Casa Allegra

Le Marche is an area of outstanding natural beauty, easily rivalling that of Tuscany and Umbria. As the seasons change so does the landscape and indeed the sky is an ever-changing canvas of colour, whatever the time of year.  

   The Sibillini mountains and surrounding nature reserve are paradise for those interested in wildlife, rare flowers and birds. Trekking trips can be arranged locally, with or without a guide. You can enjoy picnics by the lakeside at Fiastra, and swim there too. A variety of sports are available within easy travelling distance, including horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, archery and golf.  

In summer, there is the benefit of the cooler mountain air as we are 570m above sea level, but the coast and seaside towns are only a 40-minute drive away. The nearest seaside resort is Porto San Giorgio, reminiscent of ice cream parlours in years gone by.  For more dramatic scenery, the coastline at Conero (1hr) is renowned for its natural beauty and excellent fish restaurants

 During the summertime a variety of local “sagras” (festivals) take place, with each town boasting its own delicacies. Often there are games, music and dancing which makes for a very pleasant, and indeed cheap, evening out. You will be spoilt for choice!!  

  Le Marche has strong historical, artistic and musical ties and there are numerous places of interest to visit to suit all tastes within an hour's driving time.

Sarnano (10 mins) is our nearest town, a citadel which has kept its historic centre intact. Here the Spa of San Giacomo is located with its therapeutic spring waters and beauty farm. Thursday is market day, when a variety of clothes, shoes, household goods and foodstuffs are on sale.

Macerata (30mins) is the capital of the province and boasts a truly marvellous open air opera house, second in Italy only to Verona. The summer opera season of concerts is held here and is certainly worth a visit.

Urbisaglia (20mins) is an important Roman settlement, where the amphitheatre is still used for performances of ancient theatre. With nearby Abbadia di Fiastra, with its abbey, museum and wine cellars set in rolling parkland, this is a lovely excursion.  

In the other direction, Ascoli Piceno (1 hr 15 mins) is an attractive town of great historical interest, with its beautiful square surrounded by porticoes. On the first Sunday in August, the 'Quintana' takes place, a colourful Mediaeval parade and jousting tournament, ending with a grand firework display. Offida is nearby, where local ladies can still be seen making lace in their doorways.

Other places to visit include: Caldarola (20 mins) the town of 5 castles; Camerino (45 mins) a university town and ducal city; Loreto (50 mins) a spiritual sanctuary visited by many pilgrims from all over the country; Fabriano (1hr 15mins) famous for its handmade paper and salami, and Tolentino (40 mins) with its impressive basilica dedicated to Saint Nicolas.  

Many artists, writers and musicians were born in Le Marche including the poet Giacomo Leopardi at Recanati, and the Duke Federico of Montefeltro who made the town of Urbino (1 hr 30 mins) one of the principal centres of culture and art during the Italian Renaissance. Works of great artists are on display all over the region. In fact, each town or village, no matter how small,  has a least one artistic treasure tucked away in a church or small museums, each piece forming part of the larger puzzle.  

For those having more time to spend, or wanting a change, both Bologna and Rome can be reached within 3 hours.

  Casa Allegra, CDA Bartolotti, 16, Gualdo, MC, Italy