History lives and breathes in Le Marche. You can see it in the rich art and architecture of the walled cities. You can taste it in the traditional cuisine and excellent wines, and you can live it through ancient festivals still celebrated. Everywhere you go in Le Marche you can see where time has left its mark.

Although Le Marche borders Umbria, and is within easy reach of Tuscany, and even Rome, it is a region with a very strong sense of its own identity. Within the eleven valleys that traverse the area, from the Monti Sibillini National Park to the awe-inspiring beauty of the coast, lies a truly remarkable land, and one in which life has changed very little over the centuries. So what has made this area so unique?

People have lived off this fertile land since 6000BC, thousands of years before the time of the Etruscans, in the 7th C BC, when the Piceni people populated the area. Through the coastal towns, like Ancona, they had links with the Ancient Greeks, and later, and less welcome, the Gauls. Nearly two and a half millennia later, Gallic influence is still apparent in the dialects spoken in the north.

Ancona was the gateway to Italy through which Christianity entered, paving the way for the battles between Popes and Holy Roman Emperors for control of the region that were to come during the time of the Renaissance. This time saw huge fluctuations in power between ruling families, the Borgias among them. While cities like Urbino and Jesi were passed around like pawns, the smaller towns gained in strength and stature – it is no mystery why Le Marche is known for its 100 walled cities.

Meanwhile, through the centuries, people continued to farm, to make wine, to celebrate the passage through the year with religious festivals and to live their lives in a way that is not much different than it is today. In Le Marche, you can feel as if you have experienced the past.

‘Must-see’ towns in Le Marche.

Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno, in the far south of Le Marche, has a real medieval feel, perhaps due to the Roman layout of the town, which was built over the original settlement of Asculum Picenum. The old town centre is dominated by the wonderful Bell Towers, and there are fine examples of Romanesque, Medieval and Renaissance architecture to be found. Ascoli Piceno revels in its history, and it is the site of one of Italy’s most extravagant historical performances, the Quintana, which takes place every year–it’s the place to be if you want to witness traditional jousting. It's numerous street cafes also make it an excellent place to watch the world go by.

Jesi
Another of Le Marche’s distinguished walled cities, the beautiful town of Jesi dates back to a settlement named ‘Aesis’ by the Romans, who took it over from the resident Umbrians in 247BC. Jesi survived the battle between the Guelphs and the Ghibbelines in the 14th century to become the birthplace of Federico II and the composer Giovanni Battista di Pergolesi, to whom the magnificent opera house is dedicated. Jesi also has a reputation for fine wine – the famous Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi is much sought after.

Macerata
The first settlement established on the site where Macerata is today was destroyed in 408 AD, despite its defensive situation on the side of a hill. As can be seen, the town grew in stature and is today home to many fine works of art and examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The historic centre of Macerata is set within the city walls, and a relaxing day can be spent walking through the ancient streets that converge on the Piazza della Liberta`at the heart of the city. If you are an opera lover, the season runs from July to August and performances are staged in the remarkable open-air Sferisterio arena.

Recanati
Recanati is the birthplace of one of Italy’s most famous poets – Giacomo Leopardi. Such was his influence, that it would be easy to think that Recanati is simply a monument to him, but Recanati has much more of interest to offer. The many ancient buildings lend the town an elegance and warmth. The public art gallery houses some beautiful works of art, particularly those of Lorenzo Lotto. Recanati is also home to a museum of opera – the only one of its kind, and a tribute to its other famous son, Beniamino Gigli, the world famous tenor.

Urbino
You only have to enter Urbino’s 15th century walls to be transported back to the time of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino between 1442 and 1482. The city he built has changed very little since then – the walls were still the city’s official boundary until the end of WWII. Urbino now houses the National Gallery and Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Ducale, one of the most beautiful buildings in a city not short of fine architecture. The gallery also makes Urbino one of the best places in Italy to come for art, as it contains works by artists such as Raphael, who was born here.