, with the caves dug into the tuff by the hermits. A place of penance and prayer since the 11th century, inhabited by the Camaldolese, called the White Friars, the hermitage is famous for having been the home of blessed and saints. In town, however, woe to miss a visit to the Abbey of Blessed Angelo da Massaccio, a Camaldolese monastic complex built in 1180 with a splendid balcony and a small cloister collected. Not to be missed for wine lovers is the International Museum of Wine Label, the Caves of Santa Caterina and the Horto de I Semplici, which contains a collection of herbs and medicinal plants for educational purposes. Verdicchio can be tasted at the municipal wine shop. Excellent cycling through the hills, or on the bottom of the valley, on the long cycle path that runs alongside the river Esino. A visit to Cupramontana is a must tracks, called The Balcony of the Marche. Here culture, art, the splendid noble palaces and outdoor life offer relaxation and large spaces in an old-fashioned atmosphere reminiscent of the holidays of the last century.
Small villages on the Apennines: the nine castles of Arcevia
Set among the Apennines there is Arcevia, one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Ancona, from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama down to the sea. Nine castles surround it, ancient fortified villages: Caudino, Palazzo, San Pietro in Musio, the nearby Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montevago, with the Marian fresco signed by Venanzio da Camerino and Piergentile da Matelica. Then there are Nidastore, so called because it is almost as unreachable as the birds of prey nest; Loretello, with the walls still practicable; Montale, which boasts a nice walkway, and Piticchio, which stands out for its peculiar covered street with a panoramic view. Castiglioni it guards, among other beauties, the church of Santa Maria della Piana. The tour ends in the thirteenth century village of Avacelli with its mighty ramparts that stand out over verdant woods. Here ask for the specialties with wild asparagus, which abound in the area. Finally a walk to Arcevia: the botanical garden is worth visiting, and the must-have is cicerchia and calcioni stuffed with cheese at the table. Going down to the sea, in the valley of the Misa river, the village of Corinaldo with its enchanting paths.
From Arcevia the tour continues to the neighbor Serra San Quirico, whose historic center looks like a ship lying on the hill. To the north of the historic center, take a dirt road and path that leads to the summit of Monte Murano, in the Parco della Red throat, which offers an enchanting panoramic view of the Vallesina and where there is the possibility of grilling in the equipped barbeques. Once back in the village, you will be fascinated by the glitter of the baroque decorations of the church of Santa Lucia and the characteristic Copertelle, covered areas along the walkway around the walls.
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