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The Marche region in Italy is a true treasure. Visitors are initially captivated by its stunning coastline that meets white-pebble beaches in welcoming towns. However, they soon discover that the rugged, mountainous countryside is equally vibrant and charming. This region boasts a thriving art and culture scene, with notable connections to Renaissance artist Raphael’s hometown and Ascoli Piceno, a city blending chic modernity with historical appeal.
Explore its medieval hilltop towns, ancient villages (32 recognized among “The most beautiful villages in Italy” by the National Association of Italian Municipalities and 27 awarded with the “Orange Flags” by the Italian Touring Club association), verdant landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich traditions – making The Marche a charming destination wedding
Ancona stands as the capital of the Marche Region, established in the 4th century BC by Greek settlers from Syracuse.
The grand ceremonial marble arch, standing desolately at the edge of the docks, commemorates the achievements of Roman Emperor Trajan.
Fabriano is renowned globally for its handmade paper. As a UNESCO Creative City, the town is home to the Paper and Watermark Museum.
Its paper is widely known for being used in banknotes and top-notch art paper worldwide.
Loreto is renowned for the Basilica of the Holy House, a significant Marian shrine worldwide, housing the Holy House of the Virgin Mary of Nazareth.
The perfect choise for your religius chatolic wedding.
Frasassi Caves are a natural wonder, comprising one of Europe’s largest cave systems. This karst wonderland, sculpted by the river Sentino in September 1971, offers walkways and dramatic lighting. The Grotta Grande del Vento, Europe’s largest single cavern, is so vast that it could comfortably accommodate Milan Cathedral.
The caves also feature incredibly elaborate stalagmites and stalactites, creating a mesmerizing sight. The Frasassi Caves where it is possible to get married among the underground beauties of its stalactites
Ascoli Piceno showcases remarkable monuments, with its historic center predominantly constructed in travertine. The car-free main square, Piazza del Popolo, paved with travertine, is a notable feature. Referred to as the city of a hundred towers, Ascoli Piceno is adorned with numerous noble and bell towers.
Fermo, one of the captivating hilltowns in southern Marche, is famous for its Roman cisterns. These underground chambers, constructed between 41 and 60 BC to preserve and purify the town’s water supply, are considered Italy’s finest example of their kind.
Macerata is a charming town famous worldwide for its annual outdoor opera festival.
Macerata is a charming town famous worldwide for its annual outdoor opera festival. In the center of the city stands the eighteenth-century palace commissioned by the Buonaccorsi family, currently owned by the municipality and home to various collections, including the Carriage Museum and collections of ancient and modern art.
With an internal courtyard and an Italian garden, the palace is known for its distinctive atrium with oak wood flooring and coffered ceilings painted with Baroque and Rococo mythological motifs.
The fascinating work by Michelangelo Ricciolini on the vaulted ceiling depicts the “Marriage of Bacchus and Ariadne”. Sumptuous and elegant weddings are celebrated in the Aeneid Hall.
Recanati, a charming small hill town, holds a special place in the hearts of many Italians as the birth town of one of the country’s most esteemed poets, Giacomo Leopardi (1798-1837). The Palazzo Leopardi, located at the southern end of the town where he spent his childhood, showcases memorabilia, manuscripts, and his captivating library.
In Recanati there is also The Marche Emigration Museum offers an emotional itinerary through the history of Marche migration, using images, objects, letters and innovative technologies to involve visitors in an interactive and engaging narrative. The museum also collaborates with Italea Marche, an association of travel designers specialized in traditional tourism.
They offer a personalized travel experience that can last one day, with an itinerary that includes the country of origin and places linked to family memories, or multiple days with activities to explore Italian culture and its traditions. Our destination wedding packages are also designed for roots tourism in collaboration with Italea Marche.
Urbino stands out as a significant destination wedding in Marche and Italy for art enthusiasts future sposes.
Its historic center holds the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status. In the late 15th century, Duke Federico da Montefeltro established a renowned court on its breezy hill, attracting top painters, poets, and scholars of the era to reside in one of Italy’s most exquisite Renaissance palaces, The Palazzo Ducale There weddings and civil unions can be celebrated.
The romantic medieval village of Gradara is known for its remarkably well-preserved 14th-century walls, featuring crenellated battlements and imposing towers, making it a prominent landmark in northern Marche.
The fortress, once belonging to the Malatesta family, is where the tragic love story of Francesca da Rimini and Paolo. Just like in fairy tales, you can experience the most special day of your life in a fascinating and ancient place, choosing from various high-level proposals to celebrate your union. Historic homes and enchanting landscapes will serve as the backdrop for your wedding, the exchange of rings and all the unforgettable moments of your wedding, making that day even more unique and unforgettable.
Pesaro, recognized as the city of music, is renowned for its famous resident Gioacchino Rossini and hosts the Rossini Conservatory.
The annual Rossini Opera Festival in August enjoys international acclaim for showcasing a variety of bel canto operas from his extensive repertoire. Pesaro is famous also for the magnificent Villa Imperiale offers a suggestive atmosphere for events and gala dinners, located in an enchanting historical and natural landscape. Once the residence of the Dukes of Urbino in the 16th century, it still hosts celebrations and weddings today, maintaining an aura of historical prestige.
Fano embraces the title of hosting Italy’s oldest Carnival in a charming coastal setting with a bustling fishing harbor and an appealing old town.
The impressive Arco di Augusto, a magnificent Roman triumphal arch built in 2 AD under the orders of Emperor Augustus, serves as a grand entrance to the town.
The Sibillini Mountains, between the Marche and Umbria, are also of extraordinary beauty, with over twenty peaks that exceed two thousand meters up to 2,476 m. with Monte Vettore.
In these magical and wild lands, home to a national park, memories of ancient medieval rites hover and evocative legends are handed down. The most famous are those of the Sibyl, an illustrious prophetess who lived in a cave located on the mountain of the same name and that of Pilate, according to which the body of the famous Roman prosecutor was dragged by some buffaloes into the red waters of the “demonic” lake located in area.
A wide range of itineraries are available in the park, including the one leading to the Lame Rosse, also known as “the canyon in Le Marche”. These amazing natural sculptures are situated near the Fiastra lake. These formations are formed by gravel and clay that have been shaped throughout the years by rain, wind and snow.
18 “Blue Flags” certify the quality of the seaside resorts of the Marche; the Conero Riviera, the stretch of coast that runs from the port of Ancona to Numana, is characterized by towering cliffs and pristine shingle beaches.
The highlight of this picturesque landscape is undoubtedly the two majestic limestone rocks that emerge from the sea like guardians of nature’s wonders. These iconic formations are known as “Le Due Sorelle” or “The Two Sisters” adding an air of mystique to an already awe-inspiring scene.
Further south, in the Riviera delle Palme, the stretch of over 15 km of coast from Cupra Marittima to the mouth of the Tronto river, San Benedetto del Tronto is one of the main holiday resorts of the southern Marche, with 8 km of wide sandy beach and over seven thousand palm trees on its wide promenade, giving the town a touch of tropical charm.
Exploring the ancient hilltop villages of Le Marche, which have stood for centuries, compels every visitor to slow down and appreciate their unique charm. These locations are rich in art, history, traditions, and welcoming locals who greet visitors with open arms. Thirty-two villages in the region have been honored as the most beautiful villages in Italy by the National Association of Italian Municipalities.
Beyond these villages, tourists can uncover grand castles and fortresses scattered throughout the area, such as the Francesco di Giorgio Martini Fortress in the Montefeltro region, the Offagna Fortress, the Albornoz Fortress in Sassoferrato, and the splendid Della Rovere Fortress in Senigallia. Additionally, the inland villages of Marche proudly hold esteemed titles like the Orange Flag, the Authentic Village, and the Green Flag.
The Touring Club Italiano has recently honored 28 Marche inland towns with its esteemed “Orange Flag” awards. These towns include Acquaviva Picena, Amandola, Apecchio, Camerino, Cantiano, Cingoli, Corinaldo, Frontino, Frontone, Genga, Gradara, Mercatello sul Metauro, Mondavio, Montecassiano, Montelupone, Monterubbiano, Morrovalle, Offagna, Ostra, Ripatransone, San Ginesio, San Severino Marche, Sarnano, Serra San Quirico, Staffolo, Urbisaglia, Valfornace, Visso. The Bandiere Arancioni are awarded to select small inland municipalities throughout Italy, recognizing their exceptional offerings to tourists while maintaining a focus on environmental conservation. These towns must fulfill specific criteria, including provisions for hospitality, events, and more.
The “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” club, known as “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”, comprises significant art and historical towns in Italy. Established in 2001 by the National Association of Italian Communes, the club focuses on safeguarding, conserving, and rejuvenating small urban areas, be it towns or villages, recognized for their historical significance. To become a member, a town must meet specific criteria, including the integrity of the urban space, architectural coherence, quality of life, historical and artistic value of buildings, and efficient public services.
The club hosts various events like festivals, exhibitions, fairs, and concerts in these villages to promote and celebrate their artistic, cultural, and historical heritage, along with showcasing local wines and cuisine. Residents, associations, schools, and local artists actively participate in these events.
• Arcevia
• Cingoli
• Corinaldo
• Esanatoglia
• Fiorenzuola di Focara di Pesaro
• Frontino
• Gradara
• Grottammare
• Macerata Feltria
• Mercatello sul Metauro
• Mondavio
• Mondolfo
• Monte Grimano Terme
• Montecassiano
• Montecosaro
• Montefabbri di Vallefoglia
• Montefiore dell’Aso
• Montelupone
• Monteprandone
• Moresco
• Morro d’Alba
• Offagna
• Offida
• Pergola
• Petritoli
• San Ginesio
• Sarnano
• Sassoferrato
• Servigliano
• Treia
• Visso
The “Green Flag Agriculture” is an accolade that acknowledges farms, regions, provinces, municipalities, mountain communities, and parks for their commendable environmental protection policies, sustainable land use practices, and promotion of local products for tourism.
The provinces of Marche all border the Adriatic Sea, with ancient cities along the coast boasting rich histories as significant ports and markets
• Travelers coming from Rome via the Via Flaminia would first reach Fano on the sea, while Senigallia, situated at the mouth of the River Misa, hosts the Fiera di Sant’Agostino fair, honoring the city’s mercantile heritage.
• Ancona, initially a Picene port, transitioned into a Greek and Roman port over time.
• Numana, Porto Sant’Elpidio, and San Benedetto del Tronto, all important Picene and Roman ports, along with Fermo and Ascoli Piceno, continue to play vital roles as coastal towns.
• Many coastal towns, like Ancona and San Benedetto del Tronto, serve as active ports, with Ancona being a significant commercial port and the latter, along with Fano, Civitanova Marche, and Porto San Giorgio, being prominent fishing ports.
• The region’s proximity to the sea has fostered a remarkable local cuisine and spurred the growth of tourism, especially after sea-bathing became popular in the mid-19th century.
• Coastal towns in Marche have seen the development of bathing establishments, sports facilities, and hotels, attracting millions of visitors post-World War II.
• The region’s coast offers numerous attractions, with its prized feature being the fine sandy beaches stretching from Gabicce Mare to San Benedetto del Tronto.
• Senigallia’s “velvet beach” has been a popular tourist spot since the 20th century, while the rocky coves near Ancona and the Conero promontory offer clear blue waters and hidden bays.
• Visitors are drawn to the charming seaside resorts of Portonovo, Sirolo, and Numana in spring, when Monte Conero blooms with broom, and in autumn, when the strawberry tree casts warm hues over the landscape.
• Towns and villages looking out over the sea
• Exploring the Marche region offers a variety of experiences from the coastal beaches to the inland valleys and historic towns. You can venture to the old towns on the hillsides, admire medieval castles like Gabicce Monte, Casteldimezzo, and Fiorenzuola di Focara, or explore fortified villages such as Mondolfo with Marotta. The region also boasts Falconara Alta with Falconara Marittima, Montemarciano with Marina di Montemarciano, and Sirolo and Numana. Additionally, you can visit Recanati with Porto Recanati, Potenza Picena with Porto Potenza Picena, Civitanova Alta with Civitanova Marche, Sant’Elpidio a Mare with Porto Sant’Elpidio, Porto San Giorgio with the Marina, Fermo with Torre di Palme, Cupra Alta (or Marano) with Cupra Marittima, Grottammare Alta with Grottammare, and San Benedetto del Tronto with the Gualtieri tower.
The coastal region of Marche boasts two regional nature parks offering a unique holiday experience blending the beauty of untouched natural surroundings with seaside delights.
• Between Gabicce Mare and Pesaro lies the Monte San Bartolo Regional Park, perfect for hiking and guided tours.
• This park hosts significant wetlands and serves as a winter sanctuary for various bird species like the herring gull, the Mediterranean gull, and the cormorant.
• Along the coast, you’ll find charming rocky coves with small beaches to explore.
• The Monte Conero Regional Park features holm-oak and downy oak forests alongside vast Mediterranean scrublands.
• It’s an excellent spot to spot passage migrants such as the long-legged buzzard, honey buzzard, and marsh harrier.
• The park offers captivating hiking trails, and the coastal waters are ideal for boat excursions.
• Another noteworthy reserve is the Sentina, located between Porto d’Ascoli and the Tronto river.
• This area is characterized by sandbanks, salt marshes, and wetlands, providing a habitat for 143 bird species.
The variety of beaches, along with the nearby hills and mountains, offer a wide range of sports activities. This includes options like sailing, golf, scuba diving, exciting horseback riding, water-skiing, and mountain biking. Moreover, beach volleyball tournaments on fine sand and opportunities for rock climbing on the white cliffs overlooking the Adriatic add to the excitement.
In areas like Vallugola, Ancona, Portonovo, Sirolo, Numana, and Pedaso, spearfishing is still a popular pastime. There are numerous yacht ports available in places such as Gabicce Mare (Vallugola), Pesaro, Fano, Senigallia, Ancona, Numana, Civitanova Marche, and San Benedetto del Tronto. Notably, the Marina di Porto San Giorgio harbor boasts 800 berths, making it the largest yacht port in the Adriatic.
Sea and maritime history enthusiasts can explore different museums to quench their curiosity:
• In Pesaro, there is the Museo della Marineria pesarese “Washington Patrignani.”
• San Benedetto del Tronto offers the Museo del Mare.
• Visit Cupra Marittima to experience the Museo Malacologico Piceno, showcasing a captivating collection of shells from around the globe.
The Marche region is renowned for its cities of art and historic villages that uphold art and culture. This area has nurtured exceptional talents, including the influential artist of the High Renaissance, Raphael Sanzio, who was born in Urbino. The region showcases masterpieces by renowned artists like Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Lorenzo Lotto, Giovanni Bellini, Carlo Crivelli, G.B. Tiepolo, P.P. Rubens, and Titian.
These artworks can be appreciated in numerous art galleries and churches across the region. Additionally, the region features 18th-century theaters, Roman roads, amphitheaters, and historic libraries. Cultural festivities enrich the area, such as the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, the Macerata Opera Festival at Macerata’s Sferisterio, a grand neo-classical arena, and the Pergolesi Spontini Festival in Jesi.
The cultural landscape includes museums, libraries, archives, theaters, as well as significant religious sites like abbeys, monasteries, and churches. The Marche region also boasts many castles, walled towns, and countless fortresses.
