| The Marches region of Italy - officially known as Le | | | | Urbino |
| Marche - is situated along the eastern coast of | | | | The renaissance city of Urbino is the highlight of a |
| central Italy facing the Adriatic Sea. The region also | | | | visit to the Marches. It is a very well maintained |
| stretches inland into the hills of central Italy. We visit | | | | medieval-renaissance town with a great deal of |
| some of the highlights of this relatively unknown part | | | | historical interest. |
| of Italy. | | | | The highlight is the Palace of the Dukes, a |
| Beaches and coast | | | | renaissance palace that was the heart of this most |
| The coast in the Marches features numerous sandy | | | | important city in the 15th century, and a great centre |
| beaches, and good weather is assured for the | | | | of wealth and learning. The palace also features one |
| summer months. As a result much of the coastline is | | | | of the greatest collections of renaissance paintings in |
| quite developed, and attracts a great number of | | | | the world, and is now a listed UNESCO World |
| visitors - largely but not exclusively from within | | | | Heritage Site. |
| elsewhere in Italy. The resorts are not, on the whole, | | | | Hill villages |
| sophisticated but they offer everything you look for | | | | Inland throughout much of the region you can |
| in a summer holiday - plenty of sun and sand, bars | | | | discover small hill villages and towns that appear |
| and pizza restaurants, and of course lots of | | | | largely unchanged during the last 400 years. Most |
| opportunities to enjoy the famous Italian ice cream. | | | | have no particular highlight of note, but rather it is |
| One coastal location that stands out in particular is | | | | their general appeal that entices the visitor - the small |
| around the Conero peninsula to the south of Ancona. | | | | cafe in a shady town square or the little church with |
| Whereas much of the coast is flat, the Conero | | | | an unexpected fresco. |
| section is backed by the dramatic Monte Conero, in | | | | The villages are often on hilltops so have the added |
| places with cliffs plunging into the sea, and a great | | | | advantage of offering attrcative views across the |
| deal of scenic interest. The mountain also provides | | | | surrounding countryside. |
| scenic hiking opportunities for visitors wanting to | | | | Mount Sibillini |
| escape from the beach. The main resorts on the | | | | To the south of the Marches, enthusiasts of hiking in |
| Conero peninsula are found at Sirolo, Numana and | | | | great scenery or of skiing in winter will want to head |
| Portonovo. | | | | for the slopes of Mount Sibillini. |
| San Marino | | | | Mount Sibillini itself and the surrounding scenery are |
| At the very north of the region is the small republic | | | | very impressive and there are ample opportunities to |
| of San Marino. One of the smallest countries in | | | | escape from other visitors by taking a short hike and |
| Europe (covering only 25 square miles) San marino | | | | to discover your own special peaceful place in this |
| has its own army, postal system and coins. The main | | | | quiet yet attractive part of the region. |
| attraction is the city of San Marino, and the ancient | | | | Summary |
| forts that stand on the hill above the city. | | | | From the fun-packed family resorts along the coast, |
| Note that San Marino attracts a very large number | | | | to the quiet scenery and renaissance treasures inland |
| of visitors and is almost always crowded. There are | | | | there is a great deal to enjoy in this part of central |
| also rather a lot of places selling 'tourist tack' which | | | | Italy and a visit is recommended. |
| detract from the pleasure of a visit to some extent. | | | | |