A journey through epochs
A land of timeless tradition and history
Le Marche is a region steeped in rich history, where ancient cultures, Renaissance glory, and enduring traditions intertwine to offer a timeless journey through Italy’s past.
Between the Apennines and the Adriatic, Le Marche is a region where history comes alive.
From the ancient Picenes and Roman legacies to medieval fortresses and Renaissance courts, its landscapes are shaped by centuries of culture and change.
Birthplace of visionaries like Raphael, Leopardi, and Montessori, Le Marche blends timeless beauty with enduring tradition. Each village, theater, and festival invites you to step into the past and experience a side of Italy that remains beautifully authentic.
Walk through history
Timeless Villages, Sacred Places, and Living fortresses
Le Marche's villages, seemingly frozen in time, offer an immersive journey into Italy’s rich past.
Urbino, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Ducal Palace, stands as a beacon of Renaissance brilliance, while Gradara whispers tragic tales of Paolo and Francesca from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Loreto, with its revered basilica, attracts pilgrims to the Holy House of Nazareth, while gems like Sarnano, Cingoli (the "Balcony of Le Marche"), Offida, known for its handmade lace, and Fermo, steeped in Roman and medieval heritage, further enrich the region’s story.
In the heart of Pesaro e Urbino, La Rocca di Mondavio stands as a magnificent testament to Renaissance military engineering. This fortress-turned-museum showcases replicas of war machines inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and Francesco di Giorgio Martini, with rooms staged to recreate medieval life. It offers a dramatic glimpse into the strategic ingenuity and defensive artistry of a turbulent era.
Festivals, theater, and community
Where the past comes to life through celebration
Le Marche's towns and cities come alive with vibrant festivals that honor their histories and saints.
Fossombrone Reawakens to the Splendor of the Renaissance
Step into the year 1559 in the historic center, adorned with noble coats of arms, lively Renaissance markets, ancient crafts, archers, music, and breathtaking performances. Inspired by the grand Carnival of Cardinal Giulio Della Rovere, this celebration is a journey through time. Between vibrant parades, historic games, and the thrilling Corsa all’Anello, experience a festival where history and spectacle come alive.
La Fano dei Cesari: the Roman Empire comes to life
For two weekends, Fano transforms into Fanum Fortunae, a Roman colony that once ruled the Adriatic. La Fano dei Cesari is a grand historical reenactment celebrating the city’s Roman heritage with shows, parades, and thrilling challenges.
Highlights include:
- The roman camp – A historical camp with soldiers, artisans, and daily life demonstrations
- Roman games – Fun, challenges, and shows inspired by ancient Rome
- Roman feasts – A gastronomic experience with recipes from the Empire
- The chariot race – Four city factions compete in a spectacular race for eternal glory
Meanwhile, the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona and the Teatro Rossini in Pesaro keep alive a tradition of performance, hosting world-class opera, concerts, and plays in historic surroundings.
Home of Italy’s carving heritage
Sant’Ippolito, the open-air museum of stone
Sant’Ippolito, a small village in Italy’s Metauro Valley, is known as an “open-air museum” for its homes adorned with statues and carvings. With roots in 14th-century stone carving, it was once surrounded by gypsum and sandstone quarries.
Religious art is everywhere, but the town’s symbol is a stone mask with an open mouth and heavy beard, guarding the 17th-century Palazzo Guerra alongside pagan figures.
Today, sculptor Natalia Gasparucci keeps the tradition alive. She runs the last local workshop and teaches others to carve sandstone and wait patiently. Her iconic works are cone-shaped Madonne Lauretane, once made to bless crops and travelers.
Craftsmanship and cultural soul
Tradition lives on in every hand-crafted detail
The region’s legacy continues in its artisanal excellence, where tradition and innovation intertwine.
The paper of Fabriano, renowned since the Middle Ages, set the standard for high-quality papermaking techniques still revered worldwide today. Castelfidardo, a hub of craftsmanship, is celebrated not only for its intricate ceramics but also as the birthplace of the modern accordion, an instrument crafted with precision and passion. In Ascoli Piceno, master potters keep alive ancient techniques of majolica production, while the intricate lacework of Offida speaks of centuries of delicate artistry. Stonework, hewn from the region’s rich quarries, has shaped both monumental cathedrals and the intricate details of civic architecture, reflecting the enduring beauty of local materials and skill.
Every craft tells a story of heritage, creativity, and resilience - a living tradition carefully passed down through generations, constantly renewed with fresh inspiration.
