surroundings

Attractions :: Cities & Towns :: Nearby Villages :: Markets :: Festivals

La Vecchia Scuola is uniquely placed within easy striking distance of the two extremes, the mountains and the sea. Opportunities abound to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic or for the nature-lovers, hiking, mountain-biking and horse riding in the nearby Sibillini National Park.

For those with cultural interests, there are numerous picturesque hilltop villages within close proximity where one can while away the hours wandering the narrow streets or visiting the many churches and museums. A number of significant works of art are located in the region such as the magnificent Crivelli Madonna and Child in Monte San Martino. 

Those with culinary interests will delight in the many inexpensive local restaurants. These provide a welcoming atmosphere and use fresh often home grown produce to produce delicious local dishes. A list of recommended restaurants is provided in the house book.

Le Marche also caters for the wine buffs with the wine producing regions of Matelica, Jesi and Mount Conero all within an hour’s drive of the house. Here one can enjoy tasting the white verdicchios and the full flavoured reds crafted from montepulciano and sangiovese grapes. Also try the house wines in the local restaurants – you will surely be pleasantly surprised!

The previously mentioned house book not only provides useful housekeeping information for people renting La Vecchia Scuola, but also gives suggestions regarding possible excursions, both nearby and further afield, along with a list of the owners’ favourite restaurants.

Read more about the Le Marche region here

Local Attractions
These have been grouped under different headings according to their focus, for the convenience of visitors to the house.

Sibillini Mountains and National Park

Overlapping the border between Le Marche and Umbria, the Parco Nazionale Monti Sibillini (established 1993) encompasses a mountain chain rising in the heart of Italy, with its highest peak, Mt Vettore, reaching 2476 metres. Glorious views abound throughout the entire area; it truly is a nature lover’s paradise. The aim of the park was “to safeguard the environment, promote a social and economically sustainable development, and favour the creation of a park suitable to everyone”. To this end, a diverse range of activities is offered, including the following:
- Rock climbing
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horse-riding
- Skiing
- Picnics

Adriatic Coast

Within a 40 minute drive of La Vecchia Scuola lies some of the most dramatic coastline in Italy, complete with superb beaches. 
Just south of Ancona rises the solitary limestone peak of Monte Conaro whose sheer slopes drop down to the translucent waters of the Adriatic and some of the prettiest beaches of the area. The first port south of Ancona is Portonovo, the smallest resort on the Conero Riviera. You can dine on exquisite fresh seafood, washed down by the local verdicchio white wines, at restaurants perched at the water’s edge, with the stunning backdrop of the steep cliffs behind you. Further south are the two better known resorts, Sirolo and Numana. Sirolo boasts a pretty medieval centre, and both locations provide accommodation ranging from campsites through to luxurious hotels. Some of the more isolated coves can be reached only by boat, an ideal arrangement for those who prefer to avoid the more popular beaches. Sirolo also has one of the few golf courses in the area.

Art and Architecture

Each region of Italy has its own unique charm in which the locals take immense pride, and Le Marche is no exception. The people have lived off the fertile land since 6000 BC, thousands of years before the time of the Etruscans. The region’s historical depth is evident in the extraordinary richness of the art and architecture of the walled cities and hilltop towns. Even the smallest of the latter boasts a picturesque piazza and stunningly beautiful churches complete with amazing artworks.

One example of Le Marche’s history you will not want to miss is that of the Roman ruins below Urbisaglia, one of the many hilltop towns close to La Vecchia Scuola. Urbisaglia sits above the lush valley of the Torrente Fiastra and overlooks the ruins of the Roman city of Urbs Salvia. Urbs Salvia is an important archaeological site and preserves an amphitheatre and theatre that you can visit as well as portions of the defensive walls and other buildings. There is an archaeological museum with some artefacts from this area in Urbisaglia.

Cities and Towns
Listed are just some of many fascinating places worthy of a visit. Some are only a few minutes away from La Vecchia Scuola by car while others can be incorporated into a half day or full day drive.

Macerata - This ancient university city is home to many fine works of art and examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. The historic centre of Macerata is set within the city walls, and a relaxing day can be spent walking through the ancient streets that converge on the Piazza della Liberta`at the heart of the city. If you are an opera lover, the season runs from July to August and performances are staged in the remarkable open-air Sferisterio arena.

Ascoli Piceno - In the far south of Le Marche, this capital city has a real medieval feel, perhaps due to the Roman layout of the town, which was built over the original settlement of Asculum Picenum. The old town centre is dominated by the wonderful Bell Towers, and there are fine examples of Romanesque, Medieval and Renaissance architecture to be found. Ascoli Piceno revels in its history, and it is the site of one of Italy’s most extravagant historical performances, the Quintana, which takes place every year–it’s the place to be if you want to witness traditional jousting.

Urbino - Inside Urbino’s 15th century walls one finds oneself transported back to the time of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino between 1442 and 1482. The city he built has changed very little since then – the walls were still the city’s official boundary until the end of WWII. Urbino now houses the National Gallery and Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Ducale, one of the most beautiful buildings in a city not short of fine architecture. The gallery also makes Urbino one of the best places in Italy to come for art, as it contains works by artists such as Raphael, who was born here.

Amandola - There are many charming towns in the foothills of the Sibillini with wonderful views of both the surrounding fertile hills and the peaked mountains to the west. Amandola is one of these towns and is considered the gateway to the soaring and majestic Sibillini Mountains. The centro storico of Amandola sits on a hill, with the pretty Piazza Risorgimento welcoming you just as you enter the town. The two prominent features of this piazza are the 14th century Chiesa Sant’Agostino, which sits slightly lower than the piazza at the base of a wide staircase, and on the opposite side of the piazza the narrow Porta San Giacomo, which regularly has a few cars waiting their turn for oncoming traffic.

Sarnano - The modern town is overlooked by its picturesque medieval version, one of the few in Le Marche to have been left unaltered by developers. A steep, winding street leads past enchanting ancient stone buildings, many residential, up to a beguiling little square, Piazza Alta. This is flanked by the church of Santa Maria Assunta (13th century) and the town's medieval municipal buildings - Palazzo del Popolo with its finely decorated Gothic-Romanesque portal, the Torre Civica, the Palazzo dei Priori and the Palazzetto del Podestà. The more recent Palazzo Municipale, half way down in via Leopardi, houses a small art gallery which includes a Madonna and Child with two angels by Vittore Crivelli, younger brother of the more famous Carlo.

Loreto - Loreto is located on the right bank of the Musone river, on top of a gentle hill surrounded by olive trees, with wonderful views from the Apennines to the Adriatic. It is a world-famous destination for religious pilgrimage thanks to the presence of the "Casa Santa". The town's profile is dominated by the dome and belltower of the Basilica, on top of which is a statue of the Virgin Mary. The town rose around the Holy House, which according to the legend was brought by angels in one night to Italy to save it from destruction when Nazareth was going to be conquered by the Muslims. It is because of this legend that the Madonna di Loreto was proclaimed the patron of aviators by Pope Benedict XV on 24 March 1920.

Tolentino - Only ten minutes’ drive from La Vecchia Scuola, Tolentino is a bustling city of approximately 20,000 residents. Like many of these Italian towns, the old part originated as a walled area to protect its residents from possible attack. Much of the wall still exists, along with another attractive square or piazza, complete with the unique Torre dei Tre
Orologi (Tower of the Three Clocks). Another major attraction is the Basilica of San Nicola: for thirty years Saint Nicholas was stationed here, where he died in 1305.

Nearby Villages

San Ginesio - Named one of the 100 most beautiful towns in Italy, this picturesque little town is very close by. It has a pretty medieval piazza, several lovely churches, including the Collegiata, a Romanesque construction with a late Gothic facade. Inside are several notable works of art, including a painting by Simone De Magistris . Incredible panoramic views spread out below this village, along with quaint narrow streets which seem as though from a movie set.

Urbisaglia - Mentioned earlier because of the nearby Roman ruins, Urbisaglia itself is a charming hilltop village, once again providing exquisitely pretty views of the surrounding countryside. It has yet another pretty piazza, along with some charming old buildings, shops and a delightful restaurant, Le Logge.

Loro Piceno - Another tiny walled town situated above the more modern development, this town is famous locally for its vino cotto (literally, cooked wine). It is worth wandering around the quaint little cobbled streets and exploring the older part of Loro Piceno. Another recommended restaurant is Al Girarrosto, set in a renovated wine cellar of a 17th century Franciscan monastery.

Some of the many other picturesque hilltop towns within thirty minutes’ drive of La Vecchia Scuola are San’ Angelo in Pontano (birthplace of the aforementioned Saint Nicholas), Gualdo, Monte San Martino (Crivelli paintings in the main church), Calderola, Camerino, Serrapetrona and Penna San Giovanni.

Local Markets

Most of the local towns have a weekly market day, usually in or near the local piazza.  These provide a wonderful opportunity to experience some local colour and obtain a “feel” for the area.  The markets include food of most types (glorious displays of every variety of salumi and cheeses, vivid piles of colourful freshly harvested fruit and vegetables, fragrant flowers and plants) and shoes, clothing, leather goods, linens, toys, household items etc.  Enjoy an excellent coffee (at ridiculously cheap prices!) at one of the local bars with the friendly locals and then stock up according to your needs.
Local village markets                                 

Festivals

It is a known fact that Italians love any excuse for a festival, and they ensure there are plenty of reasons to have them.  Many add a note of pageantry and a cultural and historical flavour to your holiday.  Some are religion-based, some are great costume affairs, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages.  There are music festivals and antique fairs, while the majority are related to celebrations of local produce in the form of food and drink – a crucial part of the life of Italians!  The latter cover a wide variety such as chocolate, cheese, salumi, wine, olives, truffles etc.  There are countless small local festivals and the best advice we can give you is to look out for the banners and posters advertising them as you drive through the different areas.
Teatro Classico - Classical theatre productions staged in two of the Marche's finest Roman amphitheatres - July & August - tel. +39 0734 710115 (Falerone) or +39 0733 506385 (Urbisaglia)

• Amandola - International Theatre Festival - end August to early September. tel. +39 0736 840704
  
• Castelfidardo - International Accordion Festival early October. One of the world's leading events dedicated to the instrument. Tel +39 071 7829349.
  
• Ancona - Ancona Jazz Festival - Teatro Sperimentale - early November. tel. +39 071 217 4239
  

Eating events or Sagre:
Pretty well every town and village throughout the Marche has some food or wine event during the summer months. Here are just a few of them :

June

• Pianello (near Cagli) - Sagra della Lumaca (snails) - mid-June
• Apiro (near Cingoli) - Sagra del formaggio pecorino (pecorino cheese)

July

• Sefro (near Camerino) - Festa della Pizza - early July
• Matelica - Sagra della Rana (frogs)
• Ostra Vetere (near Corinaldo) - Festa della trota (trout) - earlyJuly
• Montemarciano (near Senigallia) - Sagra del pesce (fish)
• Corinaldo - polenta festival on third Sunday in July to commemorate the time when the town's people successfully resisted a siege thanks to copious supplies of the stuff.
• Sefro (near Camerino) - Festa del Tortellino alla boscaiola (pasta) - late July
• Castelplanio (near Jesi) - Sagra della crescia sul panaro (stuffed flat bread) - last Sunday of July
• Ostra Vetere (near Corinaldo) - Sapori ed Aromi di Casa Nostra - late July - local food, music and a procession of old farm machines

August

• Monte Vidon Combatte (near Fermo) - Sagra delle quaglie (quails) - 1st Sunday
• Sassoferrato - Sagra del Cinghiale (wild boar)
• Cingoli - Sagra di prosciutto e melone
• San Severino Marche - Sagra della ceca (chick peas)
• Staffolo (near Cingoli) - Festa del Verdicchio (verdicchio wine festival)
• Fermo - Sagra delle vongole (shell fish)
• Serra San Quirico (near Fabriano) - Sagra del coniglio in porchetta (roast rabbit with fennel)
• Monteprandone (near San Benedetto del Tronto)- Sagra delle olive fritte (fried stuffed olives)
• Pedaso - Sagra Nazionale delle cozze (mussels)
• Massignano (near Ascoli Piceno) - Sagra delle frittelle (omelettes)
• Vererotta (near Ascoli Piceno) - Sagra della vitella allo spiedo (spit-roast veal)
• Loro Piceno - Sagra del Vin Cotto (a sweet "cooked" wine)

September

• Apiro (near Cingoli) - Sagra della polenta
• Montecassiano - Sagra del pesce (fish)
• Cupramontana - grape festival in the heart of Verdicchio wine country in September.
• Piandimileto (near Urbino) - Mushroom fair
• Lapedona (near Fermo) - Sagra del Vino Cotto (the Marche version of Vin Santo)
• Fermo - Sagra della Polenta
• Arcevia - Sagra dell'uva (grape festival)

October

• Acqualagna (near Cagli) - Fiera nazionale del tartufo (truffle fair) - last weekend in October and first two weekends in November in the town that calls itself the "truffle capital".
• Acquasanta Terme (near Ascoli Piceno) - Festa d'autunno (autumn produce)
• Montemonaco (near Ascoli Piceno) - Sagra della Castagna (chestnut)
• Castelsantengelo sul Nera (near Visso) - Sagra del Marrone Castellano (chestnut)
• Sant'Agata Feltria - White Truffle fair
• Sant'Angelo in Vado (near Urbino) - Mostra del tartufo bianco (white truffle)

November

• Talamello (near San Leo) - Formaggio di Fossa cheese fair
• Acqualagna (near Cagli) - truffle fair - last weekend in October and first three weekends in November in the village that calls itself the "truffle capital".

Outlet Shopping

Le Marche has a large range of outlets, ranging from leather goods, especially shoes (the region is considered the home of shoes in Italy) through to clothing, denim, housing goods.  Amongst them are the globally known shoe and clothing brands Prada, Tods, and Geox and Tombolini clothing (men’s and women’s).
A detailed pamphlet providing information on locations, opening hours etc of Inlet/Outlet Shopping is available at tourist offices.