Central Italy: The Marches and Abruzzo

It is a matter of fact: Italy possesses the most remarkable artistic and cultural heritage of the world. And this is not all: its culture is not just to be found in the great artistic cities, but is diffuse, "spread" throughout national territory as in no other country. 

The proof? Le Marche. A region in which a rich and varied countryside with the Adriatic sea, its flat and sandy coast interrupted at intervals by rugged, rocky precipices. Also, the musical agricultural landscape of its gentle hills; the deep and mysterious caves; the protected areas of natural beauty is enriched with towns, villages, palaces, and religious buildings, all of them of significant architectural and artistic value. 

This is the case with the cathedral of Ancona, the regional capital, and an essential Adriatic port, or the temple of Pesaro. In Urbino, the Ducal Palace is a stupefying testimony of Renaissance grandeur. If you find yourself in Macerata during the summer, it is unpardonable not to book a seat at the grand Sferisterio theatre for a play or musical performance. At Ascoli Piceno, the blend of medieval and renaissance architecture (S. Francesco, Loggia dei Mercanti, Piazza del Popolo, etc.) arrests the attention of even the most distracted visitor. But in almost all the centers of Le Marche, even the smallest, there are many genuine artistic treasures.

This guide leads you in a two weeks car trip through Central Italy, in the regions of The Marches, Umbria, and Abruzzo. 

It covers the towns of Pesaro, Urbino, Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Foligno, Montefalco, Spoleto, Terni, Rieti, L'Aquila, Popoli, Rivisondoli, Roccaraso, Chieti, Pescara, Teramo, Ascoli Piceno, Macerata, Loreto and Ancona.

It includes many photos and descriptions of the attractions.