Hidden treasures of Le Marche
The area is steeped in history. Le Marche has been inhabited from ancient times by Etruscan, Umbri, and Piceni tribes and later, by the Romans. They all have left behind their imprints – in architecture, art, and food. Le Marche is thus, a sensational melting pot of different cultures. That is perhaps why Le Marche can make anyone feel at home.
Off the beaten path and far away from the tourist circuit, Le Marche is literally a breath of fresh air. The coastal towns along the shimmering seas are full of an old world charm that is hard to find these days. But if it is a beach vacation that you are after, nothing can quite compare with the Conero coast, the ‘pearl of Le Marche’. Stark cliffs and white pebbled beaches make up the landscape of the Conero coast. Monte Conero, a solitary limestone peak plunges straight into the sea makes for a dramatic backdrop for the beaches that stretch away from it in both the directions.
Portonovo beach, situated in the Conero Riviera is close to the town of Ancona. It is a beautiful beach whose character is elevated by Fortino Napoleonico. It has now been converted into a unique hotel. Sirolo and Numana, the other major resorts on the Riviera are also composed of delightful, tranquil beaches; they serve well as places for fun as well as contemplation. Many beautiful coves are present between Sirolo and Portonovo which can be explored independently and make for great day trips.
As one advances from the beach to the mountains, Le Marche becomes more enchanting. Frasassi Caves, the largest underground complex of caves in Europe is located in le Marche. Extending for over 30 kilometres and eight stories, the Frasassi caves are remarkably beautiful. They contain stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites and are quite possibly the best site in Le Marche. The formations are numerous, enthralling, and downright fascinating. Many of the caves can be visited on guided tours. Some caves, which are not covered in the guided tours, can be accessed by hiking trails.
The patrimony from Le Marche’s numerous, culturally distinct ancestors, is evident in the structures that dot the countryside. The walled city of Urbino is mixes the medieval with Renaissance, with a bit of the 21st century thrown in for good measure. The imposing Palazzo Ducale rises over the rest of the structures in both, character and beauty.
Near Urbino are the fortresses of Sassocorvaro and San Leo. Sassocorvaro has a grim, tough exterior, but the interior is exquisite and ornate, with a frescoed theatre and a Renaissance courtyard. Some of Italy’s most renowned works of art were stored in Sassocorvaro in the Second World War. San Leo has been in existence for centuries, but it was modified in the fifteenth century to serve as a stronghold. It has a rich and a colourful history. Dante is said to have used the territory near San Leo as an inspiration for purgatory and Vatican criminals were imprisoned in the fortress. It is a must visit for those who have a thirst for adventure.
Loreto, a town in Le Marche hosts a wide variety of pilgrims who come to offer respects at the Basilica della Santa Casa, which is supposed to contain the house of Virgin Mary. The Basilica is built around the ‘holy house’, a plain stone structure, contained within a marble tabernacle. Decorated by many Renaissance masters, the Basilica is elaborate in structure and design. The shrine is a must visit for the believers and the non-believers, due to its divine nature and the splendid beauty of the structure.
Apart from its spiritual side, Le Marche is exceedingly vibrant and has numerous festivals which are held around the year. The International Accordion Festival, dedicated solely to that instrument, is held at at Castelfidardo in October. The sheer diversity of music played on the accordion at the festival leaves one agog. Castelfidardo is one of the leading villages, which crafts accordions. Le Marche also indulges in a variety of food and drink related festivals because if there is one thing that Le Marche is known for, it is food.
The culinary heritage of Le Marche is vast. Veering off the pizza and pasta formula which has been long associated with Italy, Le Marche delves into a different world of cooking. Brodetto all’Anconetana is a rich fish soup with a tomato base, made from over 13 varieties of fish. Different versions of this soup are found all over Le Marche and they are guaranteed to fascinate your taste buds. Vincisgrassi, a form of lasagna is a particular favourite of marchigiani, the people from Le Marche. Twelve layers of creamy pasta are interspersed with veal ragu, chicken liver, truffles or wild mushrooms, and béchamel sauce. It is understandably prepared only on special occasions but more pedestrian versions of the dish are available all around Le Marche.
Another speciality of Le Marche is Olive Ascolane. It is street food at its best, usually sold in paper cones from carts. Green olives are stuffed with meat and cheese and are dipped in beaten egg and breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to make this supremely delicious dish. Scrumptious and addictive, all these dishes are best sampled with the local wines like Rosso Conero, Spumante di Serrapetrona and Colli Pesaresi Rosso. Ah, to eat good food, drink fine wine, listen to music, strike conversations with people, and luxuriate in the pace at which life happens. Italian living at its best.
Le Marche, Italy’s hidden gem calls out to women who love to explore the unknown. There is simplicity in these unexplored territories, still pure and chaste. They open the doors to the real Italy, unchanged by the onslaught of curious tourists and allow one to experience the real essence of the country. Wander off the beaten path with The Wander Girls in Le Marche!
[Image credits: Wikimedia commons and flickr]
