Barchi

Populated by Romans in ancient times, it was fortified in the middle Ages, included in 1400 among the Dukes of Montefeltro’s, lords of Urbino, dominions and was finally independent in 1531.

It was rebuilt completely by the end of that same century, following the project of architect Filippo Terzi and for decision of Duke Guidobaldo II della Rovere, following the criteria of the ideal town. The tiny village museum Museo degli Orci is dedicated to the manufacturing of terracotta and offers, in addition to illustrating materials and techniques, a range of samples of the typical crockery made here.

EVENTS:

Fiera di sant’Ubaldo, with its traditional market of craftsmanship and typical local products, it is held on the 3^rd Sunday in May.

“La tavlata sul castell” Booking required dinner based on typical dishes. The aperitif is consumed while moving through the village and there is a final concert/show. First weekend in August.

The Collemar-athon – first Sunday in May
http://www-collemar-athon.com

Mondavio

Built on a hill 280 mt. above sea level, it boasts one of the best preserved historical centres of Le Marche. It is still now enclosed in its city walls 780 mt. long. It listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy. The fortress was commissioned by Giovanni della Rovere, together with other fortresses in the dukedom, to the architect from Siena Francesco di Giorgio Martini and built between 1482 and 1492. Since it was never attacked it is still in a great state of preservation.

Today it houses the Museo di Rievocazione storica e armeria, with mannequins dressed in period costumes and weapons from the 1400s to the 1700s. In the fortresse’s fosse you will find a staging of Francesco di Giorgio Martini’s war machinery inventory, with full-size recreations of catapults, trebuckets, bombards and other siege weapons.

The Teatro Apollo built in the mid 1700s over the remains of a church dated from the 1400s, is an authentic jewel that sits only 80 people.

EVENTS:

From 13^th to 15^th of August the Caccia al Cinghiale, an historical commemoration of the arrival in Mondavio of Giovanni della Rovere and of the dignitaries of the Urbino dukedom. The programme includes parades, games and re-enactments of scenes from everyday life of the Renaissance, firework displays, bow and crossbow competitions.

Fossombrone

Half way up the Metauro valley, on the route of the old via Flaminia, you will find Fossombrone, a beautiful town with great history, whose name comes from Forum Sempronii an ancient roman town.

The Chiesa di San Filippo dating back to the 1600s will surprise you with its Baroque magnificence.

The Ponte della Concordia over the Metauro river with its reflection on the water gives the town a poetic and moving portrayal. Dating back to 1792 it is one of the most praised in Italy because of the simplicity of its round arch.

The Casa del Museo and la Quadreria which have been donated by the notary Giuseppe Cesarini (1895-1977) to the town of Fossombrone, make up an unicum of particular interest. Inside you will find a rich collection of paintings from Anselmo Bucci and moreover you will be able to admire: precious porcelains, artistic pottery, crystals, golden frames, archaeological finds and other rarities. The inside of the location is covered in silk tapestries and Oriental carpets or decorated with frescoes of liberty scenes, creating the atmosphere of a cultured and well to do house witness to the taste and to an era.

The archaeological area of Forum Sempronii is situated but 2km east of Fossombrone, in San Martino del Piano along the track of the consular Via Flaminia. You will be able to admire here the remains of the Roman town of Forum Sempronii founded in the 2^nd century b.C.

The Marmitte dei Giganti, the canyon of Le Marche is 30 mt high. You can enjoy this fantastic place also from the Diocleziano bridge in San lazzaro di Fossombrone, about 2km from the town itself.

Museo del Balì - Saltara

http://www.museodelbali.it/

The Balì Museum, inaugurated on 16th May 2004, is situated inside an ancient and magnificent villa in the village of Saltara, about 15km from Fano. Restored for the opening of the Museum, the Balì villa is built on a hill with an ample view of the landscape that comprises the lower part of the Metauro valley right down to the Adriatic sea that can be seen in the distance.

Today the building is on a 30 year gratuitous loan to the town of Saltara who has created this interactive science museum with a strong astronomical side as per the 500 year old tradition started by Vincenzo Negusanti.

Furlo Gorge

The Furlo Gorge is a precious place. It is a majestic canyon created by the river Candigliano. It can be studied and admired following many areas of interest: Naturalistic (even Golden Eagles nest in the near Monte Paganuccio), Geological and even Historical. Its name derives from Forulus, Foro later translated in the vernacular Forlo and then Furlo. It’s one of the very first tunnels dug in the history of mankind.

In 450 b.C. the Etruscans were faced with a boulder that blocked their way during the overflow of the Candigliano river, so they started making holes in it using chisels, water, fire and vinegar thus giving birth to the era of road tunnels.

The landscape and morphology of the Furlo Gorge give us the chance to retrace the geological history of Italy starting 200 million years ago: its rocks show, like an open atlas, the main formations of the Umbria and le Marche Apennines. Today it is a National natural Reserve (link a brochure ita, Eng, Deut)

http://www.riservagoladelfurlo.it

Gola del Furlo - Parco Avventura
http://www.lamacina.it/Parco_Avventura_del_Furlo.htm

Nearby the San Vincenzo Abbey
Abbazia di San Vincenzo

The artist’s home – Land Art Furlo Cultural Association and Creative Residence
http://www.landartalfurlo.it/

Senigallia

Coastal town with sandy beaches founded by the Romans and situated at the mouth of the Misa river.

The Roveresca Fortress is an extraordinary history book: it is the result of many defensive structures that have succeeded one another over the centuries, since the city’s Roman origins, in a place of great strategic value. Today it houses art exhibitions and prestigious cultural events.

The Foro Annonario is an harmonious neoclassical clay-brick building, a welcoming town square designed to enlarge the commercial places within the city walls. Built in a round shape, it houses the daily and picturesque fruit and vegetable market and, under the arcade made up of 24 columns with Doric capitals, many small shops where to buy local products and wine.

The Town Museum of modern Art, information and photography (MUSINF) was established in 1981 and records the relation between word and image with particular attention to the use of photography as means of artistic expression and as an informational tool.

The museum boasts a complete anthological collection of 250 photographs from Mario Giacomelli chosen and donated by the artist himself other than a wide collection of contemporary art, engraving and photography that adds up to about 1700 pieces of work.

EVENTS:

CaterRaduno – meeting of all the fans of the radio show “Caterpillar” from Radio2: information, concerts, live radio coverage, shows – beginning of July

https://www.feelsenigallia.it/eventi/cater-raduno.html

Summer Jamboree - International Festival of American 40’s and 50’s Music and Culture – end of July beginning of August

http://www.summerjamboree.com/

Fiera di Sant’Agostino - food market and lots more with up to 500 exhibitors plus sections dedicated to local producers and to the Organic Fair – end of August

Pane Nostrum - bread fair – September

http://www.panenostrum.com

Fano

Famous for the oldest Carnival in Italy, Fano offers its visitors many ancient monuments worth seeing. The Arco di Augusto, symbol of the town, was in Roman ages the main entry point to the Julia Fanestris colony of Emperor Augusto. The Walls, started under Augusto then completed in 9 a.D. , are still preserved for about 2/3 of the original circuit.

The Rocca Malatestiana dating back to the 1400s is the wonderful testimony of the dominion of the Malatesta family. A strategical outpost for the defense of the coast and, when needed, also a lighthouse to guide the sailors’ route.

The last famous event housed in the Rocca was when Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped here in 1848 during his march from the Romagna region to Rome.

Not far from Fano, in Sant’Angelo di Caminate, also known as Ferriano, you will have the chance to visit the Catacomb of St. Paterniano where the saint patron of Fano used to retire to prey. The cave belongs to the Agriturismo La Grotta and is open to public from Monday to Saturday after 3pm and all day on non working days.

EVENTS:

Carnival – 28^th January, 4^th February, 11^th February

http://www.carnevaledifano.com

Antiques Fair – second Saturday and Sunday of every month, Pincio and Via Arco d’Augusto area

Fano Jazz by the Sea – 21^st-29^th July 2018

Nutata longa – August

Pipe organ concerts and Castelli d’aria Festival – August/September

Brodetto festival

Palio delle Contrade – end of August

http://www.paliodellecontradefano.it/

Urbino

Ancient capital of the Montefeltro dukedom , plunged in sweet hills it is rich in history and culture.

It was one of the most important centres of the Italian Renaissance, of which it still boasts the architectural heritage. Since 1998 its town centre is one of UNESCO’S world heritage sites. You must not miss the Palazzo Ducale important architectural example of the renaissance times and moreover the location of the Le Marche National Gallery where you will find many works of art from Raffaello, Paolo Uccello, Piero della Francesca. Every Saturday starting on 1^st April 2017 it will be possible to visit the Little North Tower right up to the highest walk and to enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape and the town. Another wonderful site to visit is the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista decorated with frescoes by the Salimbeni brothers in 1400, also worthy of attention is the native house of Raffaello where many works of art have been added over time thanks to the generous collaboration between private citizens and public institutions: inside you will find paintings, sculptures, pottery and wooden furniture. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the town from the Albornoz Fortress, an old defensive site. Between May and October it is also possible to visit the Botanical Garden within the town’s University, it was founded in 1800 and it is divided in 3 terracings along the side of the hill where Urbino rises.

EVENTS:

In the first weekend in September the Kite Festival

Festa del Duca d'inverno during December, d'estate 12-13-14 August, historical re-enactment

Urbania

built in the XVI century, at one time called Casteldurante (1284).

The Palazzo Ducale is one of the masterpieces wanted by Duke Federico da Montefeltro, as a place of art and spirituality, chosen as country residence by the duke’s family. It seems very likely that architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini designed the general project in 1470, the front facing the escarpment and overhanging over the river Metauro and the sea give the building an air of defense and fortification. Inside the palace you will find the Town Picture Gallery. On exhibition paintings, artwork, pottery and drawings.

The wonderful Barco ducale is situated north-west of the city, about 1km from the centre towards Sant’Angelo in Vado. Founded in 1465 upon the wishes of Federico da Montefeltro, it used to be his personal hunting ground. The impressive architectural complex we can admire today is a 1700s convent in Vanvitallian style whose church dedicated to san Giovanni Battista was consecrated in 1771. Barco today is the location for the activities, the ceramic laboratories and artistic craftsmanship of the Town Museum.

Also very interesting is the Chiesa dei Morti (Cappella “Cola”), built in 1380. Also remarkable is the altarpiece of the only altar, depicting the decollazione di San Giovanni Battista, very likely by Giustino Episcopi (1560). Inside are kept 18 mummies. Among the most important events there is the Befana’s fair at the beginning of January at the same time of the Epiphany. 

http://www.festadellabefana.com/

Frasassi Caves

http://www.frasassi.com/

The Frasassi caves are karst subterranean caves to be found in the town of Genga. The complex is made up of a series of caves: the first you can see from the current entrance is the Ancona Abyss , a huge cavern 180 mt by 120 mt wide and 200 mt high (it could contain the Milan cathedral). Since September 1^st 1974 part of the caves are open to public, becoming one of the main tourist attractions of le Marche.

Paid admission

Nearby Valadier Temple

Fonte Avellana Monastery

Concerts on Friday nights

http://www.fonteavellana.it

“Tween italy’s two seashores cliffs arise, not very far from thine own native place, so high that thunders peal much lower down; and form a lofty ridge called Catria, neath which a hermitage is consecrate, whose wont to worship only gives it up” Divine Comedy (Paradise XXI) – Dante Alighieri

At the base of Mount Catria , the eastern side of which encloses a valley wrapped in great wood of beech trees and around this open pastures and fields lay and surround the wonderful complex mentioned even by Dante Alighieri in Paradise XXI for he seems to have been here as a guest in 1311.

The first part dates back to approximately 980 a.D. when a small community of hermits chose to live in this wooded inlet of Mount Catria surrounded by hazel trees (the avellane) and by the water spring that gives it its name. Even today you can visit the cloister, the church’s crypt, the Capitolo room, the wonderful scriptorium, the monks’ cells, the guest quarters and the Library, noble and austere spaces huddled round the massive bell tower. The prestigious “Dante Alighieri” library, with its over 10.000 volumes, precious illuminated codes and ancient sacred books, together with the many initiatives organized by the Camaldoli monks, still holds a significant role as spiritual guiding light. Since 2007 also the Botanical Garden, once accessible only to the monks, is now open to the public.

Mount San Bartolo Park

http://www.parcosanbartolo.it/

Over one thousand six hundred hectares divided between the towns of Pesaro and Gabicce Mare, this is the extension of the Mount San Bartolo Natural Park that emerges from the low beaches of Emilia Romagna and le Marche in an ongoing wave of spurs and small valleys, spaced out by suggestive overhangings. The main peaks, Mount Castellaro and Mount Brisighella are close to 200 mt but they anyhow allow a wide view of the sea and coast and the steep cliffs create an unusual landscape among our mainly sandy coasts. The cliff overlooking the sea shows many interesting geological features, you will see fossil fish and rare chalk crystals. At the cliff’s base there is a thin strip of gravel and pebble beach, resulting from the landslide of the overlooking slopes. In May the blooming of the broom (ginestra odorosa) paints the slopes overlooking the sea, yellow. The vegetation is mainly made up of “pioneer” plants but you can also find tiny woods embellished by Turkey oak trees. Mostly in Winter you will see many species of sea birds such as the loon, the merganser, crested cormorant, wild geese, long tailed duck, the common scoter and many more.

Fabriano

Fabriano preserves its Medieval structure, all gathered round the town’s square. The name of this town is historically linked to the production of paper and to the invention of the watermark: born between 1100 and 1200, the Fabriano industry really developed between 1300 and 1400. The Museo della Carta e della Filigrana, that tells the story and this town’s industry, is to be found within the San Domenico complex. During your visit here you will have the opportunity of seeing all the stages of production “live”.

San Vittore Terme, situated around the San Vittore delle Chiuse Abbey (XI century), is one of the most important monastic settlements of this region and it’s an excellent example of Roman architecture of central Italy.

EVENTS:

14^th-24^th June Palio di San Giovanni Battista (patron of the town) – historical reenactment with a holy celebration, the Maglio challenge where four blacksmiths must forge a key, moreover daily life scenes are represented, an historical cortège and people’s games such as tug of war, the race on stilts, the jug race and the Archers’ tournament as well as the infiorata of the 4 districts: real frescoes depicting stories of saints and knights made with flower petals!

Mount Nerone

It is situated in the Northern part of the Umbria and le Marche Apennines, not far from the crossing point to Umbria of Bocca Seriola. Standing 1525 mt high it is a real “massif” since it includes, other than the main peak, some smaller ones such as Mount Pantano (1427 mt), the Montagnola (1486 mt) and the Cimaio (1227 mt) which are indicated moving forward and south bound from the main peak. The origin of the name is not certain, there any a few different theories and legends. Some of the inhabitants remember that it was called like this when after a powerful earthquake, black smoke came out of the Infernaccio ditch. The most suggestive version anyhow is surely the one that links the name to the Roman consul Claudio Nerone who is supposed to have gathered here his legions before the famous Metauro Battle (year 207 b.C.) where he defeated the Carthaginians. A most likely hypothesis connects the name of this mount to the finding of a tiny statue of the god Mars, this place seemed to be devoted to the cult of “the Black (Nero) Mars” and this would be where the mountain takes its name from. “Nero” in the Umbria populations’ language would mean valorous, bloodthirsty.

The peculiar shape of this calcareous mountain has made it internationally known: steep rocky sides, extraordinary ravines, karst formations and a great variety of caves make it a coveted destination for speleologists and hikers. Among the most spectacular caves we must mention the Buca delle Tassare, the deepest in le Marche, the Buca Grande also known as Buca della Neve, a 40 mt deep sinkhole created by the karts phenomena that pushed the waters through mysterious underground reticles, and the Grotta degli Orsi (Bears’ cave) that takes its name from the great quantity of cave bears’ skeletons and bones found here.

Mount Catria

http://www.cmcatrianerone.pu.it

Mount catria is 1702 mt high, the highest of the le Marche part of the Apennines that stretches from the Sibillini to the mountains of the Bologna area, it is located near the towns of Cagli, Cantiano, Frontone and Serra Sant’Abbondio in the Pesaro Urbino province, and Scheggia and Pascelupo in the Perugia province.

It seems its name comes from the latin word “Cathedra” meaning “chair” as in the highest chair because of the concave shape of the “pass” situated between the two peaks in the district, the Acuto and the Catria.

Venerated by the ancient populations of Umbria, its peak was very likely believed to be sacred also by the Senones of Gallia; indeed in 1901, during a settlement excavation an antique votive bronze of Gallic-Roman origin was found there. On its slopes, about one mile from the Mutatio ad Ensem (today’s Scheggia) there used to be a very famous temple for the populations of Umbria, to which even the Romans were later devoted, in honour of Jupiter of the Apennines.

There are accessible hiking tracks all over the mountain.

Skiing facilities are open in Winter.

Tourist information and welcome point – I.A.T. Cagli via Alessandri (ground floor of Palazzo Pubblico) – Cagli phone and fax machine 0721-780773 Email info.turismo@cm-cagli.ps.it From Monday to Friday: from 10 am to 12.30 pm

Parco del Sasso Simone e Simoncello

http://www.parcosimone.it/

This is one of four protected areas of the le Marche region. The park was born in 1994 and is situated in the Montefeltro area. The park’s territory is partly in the Rimini province (the western area) and partly in the Pesaro Urbino one (the eastern area). The major peaks here are the Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Mount Canale, Mount Carpegna and Mount Palazzolo.

Mount Conero

http://www.parcodelconero.org

http://www.conero.it

Mount Conero takes its name from Komaròs, as the ancient Greeks called it, Arbutus rs sea cherry tree to us: it is a typical shrub of the Mediterranean scrub. The regional Park of Mount Conero is a protected area surrounding Mount Conero: 572 mt of Mediterranean scrub in sheer drop over the sea. It was created in 1987, it is a protected area where you can walk 18 tracks that twist and turn through the woods, by yourself or with an expert guide, you can observe the passage of migratory birds such as the peregrine falcon and the night owls, visit precious artistic and historical evidences such as the old Guard Tower and the tiny roman Santa Maria church in the Portonovo bay. Here you can taste and buy the exquisite red wine Rosso Conero.

Sassoferrato

Enclosed in a valley crossed by three rivers (Sentino, Marena, Sanguirone) that meet in a bubbly waterfall in Santa Maria Del Piano.

The centre is situated on two levels: the Borgo district and the Castello district, and in an overlooking position you will find the symbol of the town: the Albornoz fortress, a great military construction built in 1365 and with a surrounding park that allows a magnificent view of the landscape. The ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sentinum, considered one of the most relevant archeological sites of le Marche are only 2km away from the centre and you will be able to see the two main roads, cardo and decumanus, the remains of a public thermal complex, remains of the walls, mosaic decorated floors, granite columns, foundations, traces of flooring, drainage systems, the remains of a tetrastyle temple of the Augustan age and those of other buildings of the town centre.