Discovering Marche
Gradara (PU): one of the prettiest villages in Italy, at one time the double boundary walls and the three drawbridges made the powerful Malatestiana Fortress impregnable.
Fermo (AP): the cathedral, which houses the precious, gold and silk chasuble (sacerdotal outer vestment) of St. Thomas of Canterbury in the sacristy, is situated at the top of the medieval town.
San Leo (PU): its imposing castle stands on one of the characteristic cliffs of the Marecchia Valley, in the heart of Montefeltro.
Sirolo (AN): in the heart of Conero, this ancient town is characterized by its rock-city appearance. With truly suggestive lanes and alleys and an unforgettable landscape.
Other villages: Fabriano, Fossombrone, Jesi, Osimo, Recanati, Serra San Quirico.
Tastes and flavors in Marche
Bostrengo: also called ‘pulisci credenza’ (literally sideboard cleaner), made of simple ingredients like stale bread, rice, raisins, dried figs, and chopped walnuts.
Ancona-style fish soup: mixed fish sautéed with garlic, onion and vinegar. Cicerchiata: typical cake made in small loaves or ring-shaped, made with flour, anisette and caramel.
Perch fritters: perch fillets marinated in white wine and lemon juice and then dipped in batter.
Wines: Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, Rosso Conero, Verdicchio, Vernaccia di Serrapetrona.
Handicrafts in Marche
Albarello: this is the oldest type of jar for pharmaceutical use; currently used to adorn the home.
Harmonicas: famous worldwide, those made by the artisans of Castelfidardo are handmade.
Pillow laces: The Affida (AP) laces, the oldest, draw their inspiration from the friezes engraved on the doorway of the Roman-Gothic church of S. Maria della Rocca.
Frette Rosa terracottas: terracotta items for the home which are still made in this small town.
Marche: events & exhibitions
Aqualagna: October and November – National White Truffle Fair.
Ascoli Piceno: August - Giostra della Quintana (Quintain Joust). This knightly tournament is enlivened by over a thousand participants in fifteenth-century costumes and by flag-wavers.
Camerino: Mid-May – Re-evocation of the ‘Corsa alla Spada e Palio’ (Sword and Banner Race). The athletes of the various ‘contradas’ (quarters) compete for the sword and banner after having run 1300 meters in the historical center.
Fermo: May/September – International Music Festival.