Marche: Caves, Renaissance and Coastal Landscapes

Caves, a remarkably well-preserved Renaissance appearance and striking landscapes give a trip to Marche a range of different themes. Regional specialties are also part of the region’s appeal. The following topics can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Visit the Frasassi Caves

The Frasassi Caves are open to visitors year-round, except for a few days in January. As access conditions may change with the seasons, you should check them again before your trip. Caving routes suitable for visitors are also available in the caves. If you are planning such a tour, check the participation requirements and booking arrangements in advance.

Landscapes and routes in protected areas

The Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park covers 10,026 hectares and is the largest protected area in Marche. In Monti Sibillini National Park, Monte Vettore reaches an elevation of 2,476 metres. The national park also offers 17 major routes for discovering its landscapes and nature. As route availability may change depending on local conditions, it is advisable to check before planning.

For a road trip, the Grande Via del Parco offers another way to explore the area: this route in Monti Sibillini National Park is more than 190 kilometres long and follows existing roads. It can be travelled by car, motorbike and motorhome. Check conditions along the route before setting out. This helps distinguish this road route from the routes intended for discovering the landscape and nature.

Clifftops and rural inland landscapes

Monte San Bartolo Regional Natural Park is distinguished by its high cliffs and active cliff coastline. This type of cliff coastline is rare along the Adriatic as a whole. At the same time, the park combines a sea cliff with a rural inland landscape. The cliffs and rural character are therefore two distinct aspects of this protected area.

Renaissance in Urbino and historic theatres

The historic centre of Urbino has remarkably preserved its Renaissance appearance. Almost completely intact Renaissance walls enclose the Ducal Palace, the cathedral, the Monastery of Santa Chiara and historic oratories. The centre’s preserved appearance and the group of buildings within its walls are both important to its cultural character.

The Teatri Storici delle Marche comprise 62 historic indoor theatres built between 1600 and 1930. Their fundamental structural, decorative and functional features have been preserved. The long period over which they were built and the survival of these features make the theatres a distinct point of interest for anyone interested in historic architecture and culture.

Cycle routes and regional specialties

The many cycle routes in Marche follow the main river valleys and cross the region from east to west. This layout provides a regional point of reference for cycling tourism. Those interested in a cycling trip can use the river valleys and the east–west direction as starting points for planning.

Regional products also have their own character. The protected designation of origin Oliva Ascolana del Piceno refers to preserved or stuffed olives of the Ascolana Tenera variety. Egg pasta is made in the municipality of Campofilone (Fm). It differs from other pasta because of its particularly thin sheet of dough and very fine cut. Marche is therefore home to a variety of products: protected olives of a specific variety and egg pasta whose character comes from its dough sheet and cut.

When looking for a hotel in Marche, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: nature and routes, Renaissance culture, coastal landscapes or regional specialties.

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