Marche

Marche is found on the eastern side of Italy next to Lazio and Umbria but nowhere near as well known.



The main city is Ancona on the Adriatic coast where tourists and Italians on holiday go to admire the beautiful beaches. But the region also boasts unspoiled mountainous areas and ski runs on the Monti Sibillini mountain ranges.



This is an up and coming region and there are several places of interest in this relatively unknown part of Italy. The most obvious place to visit is Urbino, which for a long time was the major city. It has a magnificent renaissance palace, Palazzo Ducale, built in the 1450s, which dominates the town.



Other places not to miss are:

- San Leo - Visit the town's great hilltop fortress and the famous death-place of Count Cagliostro.


- Urbania - Take part in a ceramic workshop in a place that has been the heart of Italian handmade ceramics since the 15th century.


- Jesi - Go to the birthplace of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II


- Loreto - Santa Casa is Italy's second most important pilgrimage site after Rome and has been since the 14th century


- Ascoli Piceno - Don't miss this town's main square, Piazza del Popolo, it's considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Marche is rich in sights, sounds and scents - but did you know about the opportunity to sleep in the surrounds of a true monastery or convent guest house? Monastery Stays opens the door to rooms in Marche, staying as the guest of monks or nuns. Not just another hotel, but a genuine slice of life in Marche with bed and breakfast accommodation that leaves you with sense of 'wellness' and a holiday experience to remember! Search, plan and book your Monastery Stay today.