Ancona - Senigallia - Pesaro - Urbino - San Marino - Gradara
Fano - Loreto - Jesi - Recanati - Corinaldo - San Leo

San Leo

San Leo is situated on a large rock formation and because of its unique strategic position, it has seen many visitors and invaders come and go.

Here, you will discover an impressive castle and superb 9th century parish church, a 12th century Duomo, an elegant Roman building, still with the remains of Roman pillars.

San Marino

The small San Marino is the oldest republic of Europe, situated on the slopes of the Monte Titano San Marino, and has its own currency, postage stamps, football team and even an army of 1000 men.

Fano

The old Fano distinguishes itself from the other numerous beach resorts south of Pesaro by its beautiful centre and its numerous ancient buildings. The city became the terminus of the via Flaminia (an important consular road of Rome) and the largest Roman colony on the Adrean coast. The Arco d'Augusto (2n C) is the most important old ancient construction works of Fano.

Urbino

Urbino, from the surrounding hillsides, is one of the most beautiful cities of Italy. Very well preserved, light pink in the evening light, a superb harmonious setting for a medieval play. This University City, with only 15000 inhabitants, is for a large part the work of Frederigo da Montefeltro.

Boasting with the most beautiful Renaissance palace of Italy, the Palazzo Ducale, built by the duke Federico da Montefeltro who ruled Urbino from 1444 up to 1482 and was renowned for its courage as a mercenary.

Furthermore worthwhile visiting is the Duomo and the birth place of the painter Rafael (1483-1520).

Jesi

Jesi lies on a long rocky ridge in the middle of green hilly countryside where the famous verdicchio is produced, a sparkling white wine, stored in unique barrels. The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is sold in well-known pitcher shaped bottles. No wine is made in Jesi itself but rather in the surrounding vinyards. The beautiful paintings of Lorenzo lotto housed in the Civici museum located on the Palazzo Pianetti (18th century) are very worthwhile viewing.

Loreto

According to legend, the house of Maria (santa casa) was in 1294 miraculously moved from its place in the holy land by angels and brought to a small laurel wood (loreto) in the south of Ancona. The Santa casa and the basilica in Loreto are visited by 3 millions pilgrims each year. All the ingredients of Catholicism have been brought together here only a few square kilometers.

Ancona

Ancona is the largest port city of Le Marche and the capital of this region. Bombardments in the Second World War devastated most of the city. The 15th century loggia dei Mercanti still reminds us of the wealth of those days. Worth seeing is the Roman Santa Maria della Piazza church with its splendid façade. Furthermore the Arco di Traiano from 115 n c, one of the best preserved Roman arches in Italy, can be found in the harbour area.

If you proceed through the old city which increasingly climbs upwards by narrow twisting streets, you will reach the amphitheatre. Here the view of the azure-blue sea and the cliffs is most impressive. Past Ancona is the nature reserve Monte Conero, with the most beautiful cliffs.

Recanati

Recanati is the birthplace of one of Italy’s most famous poets, Giacomo Leopardi. This beautiful place is very stately with many ocre yellow palazzo's. The palace where Giacomo lived is open to the public and tours are organized.

Corinaldo

Corinaldo is further inland about 30 kilometers from the coast. This village is surrounded by a huge white wall and within, the medieval streets offer a very peaceful scene. You will not find this characteristic village in any guidebook but it is most worthwhile to visit here.

Pesaro

Pesaro is a large beach resort and is the birthplace of Gioacchino Rossini, the famous opera componist. The barber of Sevilla and Willem Tell are from his hand. Near his birth house on the main street, the viale Rossini, there is a museum. This place houses the Conservatorio Rossini, where you will find his piano and several original manuscripts. Furthermore, there is Teatro Rossini where each year, during the music festival in August, operas by this famous componist are played. Rossini appears to be everywhere. In the early part of the year Pesaro is a quiet place but during the holiday months the long beaches, with their typical blue beach houses, are a source of unrestrained family pleasure.

Senigallia

Senigallia is a medium sized city, renowned for its large beaches and historical city centre with old monuments and works of art. All the well know fashion shops can be found here.

From this point you can decide either to spend a day at the beach or, alternatively take a trip to the splendid inland areas. Late afternoon is a wonderful time to take a seat on one of the beautiful terraces in the squares of the town where you can witness the “ slipper parade” where every Italian proudly parades in his very best clothes, apparently wandering aimlessly back and forth but really seeking conversation with acquaintances.

It is well known that this city is of very old origin, possibly founded by `'Gallic Senonen”, thus the name Senigallia (Sena-Gallica)

One of the best known buildings of the city, the so called Rovere fort (1480) is situated on the outskirts of the city.

Gradara

This is a popular place for day trippers. It is situated high on the hillside and is entirely surrounded by a wall. In the distance you can see the huge Malatesta . This castle was restored in 1494 and obtained its current form in 1920. During the Renaissance the fort was conquered many times. Also worth a visit is the Palazzo del Comune (municipality house) where you will find many works of art. Gradara has many pleasant cafes and several shops.