THE 10 GOALS
not to be missed
1. Ancona
The capital. Besides being a beautiful city rich in history, it is also one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean. And the most evocative thing... did you know that Ancona is the only city in Italy where the sun rises and sets over the sea, creating truly incredible landscapes? Must-sees include the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, from which you can see the entire city and the sea from above; the lazaretto, a pentagonal fortress on the water; and the Roman arch. It's also important to note that just a stone's throw from the center is the Passetto beach, seemingly ordinary, but transformed into something incredible when viewed from the sea up its steps. See for yourself.
2. The Conero Riviera
The Marche region is a succession of beaches, all more or less sandy, overlooking the Mediterranean, until you suddenly reach Mount Conero. Here, the landscape changes completely. We find a rocky beach from which you can enjoy the marvelous sea in front and the imposing Mount Conero in the background. The beaches of Portonovo encapsulate the region's overall beauty. The union of mountain and sea in a single view.
3. The Frasassi Caves and the Valadier Temple
The most famous caves in Italy and arguably the most fascinating in the world. It's a 13 km long route made up of tunnels dug by speleologists over the years. Inside, you'll find underground lakes, stalagmites, and stalactites. There are several cavities, but the most evocative is undoubtedly the Ancona Abyss, one of the largest caves in the world (180 m long, 120 m wide, and 200 m high). Right near the Frasassi Caves, you'll find an architectural structure camouflaged by the surrounding rocks: the Valaider Temple. Built in 1828 by Pope Leo XII and designed by the architect Valadier, from whom it takes its name, it features an octagonal structure with a domed roof, inserted into a cave. Once used as a refuge for Christian sinners, today it is an evocative place to pray before the statue of the Madonna, sculpted by Canova, located inside.
4. Recanati and Leopardi's house
Between the Marche region's hinterland and coast lies the balcony city: Recanati, so named for the breathtaking views that can be enjoyed from every vantage point. A candidate for "Italian Capital of Culture 2018," it boasts the fame of being the birthplace of important historical figures: Beniamino Gigli, the renowned opera singer, but above all Giacomo Leopardi, one of the greatest literary poets of all time. Right here in Recanati, you can visit LA CASA LEOPARDI: the birthplace of the famous poet, still inhabited by his descendants, but open to visitors, where you can experience the emotion of his works and, above all, discover the profound soul of the poet who led him to his greatness.
5. Furlo Gorge and Giants' Potholes
The Giants' Cauldrons are areas originally covered by glaciers, later melted by river erosion, featuring gorges with a fantastic display of colors ranging from green to blue. In the Marche region, these areas are found in Fossombrone, with 30-meter-high gorges. This natural spectacle can be enjoyed from the Saltelli bridge, while the more adventurous can see the canyon up close by following a fairly steep trail, which is well worth the effort. Not far away is the Furlo Gorge: a nature reserve located in the province of Pesaro-Urbino that protects nature. It is a true green paradise, crossed by the Candigliano River.
6. Elcito and Canfaito
Elcito is known as "the village of silence." There are no shops or stores, the narrow road that runs through it is so narrow it's impossible to enter by car, and it's said to be home to only seven people. Recently renovated stone houses surround the ruins of the medieval castle, offering incredible views. Elcito is located in the province of Macerata and is one of the most enchanting places in the Marche region, where silence and peace reign supreme, making it feel like you're living in a fairytale, where time has stood still. A few kilometers away, on the slopes of Mount San Vicino, you can enjoy an enchanting experience, walking the trails of Mount Canfaito, which, especially in autumn, offers incredible colors. A hike in this nature reserve allows you to encounter hundreds of centuries-old trees, including the oldest beech tree in the Marche region, one of Italy's 300 monumental trees. Above all, you can admire the majesty of the King of Canfaito, a 500-year-old beech tree. How will you recognize it? all you need to do is find a huge snail-shaped root.
7. Lake Fiastra and Lame Rosse: the Canyon of the Marche
Lake Fiastra is an artificial lake designed to provide electricity to the Fiastrone Valley and offer moments of absolute relaxation to anyone who has time to stop for a walk or bike ride (on the bike path to the right of the dam), or for a swim, given its clear, unpolluted waters. Behind the beautiful Lake Fiastra are the Lame Rosse, mountains eroded by rain, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, which display a bright red color, typical of the American Canyon. During hikes, of varying difficulty, along the various trails, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the beauty of the Fiastrone River and the lake.
8. Loreto and the Holy House
The Basilica of Loreto is one of the principal places of Marian worship, among the most important and visited in the world. According to tradition, inside the basilica lie the remains of what was Jesus's true home in Nazareth. It features a Gothic-Renaissance style and was built in the late 1400s. The dome can be seen from a vast area stretching from the sea to the nearby hills, and it is directly beneath it that we find the Holy House, where the Virgin Mary is said to have received the Annunciation. This house has only three terracotta brick walls and lacks a ceiling or foundation.
9. Cingoli, the balcony of the Marche
Cingoli, a small village in the province of Macerata, thanks to its location 600 meters above sea level, has earned the nickname "Balcony of the Marche" because, looking out from its terrace, you can see all the beauty of our region, from the Sibillini Mountains to our Adriatic beaches. Cingoli is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic villages, transporting us to the past with its Gothic architecture and narrow streets lined with artisan shops. This village allows us to experience the past in a timeless beauty: Le Marche.
10. The medieval villages
In our region, just a few kilometers from our facility, you can discover the beauty and majesty of medieval villages, where tradition is still alive through vibrant folk festivals and fairs. Among the most beautiful are Offagna, with its medieval festivals in late July, whose evocative displays transport us back in time; Gradara, with its castle perched majestically on a hill; and Corinaldo, which still boasts its city walls and, especially at Halloween, transforms into a spooky and realistically horror-like setting, offering anyone passing through an unforgettable experience.
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