ItinerariEN

MARCHE REGION ITALY

THE COAST

THE HINTERLAND

THE CITIES OF ART

THE PROTECTED AREAS PLEIN AIR MARCHE SEGRETE DOC WINES

TRADITIONAL LOCAL PRODUCE

COORDINATION Department of Promotion, Internationalization, Tourism and Trade Laura Pierini CONTRIBUTION - GRAPHICS Tourism Service Laura Capozucca COORDINATION Bianca Maria Giombetti Department of Promotion, Internationalization, Stefano Gregori Tourism and Trade MarioAbelardi Ruggini Sandro CONTRIBUTION Regional Association of Camping -inGRAPHICS the Marche Tourism Service Federcampeggio Laura Capozucca Giambattista Bancolini - Gianfranco Badalini BiancaCinzia Maria Pellegrini Giombetti Stefano Gregori PHOTOGRAPHS BY Tourism Service Archives PHOTOGRAPHS - Region Marche BY Tourism Guide Service MapArchives of Region- Region MarcheMarche - T.C.I. Guide Map of Region Marche - T.C.I. PRINTED BY TECNOSTAMPA - Ostra Vetere (AN) FREE DISTRIBUTION ÂŠ Edition 2009

s and camper services marked in this brochure, there are numerous campsites, tourist resorts and farm holiday resorts within the region, where it is possible to stay and find great hospitality and suitable services.

MARCHE REGION

THE MARCHE ITALY IN ONE REGION

TOURISM DEPARTMENT

From Gabicce Mar e, a well known seaside resort lying on a small gulf with Gabicce Monte (from where you can enjoy a charming view), you should head towards Gradara, which is famous both for its fascinating and beautiful mediaeval streets and lanes and for its Castle, which boasts many renaissance fresco paintings and memories of the love, as sung by Dante, of Paolo and Francesca. If you take the panoramic road which runs between Gabicce Mare and Pesaro, you cross the heart of the Regional Park of Monte San Bartolo with picturesque fishing villages (Casteldimezzo, Fiorenzuola di Focara) and the renaissance jewels of Villa Caprile, Villa Imperiale and Villa V ittoria. In Pesaro, the ancient Pisaurum, which was the base of the Della Rovere Lordship until 1631, the Costanza Fortress and the treasures housed in the museums evoke the courtly importance of the town. In Piazza del Popolo, the Town Hall, Palace of the Paggeria and the renaissance Ducal Palace look out on the fountain with its tritons and sea horses. In the Town Museums (the Art Gallery and the Ceramics Museum), apart from the splendid Pala Pesar o by Giovanni Bellini, paintings by Guido Reni, Marco Zoppo, Jacobello del Fiore and Simone Cantarini are also preserved. In August, the birthplace of Gioacchino Rossini offers singing connoisseurs the Rossini Opera Festival (ROF), an important event which is known world-wide. The Cathedral, the Oliveriano Ar chaeological Museum, Rossini’s House , the Music Conservatory and the art-nouveau Ruggeri town house should not be missed. From there, continue in the direction of Urbino, with a brief rest in Petriano to see Raphael’s Baths . Once having arrived in Urbino, the city of the Renaissance, which, with its ancient walls, is an inestimable treasure trove of art, culture and history, an absolute must is a visit to the Ducal Palace which holds the Marche National Gallery where masterpieces from various historical periods are preserved, with works by Raffaello, Piero della Francesca, Tiziano, Paolo Uccello, Luca Signorelli, etc. The Palace perfectly connects with the other buildings planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini on the initiative of Federico da Montefeltro: the Church of S. Bernardino degli Zoccolanti (Mausoleum of the Dukes of Montefeltro) and the Convent of S. Chiara. Other important sights to see are: the imposing Cathedral, the Oratory Province of o f S a n Pesaro-Urbino

Giovanni and Raphael’s Birth-House . In the town, on the 3rd Sunday of August, there is an interesting historic commemoration of The Duke’ s Festival . Continue towards Sassocorvaro, which is renowned for its unique Ubaldinesque Fortr ess, in the shape of a warship, planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, and where an interesting Art Gallery has been prepared. Here, during the Second World War, more than 10,000 works of art coming from all over Italy were hidden and saved. Once having passed Macerata Feltria, with its typical streets, lanes and Castle located on a rise, and Pitinum Baths, it is well worth stopping in Pietrarubbia, to see the fortified ancient centre with the castle ruins and, then in Frontino, to visit the Convent of Montefiorentino which dates back to the 13th century. Shortly afterwards, you reach Carpegna, known for its valued prosciutto (cured ham). The town boasts the powerful Princes’ Palace, and the Parish of San Giovanni Battista and it is also the base of the Regional Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello , with its rich woodlands (for example the beechwood of Pianacquadio) and panoramic viewpoints. Continue towards Pennabilli, renowned for its annual National Market Exhibition of Antiques, its ancient monuments and original musei minimi of Tonino Guerra and pass through Petrella Guidi, until you reach Sant’Agata Feltria , dominated by the Fregoso Fortress, a splendid mediaeval fortress used as a Museum. In October and November, the festival and market exhibitions of the white truffle take place here, this being an important treasure of the area. Reach Novafeltria, with its seventeenth century Town Hall building and the fourteenth century Chapel of S. Marina, then Talamello, famous for its formaggio di fossa (cave-matured sheep’s milk cheese), with its November festival, and for a Giotto-style Crucifix. After having passed the Fortress of Maioletto and the rambling village of Maiolo, you arrive in San Leo , with its unmistakable profile, at the top of a rocky peak. The town, which has in the past, been the Capital of Italy, possesses two valuable Romanesque churches: the Pieve and the Cathedral. The original and inaccessible Fortress, in whose dungeons Cagliostro died, holds a rich collection of ancient weapons and historical documents. The Convent of S. Igne , which was founded by S. Francesco in 1213 is also worth seeing. Returning towards the coast, Montecopiolo, an equipped tourist resort for both Winter and Summer holidays is worth a visit, as are Monte Cerignone, dominated by a Fortress, Monte Grimano with its well known Baths and Montecalvo in Foglia which boasts a mediaeval Tower.

1 GABICCE MARE 2 GRADARA 3 PESARO 4 URBINO 5 MACERATA FELTRIA 6 PIETRARUBBIA 7 MONTECALVO IN FOGLIA

10 11

The valley of high and low Metauro is a treasure trove of historical, religious and panoramic beauties. Fano, which is full of artistic heritage, still shows many traces of its Roman origins, such as the monumental Augustus’Arch, the door to the ancient road of Via Flaminia. In the town centre, in Piazza XX Settembre, you can admire the sixteenth century Fortune Fountain, in front of which stands the theatre: Fortune Theatr e, which was previously the Reason’s Palace. Through the renaissance Arco Borgia-Cybo you gain access to the Malatestiana Courtyard, which is today used for plein air shows and is also the base for the Town Museum and Art Gallery where works by Guercino, Guido Reni and canvases by local painters are exhibited. Other treasures can be found in the Cathedral, in the Church of San Paterniano and in the Church of S. Maria Nuova. Worth visiting, in the surrounding area, is the characteristic Hermitage of Monte Giove and Carignano Baths. Following Via Flaminia , you arrive in Fossombrone, with its churches, the monumental Library, the museums, the Ducal Palace and the renaissance Corte Alta . On the 2nd Sunday of May, the Triumph of Carnival takes place, as a celebration of the festivals that Cardinal Giulio della Rovere wanted to organise in the town in 1559. The Regional Archaeological Park is located in the village of San Martino del Piano , with the ancient Roman town of Forum Sempronii (Fossombrone). Nearby Fermignano, the birthplace of Bramante, is interesting for its Roman bridge and a mediaeval Tower. It is also noted for its original Palio della Rana (with frogs running st on wheel barrows) which takes place on the 1 Sunday after Easter, preceded by the Procession of the Duke of Urbino . Continuing on, you reach Urbania which, with its seven bridges, boasts almost intact fourteenth century walling, and important historic and artistic jewels and museums. It was at first Castel delle Ripe, then Castel Durante, and was already well known for the splendour of its ceramics. Still today, craftsmanship relating to majolica, carpets and wrought iron, blooms. In the surrounding area, there is the Ducal Park or Barco, a hunting area which was once used by the Dukes of Urbino. Now the only part remaining is the large villa, started by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. You then reach Sant’Angelo in Va d o , w h i c h i s famous for the commercialisation of Province of the truffle Pesaro-Urbino

(market-exhibition in October and November) and for vin santo (a sweet wine), with the noteworthy Cathedral and Reason’s Palace . A brief deviation leads to Piandimeleto whose mediaeval centre gathers tightly around the renaissance Castle of the Oliva Earls where the Farming Museum and the Earth Sciences Museum are held. It is the birthplace of Evangelista di Piandimeleto, a painter and master of Raphael. In July, court life is celebrated with the Contest of the Oliva Earls and in October, in the village of San Sisto, there is the renowned Market Exhibition of the Mushr oom. Having returned in the direction of Bocca Trabaria, it is advisable to go to Mercatello sul Metauro, which still retains its ancient look, with mediaeval houses and charming narrow streets and, in the Church of S. Francesco there is an authentic anthology of paintings from Central Italy, that date back to between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries. 3 km far from here, and well worth a visit, there is an intact mediaeval village, Castello della Pieve, and Borgo Pace, from where you can go on interesting excursions in the nearby valleys. A little later, you reach the small village of Lamoli, characterised by the Church of S. Michele Arcangelo, which belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of S. Michele delle Lamole founded in the 7th-8th century. Returning towards the coast, take the road for Piobbico, famous throughout the world for its “Club dei Brutti ” (Ugly Club), this boasts the mediaeval centre, the imposing Castle of the Brancaleoni and the Geopaleontological Naturalistic Anthr opical and Ornithological Museum . For generations, able craftsmen’s hands have woven crude wool carpets on looms. Apecchio should not be missed, located in an area that is rich with mushrooms and truffles, it is a mediaeval village with an interesting Museum that of Fossils and Minerals of Monte Nerone. After a pleasant gastronomical rest in Acqualagna, the capital of the valuable white truffle (in February, August, October and November there are national and regional market exhibitions) and known for stone craftsmanship, following the ancient consular road of Via Flaminia, you cross the evocative Gola del Furlo – recently recognised as a State Natural Reserve – with the tunnel (Forulus) dug out of compact limestone, using a chisel, by the Roman legions in 76 A.D. and the lake. Nearby, you can admire the Romanesque Abbey of S. Vincenzo al Furlo and the Sanctuary of Pelingo.

1 FANO 2 FOSSOMBRONE 3 FERMIGNANO 4 URBANIA 5 SANT’ANGELO IN VADO 6 PIANDIMELETO 7 MERCATELLO SUL METAURO 8 BORGO PACE 9 PIOBBICO 10 APECCHIO 10 11 ACQUALAGNA 11

The route is made up of areas of exceptional interest, both from a historical-artistic point of view, and from the religious aspect, due to the presence of several important monumental churches. Leaving from Marotta, with the old fishing town and an unusual beach, partly pebbles with a gentle slope, proceed towards Mondolfo, which extends over three hills and is known for La Cacciata, a historic re-creation of an ancient game called Pallone al bracciale (in July). The Church of S. Agostino of RomanesqueGothic foundation is worth visiting (restored in 1726) and the Church of S. Gervasio provides an interesting example of Romanesque architecture. Having reached Orciano di Pesar o, a small town which is easily visible, even from a long way away due to its high bell tower and the Malatestian Tower of the Castle, it is worth noting the renaissance Church of S. Maria Nuova. Continue towards Mondavio, which is famous for the Fortress, a work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini, and within which there is a Historic Museum (with models in costume), and the traditional Wild Boar Hunting (in midAugust). One compulsory stopping place is San Lorenzo in Campo , in the valley of Cesano, with the splendid Abbey of S. Lor enzo which dates back to the 7th century. It was built by Benedictine monks with archaeological material which had been taken from the area, but its current aspect is of the 13th century. Other sights worth seeing are the Palace of the Ruspoli Princes , the great Magistrate’s Palace , the Tiberini Theatr e of 1816 with three levels of boxes and the Town Museum with a section dedicated to Archaeology and another related to NaturalisticEthnographics. The characteristic, mediaeval villages on the hill of Fratte Rosa, known for its terracotta works are worth visiting, as is Montalfoglio, which still retains the walls with a characteristic entrance gate. Going through Cesanense, you reach Pergola, the city of one hundred churches, including the Church of S. Giacomo and the Cathedral, which are full of valuable artistic works. As witness to its ancient past, the famous Golden Bronzes from Cartoceto di Pergola are still held and date back to the age of Julian-Claudius, having been discovered in 1946 in S. Lucia di Calamello. The complex contributes to one of the very few great equestrian sculpture groups from ancient Roman Times up to now Province of and probaPesaro-Urbino

bly represents a family group originally made up of two couples of female figures, cloaked and veiled, and two knights in high-ranking military clothing with very ornately decorated horses. Continue towards Cagli an enchanting town gathered around its grand Town Hall and the facing piazza, full of monuments and fifteenth and sixteenth century buildings. The majestic helixoidal Tower, a work of Francesco di Giorgio Martini and a remain of the ancient Fortress is, today, the base for a Contemporary Sculpture Centr e. Ponte Mallio, a powerful Roman work that was restored in the Augustan age, with an archway of 26 quoins, is well worth a visit. Every year in Cagli, on the 2nd Sunday of August, there is a historical representation of the Giuoco dell’Oca with the Contest. Along the road for Cantiano, you meet the evocative Gola di Burano and can admire the so-called Ponte Grosso (Large Bridge), dating back to Roman Times with two diverging arches. Cantiano, with the structure of a mediaeval implantation and the seventeenth century Collegiata, is famous for its working of the sour cherries and for La Turba, an ancient and evocative representation of the scenes of the Passion, dating back to 1260. Heading back towards the coast, Frontone is worth a deviation. Its old rocky town located around the evocative Malatestian Castle and the splendid Hermitage of Santa Cr oce di Fonte Avellana, located in a solitary valley full of woodlands and mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, are incredible views. Founded in 980 by S. Romualdo, it has hosted saints and bishops, including S. Pier Damiani, who enlarged it and made it famous. Presented as an extended and articulate construction which includes large guestroom, the true and real heart of the hermitage has a linked Romanesque-Gothic church. Amongst the most interesting places of the vast complex, which has recently undergone radical restoration work, the scriptorium, the historic Library which holds valuable ancient texts, the Capitular room, the refectory and the cloister stand out as being exceptional. An interesting piece of knowledge: at approximately 300 metres from the hermitage, the specific conformation of the valley provides an exceptional echo. After a few km you meet Serra Sant’Abbondio, a village, located on the slopes of Monte Catria (1702 m), dominated by high woodlands.

1 MAROTTA 2 MONDOLFO 3 ORCIANO DI PESARO 4 MONDAVIO 5 SAN LORENZO IN CAMPO 6 FRATTE ROSA 7 PERGOLA 8 CAGLI 9 CANTIANO 10 10 FRONTONE 11 11 SERRA SANT’ABBONDIO

Leaving from the famous velvet beach, you cross through the interesting centres of the green Marche hills where Verdicchio wine is produced. Senigallia, located by the river Misa, is a resort area that is well known thanks to its extremely fine stretches of sand. The heart of the town is the well preserved Roveresca Fortr ess, and Piazza del Duca opens out in front of this, with its sixteenth century Lions Fountain and made beautiful by historical buildings, including the Duke’s Palace and the Palazzetto Baviera where valuable stucco work by Federico Brandani can be admired. The church of the Croce, the church of S. Martino, the Cathedral with annexed Diocesan Art Gallery and the Birthplace of Pius IX are worth visiting. In a panoramic position, in the immediate surroundings, you can see the renaissance Church of S. Maria delle Grazie where a precious painting by the Perugino is preserved in the apse, and the Museum of History of the Share Cropping System held in the Convent. Continue on to Corinaldo, a picturesque mediaeval centre which boasts one of the most spectacular outside walls of the region. The eighteenth century Sanctuary of S. Maria Goretti, the Church of the Addolorata and the ex Benedictine Convent which holds the Town Art Collection are all worth a visit. The 3rd Sunday of July, the Contest of the W ell of Polenta takes place – a celebration of the victory by the Corinaldesi in 1517, over Francesco Maria I della Rovere’s army, which had besieged the town. In the surrounding area, Castelleone di Suasa is known for its mediaeval Castle, its well preserved historic centre and for the important archaeological finds of the ancient Roman town of Suasa Senonum (in particular the Amphitheatre and a patrician “domus” with rich mosaics), safeguarded in the Regional Archaeological Park and in the Town Archaeological Museum. Continuing on towards Barbara, with the ancient walls and the Castle (14th century), you arrive in Serra de’ Conti, which has the surrounding mediaeval walls, on which the Monastery of S. Maria Maddalena was built in the fifteenth century. Once passed Moie, where the Romanesque Abbey of S. Maria is an absolute must, you reach Maiolati Spontini, the home of Verdicchio wine and the musician Gaspare Spontini, in whose memory the Museum ‘G. Spontini ’ has been created, holding relics, mementoes and manuscripts. S h o r t l y afterwards, Province of you get to Ancona

Cupramontana, an important centre for the production of Verdicchio wine, to which both a famous festival is dedicated (the 1st Sunday of October), and the curious International Label Museum. After a rest in the evocative Abbey of Beato Angelo, you reach Staffolo, which is interesting for its historic centre, still mostly surrounded by a powerful wall circle. It is also noted for its original Museum dedicated to the Art of W ine which, amongst other curiosities, owns a valuable oak and stone press. Continue on to Jesi, the Roman Aesis, which dominates the Esino valley. The town, with a thriving community, and also the dominion of the Malatesta and Francesco Sforza, was the birthplace of Frederick II from Swabia and the musician G. B. Pergolesi, to whom the prestigious Theatre is dedicated. Within the eighteenth century Pianetti Palace, the Town Museums are held, together with a valuable Art Gallery , in which many of Lorenzo Lotto’s masterpieces can be admired, including the famous Altarpiece of S. Lucia. The Palazzo della Signoria, planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini houses the Town Library. Mediaeval areas, aristocratic buildings and splendid churches characterise a harmonious and well preserved historic centre. Not far from Jesi, along the Esino river, you may visit the Nature Reserve of Ripa Bianca. Going back towards the coast, a deviation for Morro d’Alba is strongly advised. This small town is still contained within the fifteenth century walls, with steep slopes and owns the Museum of Share Cropping Culture which reunites peasants’ tools of the past. The area, full of vineyards, is famous for the production of the red wine of controlled origin Lacrima di Morro d’Alba. In the same area, Ostra is worth a visit. This is a town whose walls and beautiful historic centre dominate the valley of the Misa, and which boasts an important Antique show (in August). The piazza provides home for an imposing Town Fortress, for the ancient church of S. Francesco and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Rosa, visited by many pilgrims. Continue towards Chiaravalle, where you can admire the Abbey of S. Maria in Castagnola , one of the oldest constructions founded by the Cistercians from Clairvaux in Italy, and you arrive in Marina di Montemarciano which has a beautiful coastline and the remains of a small fortress dating back to the fifteenth century.

1 SENIGALLIA 2 CORINALDO 3 CASTELLEONE DI SUASA 4 MAIOLATI SPONTINI 5 CUPRAMONTANA 6 STAFFOLO 7 JESI 8 MORRO D’ALBA 9 OSTRA 10 CHIARAVALLE 10 11 MARINA DI MONTEMARCIANO 11

From the Conero Riviera, with its characteristic seaside resorts, you should continue through the inland towns, full of art and ancient memories. Ancona (from the Greek Ankon), the administrative centre of the Marche, founded by the Syracuse people, has always connected its existence with the port, dominated by the Cathedral of San Ciriaco. A visit to the historic centre lets you discover the oldest and most evocative part of the town: in Piazza della Repubblica, the imposing front of the Muse Theatre appears and, on the opposite side, the Church of the SS. Sacramento. Near there, we can find the port, with archways Trajan’s Ar ch (100-115 A.D.) and Clementine Arch (planned by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century), the gate Porta Pia (Baroque), the Mole Vanvitelliana (charming Lazzaretto, today used for exhibitions and shows), the Maerchants’ Meeting Place, symbol of the ancient mercantile vitality of the town, and the Romanesque Church of S. Maria della Piazza . On the slopes of the Guasco hill, there is Piazza del Senato with the Bishop’s Palace, the Church of S. Pellegrino degli Scalzi and Ferretti Palace, which is the home of the Marche National Archaeological Museum. Once arrived at the Elders’ Palace and the Church of the Gesù, following the road via Pizzecolli down, you can admire the Gothic entrance to the Church of S. Francesco alle Scale and the sixteenth century Bosdari Palace, which is home to the Town Art Gallery – with a section dedicated to Modern Art – in which important works by Tiziano, Carlo Crivelli, Lotto, Guercino and Gentileschi are shown, together with a few paintings by Andrea Lilli, a local Ancona artist. The Piazza del Plebiscito , considered as the “living room” of the city, is flanked by a sixteenth century Tower, by the Government’s Palace and by the Church of S. Domenico, inside which a Crucifixion by Tiziano and an Annunciation by Guercino, are preserved. From the Passetto, taking the panoramic route along the famous Conero Riviera , you can distinguish the enchanting countryside of Monte Conero, which acquires chromatic shadings that are particularly evocative in spring, for the flowering of the dyer’s broom and, in autumn, for the strawberry trees. The jewel of the coast is the Bay of Portonovo, a marvel of still unspoiled nature, on w h o s e b e a c h of rocks and pebbles, well equipped, laps an emerald green sea. The bay holds ancient Province of treasures, Ancona

including the Napoleonic Fort , the Clementina Tower and, set into a rocky buttress, the Romanesque Church of S. Maria . After a brief pause on the summit of Monte Conero, to admire the Abbey of S. Pietr o, founded by the Benedictines in the first half of the 11th century, continuing South, you meet first Sirolo, an elegant seaside resort sheer above the sea and home to the Regional Park of Monte Coner o, and, immediately afterwards, Numana, where, from the small yet evocative piazza, from which the Tower of the Pincio emerges, it is possible to see the small tourist port. Well worth visiting is the State Antiquarium which brings together archaeological material found in the territory of Sirolo and Numana, and offers a complete documentation of the Piceni people. Marcelli is the most modern area of the Riviera, with numerous tourist resorts, residences and recreation structures. On the summit of a nearby hill, Loreto emerges, partially surrounded by sixteenth century walling and ramparts, with the largest Marian Sanctuary in Italy. The legend states that the House of Nazareth was carried here by angels in order to escape the invasion of Palestine by the Mohammedans. In the Basilica some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance period have worked, including Signorelli, Melozzo from Forlì, Bramante and Lotto. In the West wing of the Apostolic Palace , you can visit the Art Museum of the Holy House . Continuing North, you meet Castelfidardo, the capital of the accordion, an instrument to which an interesting International Museum is dedicated. Shortly afterwards, you reach Osimo, full of ancient remains, amongst which we could mention the thirteen Roman statues from the Imperial age, kept in the Town Hall , the Romanesque Cathedral, with the small piazza and the Battistero, the Sanctuary of S. Giuseppe da Copertino and the prestigious Campana Palace which houses the Town Museum . In the surrounding area, you can find Aspio Terme, a hydrotherapy centre, immersed in green land. Offagna, the production area for the red wine Rosso Coner o, is dominated by the Fortress which is home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons and, during the last week of July, has evocative Mediaeval Festivals in which the ancient tradition of the Contesa della Crescia is relived. In Polverigi, and not to be missed, is the renowned Inteatro International Festival (in July) and Witches’ Night (in September).

1 ANCONA 2 PORTONOVO 3 SIROLO 4 NUMANA 5 LORETO 6 CASTELFIDARDO 7 OSIMO 8 OFFAGNA 9 POLVERIGI

The route suggested leads to the discovery of the beautiful countryside and history of the area of Fabriano, enhanced by the evocative Frasassi Caves. Fabriano, the home town of Gentile da Fabriano, Antonio da Fabriano and Allegretto Nuzi, is an important commercial and industrial centre, noted for its ancient paper mills dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. In the ex Convent of S. Domenico , we can find the Paper and W atermark Museum where it is possible, amongst other things, to see how paper was made once upon a time. The town retains its mediaeval aspect, modelled around Piazza del Podestà (with the thirteenth century fountain Sturinalto and the Palazzo del Podestà) and documented by the numerous paintings which can be found in the Town Art Gallery “B. Molajoli”, held in the fifteenth century monumental complex of the ex Hospital of Santa Maria del Buon Gesù . The Gentile Theatre, one of the most interesting examples of nineteenth century theatres of the region, has a beautiful curtain that was painted by Luigi Serra. The Festival of San Giovanni (on the 24th June) is particularly heartfelt, and during this, costume parades decked with flowers and La Sfida del Maglio. The peaceful town of Poggio San Romualdo (936 m), where there are beautiful walks to be had, and the Abbey of Val di Castro, founded in 1006 by S. Romualdo (who died there in 1027), that holds valuable fresco paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. Once taken the main road (Statale 76), in a short time you reach the vast hypogean complex that is the Frasassi Caves, a karstic environment of extraordinary beauty. A visit allows you, in about an hour, to admire with stupor, small lakes, inlaid stalactites, enormous stalagmites, until you reach the majestic Ancona Abyss (240 m. high), the Hall of the T woHundred, the Hall of the Candles, the Hall of the bear and that of the Infinite, wich are very well lit. Near there it is possible to visit the sulphurous baths of S. Vittore alle Chiuse which probably dates back to the end of the 10th century. It was amongst the richest religious seats of the district and one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in the region of the Marche. The Church of S. Maria infra Saxa and the nearby small temple with octagonal plan and cupola, commissioned by Pope Leo XII to G i u s e p p e Valadier, are very evocative and held within an Province of immense Ancona

cave. Nearby Genga is well worth seeing. It boasts a mediaeval urban structure that is still intact, together with the town walls and the Palace of the Earls of Genga. Continuing on, you reach Sassoferrato, a town made up of two centres: the modern Town and, high up on the hill, the Castle, dominated by the remains of the Fortress that was built by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, papal legate, in 1368. In the oldest part, which is full of monuments and works of art, the Church of S. Francesco, the Montanari Palace (home to the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions), the Priors’ Palace (home to the Art Gallery and the Sentinate Archaeological Museum) and the Oliva Palace (home to the Town Library) particularly stand out. Nearby, you can visit the Romanesque Church of S. Croce and the Roman town of Sentinum, which has become the Regional Ar chaeological Park, with important building and road archaeological evidence, including large baths. In Arcevia, which used to be considered as being impregnable due to its position on a rocky spur which dominates the high valley of the River Misa, the most prestigious monument is the Collegiate Church of S. Medardo, the local patron saint. In this building, two paintings by Luca Signorelli are kept, together with an ornamental glazed terracotta cover by Giovanni Della Robbia and a Last Judgement by Ercole Ramazzani. The area surrounding the town is of particular interest, characterised by the so called “Castles”, which include the picturesque fortified villages of Palazzo, Castiglioni, Piticchio, Lor etello, Nidastore and Avacelli, in whose Parish, an altarpiece of the Madonna del Rosario can be admired. This is in terracotta and attributed to Mattia Della Robbia. Nearby, on a small knoll, there is the small Romanesque Church of S. Ansuino (11th century) and, just a few kilometres beyond this, you meet Mergo. This town developed in Mediaeval Times around the Castle, of which now remains a part of the ancient walling. You then reach Serra San Quirico with its typical, and unique in their type, copertelle, roads covered with houses built on the remains of the Castle walls, and seat of the Regional Park of the Gola della Rossa and di Frasassi. The uncontaminated environment is often surprising, and includes three different biotopes: Gola di Frasassi , Gola della Rossa and Valle Scappuccia, with the evocative natural gorge.

1 FABRIANO 2 POGGIO SAN ROMUALDO 3 GROTTE DI FRASASSI 4 GENGA 5 SASSOFERRATO 6 ARCEVIA 7 MERGO 8 SERRA SAN QUIRICO

This route satisfies various expectations: from the sunny beaches of the Riviera, to the unique atmosphere which you breathe in Recanati and in other places, full of artistic heritage. Porto Recanati, which comes from the time of Frederick II as the port of Recanati (only a short distance from the place where the Roman colony Potentia was), is an ancient fishing village which was founded around the fifteenth century Swabian Castle in which the Town Art Gallery is held. Still today, the town keeps its characteristics and environments of the past, which you can find walking along its streets, accompanied by the smell of the sea. Continue towards Recanati, the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi, for a route through the places dear to this poet’s heart: the piazza and the monument dedicated to him, the memorabilia kept in the Town Hall, the small piazza of Sabato del V illaggio and the tower of the Passero Solitario. Leopardi Palace, the birth-house of the poet and the adjoining National Centre for the Leopar dian study bring you to the Colle dell’Infinito where the first verse of the famous idyll: “always dear to me was this lonely hill” is sculpted. The Town Museum, to be found in Villa Colloredo Mels is worth visiting, as it boasts considerable works including four important paintings by Lorenzo Lotto. There are a further two museums which stand out: the “Beniamino Gigli” Museum which is held within the Town Hall and houses photographs, personal items, testimonials and scene costumes belonging to the famous singer, and the Diocesan Museum within the Bishop’s Residence. Take road SS 361, and cross Villa Potenza, with the theatre ruins of the Roman city of Helvia Rìcina, and you arrive in Macerata, founded on hills in order to escape the incursions of the barbarians. This town is full, above all, of Renaissance, Baroque and eighteenth century art. Amongst its most representative monuments, you are reminded of the Arena Sferisterio by Ireneo Aleandri, a splendid example of neo-classical architecture and home to an important Summer Lyrical Season . The ancient walls which, almost intact, rise above the panoramic ring of roads and enclose the old town. Piazza della Libertà with the The Mer chants’ Meeting Place, the Clock T ower, the Town Hall, the Palace of the Prefecture, the eighteenth century L a u ro R o s s i T h e a t re , t h e numerous museums, the r i c h 2 0 thProvince of century Macerata

Italian Collection in Ricci Palace and the ancient University make Macerata a cultural reference point. Well worth seeing are the eighteenth century Buonaccorsi Palace, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Misericor dia, Consalvi Palace, Mozzi Palace, known as that of the Diamonds, the Collegiate Church of S. Giovanni and the ex College of the Jesuits, home to the Town Museum , the Art Gallery , the Chariot Museum and the Town Library (with more than 350,000 books). Continue South and take road SS 485 to reach the Church of San Claudio al Chienti , whose unique structure of two superimposed environments with a narrow façade between two cylindrical, angular towers, dates back to the end of the 11th century. After a few kilometres, on a hill, Monte San Giusto emerges, a well known shoe centre with beautiful historical places of interests including Bonafede Palace with fresco paintings by Aspertini and the Collection of Drawing by Ancient Maestri, and the Church of S. Maria in Telusiano which holds the famous Crucifixion, a masterpiece by Lorenzo Lotto and the only painting to be kept in its original place. Continuing on towards the coast, you should not forget to see the splendid Romanesque building of S. Maria a Piè di Chienti (in Montecosaro Scalo) with its evocative internal structure, of two overlying floors with ambulatory and radial apses. You then arrive in Civitanova Mar che, famous for the production of shoes, as well as being an equipped seaside resort with long beaches and plenty of hotels. Every year, at the end of July, there is the Civitanova Danza, an interesting meeting with the most well-known artists world-wide. Historically more important, is the town of Civitanova Alta , the birth place of Annibal Caro. This is characterised by a surrounding wall with towers, bulwarks, two gates, beautiful noble palaces (including Cesarini Palace), churches and the rich “M. Mor etti” Modern Art Gallery. Shortly afterwards, you reach Porto Potenza Picena, a pretty summer tourist resort, and you should continue in the direction of Potenza Picena, which is noted for the working of damasks and silk brocades by the nuns of the Istituto dell’Addolorata and for the traditional festival of the Grappolo d’Oro (in September). In the surrounding area, it is worth making a deviation to see the renaissance Bonaccorsi Villa, a splendid example of an Italian style garden, and Montelupone, a mediaeval town that retains the walls, watchtowers, gates and defence systems.

1 PORTO RECANATI 2 RECANATI 3 MACERATA 4 MONTE SAN GIUSTO 5 CIVITANOVA MARCHE 6 PORTO POTENZA PICENA 7 POTENZA PICENA 8 MONTELUPONE

Leave from Tolentino and continue in the discovery of the surrounding areas, rich with art, history and natural beauty. In Tolentino, an aim for many pilgrims, you can find the Basilica of S. Nicola (of the 14th century) with a portal by Nanni of Bartolo, a very famous Cappellone, entirely decorated with a grandiose cycle of fresco paintings from the Rimini school of the fourteenth century and a beautiful Cloister. The Cathedral, the Vaccaj Theatre, and the characteristic International Caricature Museum (the only one in Italy) should not be missed, and neither should the Castle of Rancia (end of the 12th century) which was once a farm and fortified granary under the Abbey of Fiastra , transformed into a castle by Da Varano in 1353, and can be found in the surrounding area. Every year, in May, there is a re-enacting of the Battle of Tolentino (1815), in which Gioacchino Murat was defeated by the Austrian army. Three kilometres from the town, there are the Baths of S. Lucia, in an oak woods. Continue to Caldarola, the birthplace of the De Magistris painters, authors of the decoration of the Paradise Room in the Town Hall . The road named after the artists leads to the Pallotta Castle, of mediaeval origins, amply reworked in the sixteenth century. In August, you can see the Giostra de le Castella manifestation with Contest and train. Continuing along the valley of the Chienti and bordering the Lake of Pievefavera, a deviation for Serrapetrona is advised, in order to try, the famous wine Vernaccia of controlled origin in the typical taverns. The thirteenth century Fortress of Varano, high up on a cliff, represents the picturesque entrance to the Dukedom of Camerino, which, in the 15th century, thanks to the presence of artists such as Arcangelo di Cola, Giovanni Boccati and Girolamo di Giovanni, was the protagonist of an intense economic and artistic boom period. The town has kept its mediaeval defence aspects of the surrounding area, as outlined several times by the pen of one of the greatest Italian dramatists, Ugo Betti. Blessed with one of the most ancient and important universities of Europe, with its base in the Ducal Palace, it owns representative buildings such as the Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace , in which works of inestimable value are held, including the Madonna in Glory and St. Philip by Tiepolo. In May, the roads are filled with magnificent renaissance Province of style proMacerata

cessions on the occasion of the Corsa alla Spada. Pioraco, a small mediaeval centre located in an evocative rocky gorge and famous for its ancient paper mill is worth a visit, as is Matelica, an interesting artistic town, characterised by the octagonal Fountain (1619) and by numerous historic buildings, including the Magistrate’s Palace (from the 13th century) and the fifteenth century Piersanti Palace where a Museum holding valuable works of art is based. In the area, the well-known wine of controlled origin Verdicchio di Matelica is produced. Continue towards San Severino Marche which is made up of two nuclei. The first has, as its essence, the Romanesque Cathedral, the second, the large, elliptic, Piazza del Popolo, surrounded by renaissance porticoes and buildings. The fresco paintings by Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni bear witness to the important San Severino school of painting. In fact, these paintings are still visible in a few churches and in the richly supplied Town Art Gallery, whilst the Roman remains of the Archaeological Museum tell the story of the birth of the town. Every year, in June, there is the Palio dei Castelli with various competitions, including the Corsa delle T orri. Along the road SS 361, in Pieve, you can see the area which was already occupied in Roman Times by Septempeda, and which has now become the Regional Archaeological Park. Continue to Cingoli, the “Balcony of the Marche”, which offers unforgettable views to the sea and long walks alongside the lake and in the underbrush of Montenero. The town holds renaissance buildings, mediaeval churches which have often been reworked during the Baroque period, including the Collegiate Church of S. Esuperanzio and, the Town Art Gallery, holds a valuable Madonna of the Rosary by Lorenzo Lotto. The 3rd Sunday of August marks the reconstruction of Cingoli 1848 with the game of Pallone a bracciale. In the surrounding areas, you can find Apiro, a typical Summer resort, with the interesting Abbey of S. Urbano . Continue in the direction of Treia, a pretty mediaeval town whose nucleus consists of the showy Piazza della Repubblica, surrounded by the arcade of the Town Hall (also the home of the Town Archaeological Museum), from the Church of S. Filippo and the Building of the Georgical Academy. The Disfida del Bracciale which is held every 1st Sunday of August has very ancient origins. Pollenza, a famous antiques centre, is worth visiting, together with the Church of S. Maria Assunta di Rambona which was founded by the Longobards in the 8th century.

1 TOLENTINO 2 CALDAROLA 3 SERRAPETRONA 4 CAMERINO 5 PIORACO 6 MATELICA 7 SAN SEVERINO MARCHE 8 CINGOLI 9 APIRO 10 TREIA 11 POLLENZA

Art and nature make a perfect couple in this area of the province of Macerata, which includes many villages of the National Park of Monti Sibillini and starts from the Cistercian Abbey of S. Maria di Chiaravalle di Fiastra, built in 1142 and today inserted into the National Reserve Abbadia di Fiastra , where you can visit a few interesting museums and go for walks, bicycle rides or horse rides. Continue to Urbisaglia, which holds the imposing 15th century Fortress and was built on the remains of the Roman Urbs Salvia, whose excavation material is preserved in the local State Ar chaeological Museum. In the ancient town, protected in the Regional Archaeological Park, you can see the theatre, the amphitheatre (where, in summer there is an appreciated theatre season), the cryptoportico, the urban walls, a part of the aqueduct and the reservoir. In the surrounding area, Mogliano is worth a visit, to admire a valuable Our Lady of the Assumption and Saints by Lorenzo Lotto, and to purchase characteristic products in wicker. Continue towards Colmurano, a small hill town gathered together around a main piazza, and you arrive in San Ginesio, a mediaeval village surrounded by substantial walling equipped with large towers and bulwarks, from where you can see a fantastic panorama. The Hospital of S. Paolo, the beautiful Collegiate church which is full of works of art, the Church of S. Francesco, the Museum and the Art Gallery are all interesting places to visit. Every year on the 15th August, there is a recreation of the Contest of San Ginesio, during which the different districts challenge each other in the Giostra equestre dell’anello. Take the road to Monastero, go through the evocative and wild Gole del Fiastr one (from where many excursions and routes leave for the Monks’ Hermitage, the Red Blades, etc.) and, going alongside the Lake of Fiastra , you arrive at the modern town of San Lor enzo al Lago, which is often visited during the summer. In Fiastra, a few towers and surviving parts of the wall above a knoll bear witness to a castle that was built during the 11th century. Should you wish to, you can descend as far as Pievebovigliana, where the famous Varnelli is produced, you can admire ancient abbeys and then continue towards Pieve Torina where you can visit the Museum of Our Land and the Hermitage of Sant’Angelo di Prefoglio, and go for a walk in the Nature Reserve of Torricchio. Afterwards it is advisable Province of to make a Macerata

stop in Visso, with its noble past, born witness to by numerous examples of mediaeval and renaissance architecture and also the base of the National Park of Monti Sibillini . The Piazza dei Martiri Vissani, which is bordered by elegant fifteenth and sixteenth century buildings, is characterised by two important buildings: the Collegiate Church of S. Maria (with fourteenth century portal) and the Church of Sant’Agostino in whose rooms, the Museum-Art Gallery is based. Once you have reached Castelsantangelo sul Nera, a small mediaeval village with Romanesque churches, which is known for its black truffle and for the ski resorts on Monte Prata, climb to Frontignano, where you can find the lift installations and the leaving base for excursions up Monte Bove. Go down as far as Ussita, an appreciated tourist resort for winter sports, and continue to the Sanctuary of S. Maria in Macereto, an imposing building with a Bramante style plan carried out in 1528, and isolated high up, at the foot of the Monti Sibillini. Passing through Cupi and Fiastra, you reach Acquacanina, where you can see the Church of S. Maria di Rio Sacro, which was founded by the Benedictine Monks around the eleventh century, with a beautiful crypt with a nave and two aisles. Continue on to Bolognola, one of the smallest and highest towns in the Marche (1070 m.), of mediaeval origins. This offers visitors healthy air and unspoiled natural surroundings with beautiful excursions on mounts Priora, Rotondo, Pizzo di Meta, and Castel Manardo. The area of Pintura, a winter sports centre, allows the discovery of an evocative panorama, whilst in nearby Prati di Ragnolo , you can cross-country ski and, in spring, admire the splendid and multicoloured blooming of the orchids, primroses, cornflowers, etc. Shortly afterwards, you reach Sarnano, a renowned Baths Centre which is visited above all by mountain lovers and skiers due to its numerous trails. It is famous for the “red brick” roofs, the mediaeval streets and lanes, with steep, narrow roads that finish in a small, silent piazza, where the thirteenth century Church of S. Maria Assunta with Gothic portal and large bell tower can be found. The Town Hall which houses the Art Gallery and the Library are worth visiting, as are, in the surrounding areas, the Convent of S. Liberato and the remains of the Hermitage of Soffiano, remembered in the “Fioretti” of S. Francesco. In June, there is an interesting National Antique Market Exhibition and the Contest of the Serafino is evoked.

1 ABBADIA DI FIASTRA 2 URBISAGLIA 3 COLMURANO 4 SAN GINESIO 5 FIASTRA 6 VISSO 7 CASTELSANTANGELO SUL NERA 8 USSITA 9 ACQUACANINA 10 BOLOGNOLA 11 SARNANO

The route develops around the vast and rich area of Fermo. Porto S. Giorgio , which in the past was the guarding place of the coast when infested by Turkish pirates, has developed the function of a port, becoming an active and blooming fishing centre. Today it is an important seaside resort (with a tourist port of more than 1000 boat places), made up of a mediaeval centre with the Fortress and of the modern living areas with roads lined with trees, luxuriant gardens and several kinds of accommodations. Continue for Fermo, which is considered the monumental “living room” of the Marche, and one of the most flourishing centres of the region. The ancient Roman Reservoirs should not be missed, as neither should the vast and panoramic Square of the Girfalco, on the base of which the Cathedral is silhouetted. The splendid Piazza del Popolo, flanked by porticoes, the Theatre dell’Aquila, the sixteenth century Priors’ Palace, whose internal rooms house the Town Art Gallery which boasts important paintings and a valuable canvas by Rubens, the Palazzo degli Studi with a well-supplied Library, the Church of S. Agostino, the Gothic cycle of courtly fresco paintings on the Oratory annex of S. Monica and the numerous museums that testimony, still today, to the extraordinary historic and cultural make up of the city, should also be seen. In the eighteenth century Vitali V illa, there are the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Polar Ethnographic Museum . Each year, on the 15th August, there is the Contest of Our Lady of the Assumption, a luxuriant and knightly representation with the historic Ride Train. A brief deviation allows us to discover the beauty of Sant’Elpidio a Mar e, famous for its interesting historic centre, the Contesa del Secchio (2nd Sunday in August) and the manifestation The Middle Ages Town in which, for three days, you return to the past with entertainment and shows. Once you have arrived in Montegiorgio, with an urban installation that is characterised by an unusual triangular base and narrow mediaeval style roads, it is worth seeing the Church of S. Francesco. Passing for Monte Vidon Corrado , a small village with the remains of the ancient fortifications and the birthplace of the painter Osvaldo Licini, you reach Montappone in a short time. This town offers the Romanesque Oratory of the Sacramento and the Hat Museum. Massa Fermana is worth a stop, to admire a Province of valuable Ascoli Piceno

polyptych by Carlo Crivelli and a painting by Vittore Crivelli within the Church of the SS. Lorenzo, Silvestro and Rufino. Continue South, until you reach Falerone, with a piazza, the Loggetta dei Mercanti and the Church of S. Fortunato , where an important work by Vittore Crivelli is exhibited. Falerio, a wine of controlled origin from the Ascoli Piceno hills, takes its name from the town. Near Piane di Faler one, you can visit the Regional Archaeological Park with the remains of Falerio Picenus, an ancient Roman town, of which traces of an aqueduct remain, together with evidence of some villas and the splendid theatre with stage and cavea, where, in summer, interesting theatrical productions take place. Nearby Servigliano was built according to urbanistic rules of the eighteenth century, with small garden piazzas and groups of terraced houses. On the Saturday and Sunday after the August Bank Holiday (15th August), there is a representation of the Knighthood T ownament in Clementino Castle with 15th century costumes. Santa Vittoria in Matenano is, instead, a historically important centre due to the presence, in the 10th century, of the Farfa monks, to whom we owe the Church of S. Vittoria, in the high part of the town. In Montalto delle Marche, a town in which Sixtus V lived and which became the Episcopal centre in 1586, the imposing Cathedral with a high portico and polygonal bell tower is worth seeing, together with the Town Hall, home to the Town Art Gallery, the Town Archaeological Museum and the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. Returning towards the coast, we advise visiting Petritoli, founded in the 10th century by the Farfa monks, with remains of mediaeval fortifications and an ancient nucleus made up of characteristic houses. Monterubbiano, which provided the birthplace for Vincenzo Pagani whose nineteenth century work Collegiate Church of S. Maria dei Letterati can be admired, is the place where, on the day of Pentecost, the Armata di Pentecoste Sciò la Pica with the Giostra dell’anello is relived. Nearby, you can find Moresco, with its fortified structure with two ancient towers and the characteristic piazza, contained in the manner of a courtyard. A few kilometres later, you arrive in Altidona which still retains most of its castle walling and, in Torre di Palme , a small and pretty centre on the top of a panoramic hill, with numerous mediaeval buildings. Torre di Palme is also known for the water of the Baths Fonti di Palme.

1 PORTO SAN GIORGIO 2 FERMO 3 SANT’ELPIDIO A MARE 4 MONTE VIDON CORRADO 5 MASSA FERMANA 6 FALERONE 7 SANTA VITTORIA IN MATENANO 8 MONTALTO DELLE MARCHE 9 PETRITOLI 10 MORESCO 11 ALTIDONA

The route offers evocative images of the green Riviera Picena, alternated with those of the gentle hills and ancient towns. From Pedaso, a tourist seaside resort, go towards Campofilone, which owes its fame to the homonymous maccheroncini (festival in August). The old town still reserves its elliptical map with many houses built near the Castle walls and lanes with barrel or cross vaults. A few kilometres further there is Montefiore dell’Aso a well-preserved historic centre which offers, in the Collegiate Church of S. Lucia, a valuable polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, a refined example of fifteenth century painting. Worth seeing are the two Rooms, where several works by Adolfo De Carolis, who was born here, and Domenico Cantatore are exhibited. Continue towards Ripatransone, a small jewel with a characteristic historic centre, with mediaeval views, houses from the 15th and 16th centuries and the narrowest road in Italy. It is rich with archaeological finds that are exhibited in the Town Archaeological Museum and with monuments such as the Cathedral and the Palazzo del Podestà, and suggests a visit to an interesting Plaster Casts Gallery dedicated to the works of the local sculptor Uno Gera and a rich Town Art Gallery, held within the seventeenth century Palazzo Bonomi. Before leaving, we advise following the whole length of the ring road in order to appreciate the beautiful panorama. You should reach Offida, famous for the ancient tradition of the pillow lace , and whose centre, surrounded by intact walling, still retains the remains of the fifteenth century Fortress. The Town Hall possesses an elegant loggia and a powerful fourteenth century tower, whilst the Palazzo Pagnanelli holds the Archaeological Museum, the precious Art Gallery , with paintings by Pietro Alemanno and Simone De Magistris, and the Museum of Popular Traditions. At the edge of the village, isolated on a panoramic knoll, the majestic Abbey of S. Maria della Rocca emerges, one of the most important Romanesque-Gothic monuments of the region, in whose crypt you can admire a cycle of fresco paintings by the Maestro of Offida. The town is noteworthy also for the production of the wines of controlled origin of the Piceni Hills and for Carnival (Shrove Tuesday), which consists of a reckless ox hunt (today it is a man dressed up, but it was true up until 1819), with the ox running, maddened through the streets. Continue via Provinces of Acquaviva Fermo and Ascoli Piceno

Picena, which has kept its mediaeval character with castle walls, ancient houses, towers and the imposing Fortress, completed by Baccio Pontelli (15th century), inside which we can find the Museum of Ancient Weapons. Between the end of July and the beginning of August, the Sponsalia takes place. This is a historical recreation of the wedding of Forasteria and Rinaldo from the powerful Brunforte family, son of Fidesmino, Imperial Vicar of Frederick II. Then, you arrive in San Benedetto del Tronto, the main seaside station of Piceno and one of the most beautiful coasts of Italy for its large sandy beach with palm trees, oleanders and cluster pines that give shade to a coast that extends for more than 2 km. The highest centre is ancient and presents an interesting mediaeval character in narrow roads with the fourteenth century Tower of the Gualtieri , probable remains of a Fortress. The seaside town is more extended and modern, with tree-lined roads onto which artnouveau style buildings face. The “A. Capriotti” Fish Museum with aquariums, archaeological finds and numerous fossils should not be missed. Neither should the Fishing and Marine Civilisation Museum, the Antiquarium Truentinum and the Amphora Museum which brings together phenolic, Italic and Roman items, found in this stretch of sea, and a visit to the humid area of the Nature Reserve of Sentina. Continuing North along the coast, you reach Grottammare, the jewel of the Adriatic. This mediaeval town, located on the brow of a hill, with rustic houses and small roads keeps intact the perfume of the orange trees that is typical of the Picena Riviera. At the edges of the sandy beach, the coastline with palms and flower beds, the hotels and tourist resorts have transformed the town into a popular coastal area. In nearby Cupra Marittima , you can visit the Piceno Malacological Museum, the most important collection in Italy of shells coming from all over the world, with more than 700,000 examples. The most modern nucleus lies along the beach, whilst the most ancient, Marano, is on a hill still surrounded by the old walling, with towers that were raised in the 15th century. The solitary narrow streets uphill lead to the Church of S. Maria in Castello, of Roman foundation and in the outskirts of which, you can find the remains of the mediaeval Fortress. At approximately 1500 m from the current town, you can see the Regional Archaeological Park of the Roman town of Cupra Maritima.

1 PEDASO 2 CAMPOFILONE 3 MONTEFIORE DELL’ASO 4 RIPATRANSONE 5 OFFIDA 6 ACQUAVIVA PICENA 7 SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO 8 GROTTAMMARE 9 CUPRA MARITTIMA

This area conserves a noteworthy historic and cultural heritage and is an exemplary fusion between the natural environment and manmade changes. The warm colours of the travertine and the remains of the ancient Via Salaria , often included in mediaeval buildings, characterise the historic centre of Ascoli Piceno , the extraordinary past of which is, still today, witnessed by the Roman monuments that have survived (the remains of the Theatre, the Augustan Bridge , etc.) and by the numerous Romanesque buildings, including churches, ancient houses and powerful noble towers. From the famous Piazza del Popolo (where you can admire the historic Caffè Meletti ), a quiet renaissance environment with the massive structure of the Captains Palace and the harmonious flank of the Church of S. Francesco , evocative routes radiate out, through mediaeval roads and renaissance palaces. The piazza is the base, every year, of one of the most extraordinary historical representations of Italy, the famous Quintana, with a parade in fifteenth century costumes of more than 1400 figures. In Piazza Arringo, which was theatre of the public meetings in mediaeval times, the Cathedral, within which there is a famous polyptych by Carlo Crivelli figuring the Madonna with Child and Saints exhibited, and the Baptistery, an octagonal building of the 12th century. The long side of the piazza is defined by the façade of the Town Hall, home to the Town Art Gallery whose rich collection counts, amongst others, works by Cola dell’Amatrice, Vincenzo Pagani, Pietro Alemanno, Carlo Crivelli, Tiziano and Guido Reni. The Modern Art Gallery , the State Ar chaeological Museum and the Ventidio Basso Theatr e are also worth seeing. Following Via Salaria , you reach Acquasanta Terme, renowned for its sulphuric water, and Arquata del Tronto, located in an enchanting panoramic position, with the superb mediaeval Fortress that has been well restored. It is the only town in Italy to be included in two national parks: the National Park of Monti Sibillini in fact, extends as far as reaching the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga . Take the panoramic road to go up to Monte Vettore, and continue to Montegallo, a pleasant tourist resort. Shortly afterwards, you arrive in Montemonaco which offers splendid countryside and innumerable Province of possibilities Ascoli Piceno

for walks on the Sibillini Mountains, in particular up Monte Sibilla , from the bizarre top surrounded by a “necklace” of rose-coloured rocks, that legend tells is the dwelling place of the priestess of Apollo. Nearby, you can find Foce, the privileged base for the excursions to Monte Vettore and to the Lake of Pilato (1940 m), the only of natural origin of the Marche, in whose water lives the small and rare chirocephalo of the Marchesoni. Not far from these, you can admire the Lake of Gerosa with the ancient Church of S. Giorgio all’Isola. Continue towards Montefortino which still conserves the atmosphere of the times intact, with its narrow streets, stone and brick built houses and the Art Gallery rich with valuable works of art, the fruit of the collection of the painter Fortunato Duranti. A road which follows the route of the Ambro stream, after about 6 km, brings you to the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Ambr o, built following a miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary and visited by many pilgrims. Another road brings you to the evocative and steep Gola dell’Infernaccio. Not very far there is the little town of Amandola which has a beautiful historic centre with the Church of S. Agostino, the Church of S. Francesco, the Town Hall, the base of ancient archives, and a remarkable anthropo-geograpghical museum. The town is known for the working and restoration of wood, the antiques, the production of truffles (fair in FebruaryMarch) and for the International Theatr e Festival (in September). In the surrounding area, the Romanesque complex of the Abbey of the Saints Ruffino and V itale with fresco paintings from the 13th and 14th centuries, and the Lake of S. Ruffino should not be missed. Once past Smerillo, a typical mediaeval town, with a beautiful wood and the “Fessa” (narrow and characteristic rock fissure), you arrive in the fortified centre of Montefalcone Appennino, located on the summit of a hill, inaccessible from the southwest due to the height of the cliff (more than 200 m), with interesting remains of a mediaeval Fortress. Immediately afterwards, you reach Comunanza, which boasts a historic centre with old terraced houses, right on the river Aso, the beautiful Baroque Church of S. Caterina d’Alessandria, the working of iron, the black truffle and the evocative representation of the Living Crib on 26th December. Force is worth seeing, with its ancient centre that is built around an impervious hill and is noted for its craftsman’s working of domestic utensils and various objects in wrought copper.

1 ASCOLI PICENO 2 ACQUASANTA TERME 3 ARQUATA DEL TRONTO 4 MONTEGALLO 5 MONTEMONACO 6 MONTEFORTINO 7 AMANDOLA 8 SMERILLO 9 MONTEFALCONE APPENNINO 10 COMUNANZA 11 FORCE

San Benedetto del Tronto (AP) Riviera del Conero (AN) Macerata - Arena Sferisterio National Park of the Sibillini Mountains (M.Palazzo Borghese) Villa Potenza (MC) - Remains of the old Helvia Rìcina

Ascoli Piceno - The “Quintana” Marche Hinterland Genga (AN) - Frasassi Caves Ancona - S.Ciriaco’s Cathedral Offida (AP) - Pillow-lace works

Loreto (AN) - Piazza della Madonna Urbino (PU) - Church of San Bernardino Ascoli Piceno - Palace of the People’s Captain Fermo - Dome Pesaro - Rossini Opera Festival

GABICCE MONTE VALLUGOLA CASTEL DI MEZZO FIORENZUOLA DI FOCARA

SANTA MARINA ALTA

MADONNA DEL PONTE METAURILIA

TORRETTE DI FANO

MAROTTA

CESANO

MARZOCCA

MARINA DI MONTEMARCIANO

PALOMBINA

TORRETTE

LEGEND

Marinas Sandy Beaches Shingly Beaches Rocky and Shingly Beaches Sandy and Shingly Beaches

Protected Areas Motorways Superhighways National Roads

HOW TO REACH

Other important roads

MOTORWAY A14 LINE Milano, Bologna, Ancona, Lecce, Roma, Falconara, Ancona AIRPORT Raffaello Sanzio, Ancona/Falconara M. Milano - Roma - Pescara PORT OF ANCONA Croazia, Grecia, Turchia, Cipro, Israele

State Railways

Shipping lines

Airports

NORD

THE MARCHE…

EST 2

OVEST

SUD

RETTE

TRAVE

PORTONOVO

MARCELLI

FONTESPINA

LIDO DI FERMO

MARINA PALMENSE TORRE DI PALME

MARINA DI ALTIDONA

A14

PORTO D’ASCOLI

MONTE CONERO

180 km of coastline, stunningly beautiful beaches, 26 cities facing the Adriatic Sea that are ideal locations for a relaxing vacation, the port of Ancona and 9 tourist ports. 500 squares, 1000 important monuments, over a hundred cities boasting significant works of art, thousands of churches (200 of which are Romanesque), 183 religious shrines, 34 archeological sites, 72 historic theatres. The largest number of museums and galleries in Italy (342) in ratio to the number of cities (239). 315 libraries housing over 4 million volumes. Numerous protected areas: 2 national parks (Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga), four regional parks (Monte Conero, Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa and Frasassi), 5 nature reserves (Abbadia di Fiastra, Gola del Furlo, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca and Sentina), more than 100 floricultural areas and 15 national forests.

60125 ANCONA - Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 Tel. +39.071.8062431 - Fax +39.071.8062154 www.turismo.marche.it www.le-marche.com www.die-marche.com turismo.promozione@regione.marche.it Freephone: 800222111 (only in Italy)