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The countryside of the Marche will delight you with the variety and charm of its panoramas and medieval villages together with the richness of its historic and artistic heritage waiting to be discovered in various trips around the region from Senigallia to the Tuscany border.
Worth visiting:
Urbino Km. 67 – alt.485 m. -a university centre, gem of the Renaissance, beautifully situated on two hills at the centre of the valley formed by the Foglia and Metauro rivers. An extremely ancient city having a Ducal Palace of such architectonic purity as cannot be compared to any other civil building in Italy. Paintings by famous artists such as Raffaello and Tiziano are to be found there.
GRADARA: Km 43 – Alt. 302 m. - is famous for the story of Paolo and Francesca and the Malatestian castle which rises on a hill between the Marche and Romagna, only 15 km. from Pesaro. Tourists and historians go there to absorb the atmosphere of the elegant courtyard and austere rooms dating back to Italian feudal times.
LORETO: km. 51 – Alt. 127 m. - situated in a panoramic position on a hillside overlooking the sea, partially surrounded by sixth century walls and ramparts. It is dominated by the Sanctuary of the Holy House , one of the most famous and venerated of Christian monuments, amongst the most important in Italy. It is truly a place of significance from a religious and artistic point of view.
RECANATI: Km 65 – Alt. 293 m. birthplace of Leopardi and Beniamino Gigli, and other artists and scientists, with many monuments, churches, aristocratic residences, museums and libraries. A national centre for the study of Leopardi’s works hosting a number of artistic, literary and musical events of considerable importance.
SAN MARINO: Km. 78 – Alt. 652 m. - the smallest and oldest republic in the world, on an impressive natural balcony overlooking the Adriatic Riviera and the Romagnolo Appennines.
GROTTE DI FRASASSI: Km. 50 - an impressive speleological complex with many large stalactites and stalagmites, limpid lakes and lighting effects: breath-taking sights of nature’s own artwork and the unforgettable, vast Cavern of the Wind.
SAN LEO: Km.108 - A very historic little Montefeltro town a few kilometres from San Marino, 640 m. above sea-level on an enormous rocky crag. Its main attraction is its historic centre and the fortress built on top of a sheer cliff. Its historic and artistic attraction is only capped by the superb view - a breath-taking colourful panorama of hillsides and rocky outcrops.
GUBBIO: km 80 – Alt. 529 m. – a very picturesque and beautiful medieval town which, firmly and proudly retains the charm of bygone centuries as no other. The major tourist attractions are: the Ducal Palace, the Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Ubaldo. Age-old customs are revived in the “Candle Race” and the “Crossbow Contest” which take place every year in May.
ASSISI: Km. 120 – Alt. 424 m. – only 40 kilometres from Gubbio , this characteristically medieval town is the birthplace of St. Francis. Worth visiting: St. Francis’ birthplace, the sumptuous Basilica of Holy Mary of the Angels, the prison, the Monastery.
ANCONA: Km. 28 – Alt. 16 m. – Ancona boasts the splendor of St.Cyriac’s Cathedral on Guasco Hill – a truly unforgettable panorama. The presence of a fully-equipped port which opens out towards the east, gives the town a character which is firm and brusque though not lacking in civility. Together with Falconara Airport, the port is one of the most important tourist infrastructures of the region.
CORINALDO: Km. 20 – Alt. 203 m. - is situated on the hills between two valleys producing Verdicchio wine. It is also the birthplace of St. Maria Goretti.
Monuments: medieval walls; Church of the Capuchin Friars with paintings by Ridolfi; Parish Church of St. Francis.
ARCEVIA: Km. 37 – Alt:553 m. – situated at 553 m. above sea-level, with its pine woods and verdant countryside, the town is the ideal place to spend a day away from it all.
Monuments: Collegiate Chapter of St. Medardo (with works by Luca Signorelli and Giovanni della Robbia); Town Hall, in part dating back to XIII and XIV centuries.
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