What is Marche? Exploring the Regions, Cuisine and Culture of this Italian Region.

Marche is a region in central Italy, stretching from the Adriatic Sea in the east to the Apennine Mountains in the west. The mountainous terrain and verdant valleys make it a popular destination for tourists seeking breathtaking views, delicious cuisine and an interesting cultural heritage. Marche comprises nine provinces, so discovering its varied attractions can be daunting. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Marche, exploring its regions, cuisine and cultural history.

Regions of Marche

Marche is divided into nine provinces: Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro-Urbino, Rieti and Rome; each of which has its own special character. Ancona is the capital city of Marche, and one of Italy’s major trading ports. Located on a narrow mainland inlet, it is the only province with an Adriatic coastline in the region. As the administrative center, it is home to Marche’s university and region-wide government buildings. Ascoli Piceno has many attractive medieval towns and quaint villages set amongst rolling hills and lush forests. Castles such as the Sforzacosta Castle and rocche (fortresses) are reminders of its rich past. Fermo is situated on a hillside in the center of Marche and is one of the most visited tourist areas in the region. It is known for its breath-taking views, sandy beaches, ancient churches and medieval villages. Highlights include the historic town of Fermo and the Porto San Giorgio Beach. Macerata, located in a hilly area between the Chienti and Potenza rivers, is the most popular destination in Marche for both tourists and locals alike. Its beautiful landscapes and historic buildings like the Palazzo Comunale provide memorable experiences. Pesaro-Urbino is an area renowned for art and culture, boasting impressive buildings such as the Palazzo Ducale and many churches. The coastal province of Rieti has some of the best sandy beaches and seaside resorts in all of Marche. This province also offers some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes thanks to its diverse environment including mountains, meadows, woods and rivers. Finally the coastal province of Rome is well known for its many beautiful beaches and charming villages such as Villanova di Federici and Civita Castellana. Tourists also flock to admire the splendid remains of 3rd century Rome scattered across the region.

Marche Cuisine

Marche cuisine is unique in Italy due to its roots in both French and Italian culinary tradition. Polenta, pasiella soup and other dishes that use ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic and anchovies are popular in the region. Grapes are also widely used in meals, often to make a traditional grape sauce that goes well with pork or veal dishes. One of Marche’s most famous dishes is braciole alla marinara. Braciole are thin slices of beef rolled into small cylinders with lard or pancetta and garlic, then stewed in tomato sauce. Another popular dish is vincisgrassi which is a rich lasagna made with layers of pasta, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms and ham. Seafood dishes such as mussels marinara or grilled fish are also available in Marche due to its location on the Adriatic Sea coast. In terms of drinks, Verdicchio is one of Marche’s most prestigious wines. Another popular option is Rosso Conero wine which is made from a blend of grapes grown on vines near the Conero mountain slope. Bicerin di Cotrugli is another traditional drink; it’s a hot coffee liqueur flavored with almond that originated in Rieti province. All these drinks will pair well with your Marche-inspired meal!

Marche Culture

Marche culture has deep roots with its architectural monuments, art collections, festivals and traditions all being strongly influenced by the Etruscans, Greeks and Romans. To explore this cultural heritage further you should consider visiting some of Marche’s museums and churches like the Civic Art Gallery of Pesaro or the Old Cathedral of Lungavilla di Fermo. You can also take part in traditional festivals such as the Diorama which takes place in Urbino every August -a night of puppet theatre dedicated to an ancient Muslim tale- or visit La Seguente which is held every May and celebrates merrymaking parade full of passion. Marche culture is also deeply rooted in folk music which can be enjoyed throughout the year at various festivals such as La Festa della Musica di Morrovalle in June or Paganelli Carnival at Montecassiano in February. The lullaby tradition is particularly strong in Marche where a typical lullaby usually consists of acoustic guitars accompanied by flutes and traditional singing; this reassuring sound can be heard everywhere from local festivals to street corners during summer evenings.

Conclusion

Marche is an Italian region with a lot to offer – from stunning coastal towns to picturesque mountain villages full of history, culture and delicious traditional dishes. In this article we have explored some of Marche’s regions, cuisine and cultural heritage but there is much more to discover for those who take the time to explore this diverse region. To learn more about what Marche can offer visit Italy Perfect for exclusive vacation ideas tailored to your desires .