Page 371 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

CENTR AL IT AL Y  369

LE MARCHE

Tucked away in a remote corner between the Adriatic
Sea and the Apennine mountains, Le Marche (the
Marches) is an enchanting rural patchwork of old
towns, hill country and long, sandy beaches. In
pre-Christian times the area was settled by the
Piceni, a tribe eventually assimilated by the Romans.

In the 4th century BC, exiles from Magna old squares in Italy. Smaller towns
Graecia colonized much of the region. like San Leo and Urbania and the
The most notable town was Ancona, repub lic of San Marino also boast fine
also the northernmost point of Greek medieval monuments.
influence on the Italian peninsula. Today, probably as many people come
During the early Middle Ages the region to Le Marche for its beaches and towns as
marked the edge of the Holy Roman for its hilly, unspoiled inter ior. Especially
Empire, giving rise to its present name beautiful are the snowcapped peaks of
(march meant “border area”). the Monti Sibillini, situated in magnificent
The region’s historical peak was walking and skiing country.
reached in the 15th century under Regional cuisine encompasses the
Federico da Montefeltro, whose court at truffles and robust cheeses of the
Urbino became one of Europe’s leading mountains, tender hams and salamis,
cultural centres. Much of Urbino’s former olive ascolane (olives stuffed with meat
grandeur survives, particularly in and herbs) and brodetto, fish soup made
Federico’s magnificent Renaissance in several versions up and down the coast.
Palazzo Ducale, now home to a regional Dry, white Verdicchio is the best-known
art collection. Ascoli Piceno is almost as wine, although more unusual names,
enchanting as Urbino, its central Piazza such as Bianchello del Metauro, are
del Popolo among the most evocative gaining in popularity.

A field of poppies and olive trees in the heart of Le Marche’s countryside
The Piazza del Popolo, built in travertine marble, in the town of Ascoli Piceno

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