Exploring Marche and surrounding areas
Situated in the northernmost part of Marche a stay at PiandiCastello
allows you to easily explore the Italian provinces of Marche, Emilia-Romagna,
Umbria and the independent Republic of San Marino. Within an easy
day's excursion it is also possible to explore such world marvels
as Florence or Venice.
Marche is one of Italy's lesser-known wonders. In the centre of
Italy, along the Adriatic coast, the word Marche comes from an
ancient German word meaning "lands along the border".
It was the border in ancient Roman times. Known as the "Tuscany
of the Adriatic coast", to visit Marche is to visit Italy.
Divided into four provinces, Pesaro-Urbino to the north, Ancona,
Macerata and Ascoli Piceno to the south, the Marche extends from
the Adriatic coast in the east to the Sibillini Mountain chain
of the Appenines in the west. From north to south, the region is
characterised by gently rolling hills and fertile valleys that
run east to west from the sea to the mountains. Along these valleys,
four-lane highways connect the seaboard and the A14, the major
north-south highway, to the interior, making it possible to swim
in the sea in the morning and relax in the shade of an alpine forest
in the afternoon.
About 30 kilometres south of our house in Piandicastello lies
Urbino, hidden deep in one of the most remote corners of Marche.
Among the most exquisite Renaissance towns in the world, it is
protected by the picturesque slopes and valleys of the eastern
Appenines, thus eluding all but the most determined visitors. Those
who come however are rewarded with the breathtaking sight of its
beautiful skyline as it suddenly looms overhead. Still surrounded
by the walls built in 1507, today Urbino is an erudite university
town with Rafael as one of its famous sons. It boasts a first-class
picture gallery, several stunning churches and piazzas, and the
Palazzo Ducale, surely one of the world's most unforgettable edifices.
Other places to visit nearby include: Gradara, a walled fort and
town where Dante based his Inferno; San Leo, the classic Italian
castle on a mountain top village; and Pennabilli where the antiques
shops and festivals are inspiring.
The Republic of San Marino with its castles on the three mountain
peaks towers over much of the area. With history living in every
part of it to this day, it is a wonderful place to explore the
incredible events that have been happening in this part of the
world for hundreds of years. There are also many opportunities
to buy souvenirs and gifts in this duty-free country.
The small near-by villages of Tavaleto, Auditore and Mercatino
Conca are also worth exploring. Here you can see and feel everyday
Italian life: from morning coffee, through a leisurely lunch to
a wonderful evening meal, all in historic villages under the warm
Italian sky.
Neighbouring Emilia-Romagna and Umbria are equally historic with
their wonderful towns like Bologna and Ravenna, Arezzo and Perugia
easily accessible form Piandicastello. But perhaps of course you
would just like to relax beside the pool or drive down to the beach
to swim in the warm Adriatic. Rimini, Riccione, Misano Adriatico,
Cattolica and Gabicce Mare have lovely well-organised beaches.
If you prefer more remote beaches head down to the Conero peninsula.
Nothing seems a problem when you're in Piandicastello and we are
sure your will enjoy you stay.
For your further delight here are some useful website links:
http://www.turismo.marche.it
http://www.wel.it/Welcome/Marche/index.it.html
http://www.initaly.com/regions/erm/erm.htm
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