As mentioned earlier, our journey begins in Italy. Ok, but where in Italy? In Marche! Marche – who??? Marche! Never heard of it?? …hmm…well…hmm…how do you even pronounce this thing? Well, it’s something similar to “MAR-ke”.
Marche is like a miniature of Italy and, as a matter of fact, quoting some past regional campaign “The Marche: Italy in one region“, because in said region you can find: the sea, mountains, hills, history, art, local traditions, nature, typical food and wine…Wait, wine?? Yes and good ones, by the way!
Oh get off the beaten track, already! If you visit Marche, you’re even gonna spare some money! It costs less than other “famous” Italian regions.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Let’s take a look at some facts about Marche:
- 9,401 square kilometres;
- 239 comuni, from which 56% have got less than 3,000 inhabitants;
- 1,541,319 inhabitants (census 2011);
- Population density: 164 inhabitants/km2;
- Life expectancy: 85.4 for women, 80.3 for men;
- 180 kilometres of coastline;
- Bathed by the Adriatic sea;
- 9 marinas;
- Giacomo Leopardi – an Italian poet, essayist, philosopher and philologist -, was born in Recanati;
- The most interesting cities of art are: Ancona, Ascoli Piceno, Fermo, Macerata, Pesaro and Urbino;
- There are 12 protected areas: Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, Monte Conero, Sasso Simone e Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa and Frasassi, Abbadia di Fiastra, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca, Sentina, Gola del Furlo, Monte San Vicino and Monte Canfaito;
- The town of Loreto brings lots of tourists, due to the fact that it contains the “Holy House of Nazareth”. It is said that the Virgin Mary was born, lived and received the announcement of the birth of Jesus there;
- The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino is one of the most important sanctuaries of central Italy;
- Are you a sports kind of person? You can practice canoeing, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, caving, canyoning, cycling, golf, horse riding, sailing and other water sports there;
- Planetariums, observatories, museums, theatres…;
- Are you keen on Opera? You have to visit the Sferisterio! Beau-ti-ful!;
- Wanna go shopping? You can find ceramics, antiques, furniture (specially kitchens), leather goods, terracotta… Ok, ok! Let’s go straight to the point! Shooooooes, ladies!!! This is an awesome place to buy shoes!!! Plan your next vacation now!
Have you ever been to Marche? #destinazioneMarche