The region of Marche is on the Adriatic coast, in the central part of Italy. Marche shares borders with the regions of Tuscany (west), Umbria (southwest), Abruzzo and Lazio (south), Emilia-Romagna and San Marino (north).
Marche offers great sand beaches, such as in San Benedetto del Tronto and natural wonders including the Fracassi Caves. The mostly hilly towns feature notable historical sights, along with excellent viewpoints.
The capital, Ancona, is a seafront city offering attractive beaches and landmarks including the Arch of Trajan, a Roman Triumphal arch, and the magnificent building of Lazzareto.
The city of Urbino is a major tourist destination. Urbino, the birthplace of painter Raphael, has one of the most significant collections of Renaissance paintings in the world. You may see them in the National Gallery of the Marche (Galleria Nazionale delle Marche), housed in the magnificent Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale).
In the city of Ascoli Piceno, you will see remarkable historical structures such as Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo and Porta Germina.
Population: over 1.5 million inhabitants
Capital: Ancona
Other major cities: Ascoli Piceno, Fabriano, Urbino, Pesaro, Macerata, Civitanova Marche, Loreto
Main attractions: Raphael’s House, Palazzo Ducale with National Gallery of the Marche, Museo Diocesano Albani (Urbino); Arch of Trajan, Ancona Cathedral, Lazzaretto, Pinacoteca Comunale (art gallery), Marche National Archaeological Museum (Ancona); Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo (Ascoli Piceno); Basilica della Santa Casa (Loreto); Gradara Castle; Palazzo Leopardi (Recanati); Parque natural regional de la Garganta de la Rossa y de Frasassi (national park), Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo (preserve)
Nearest Airports: Marche Airport (AOI - Aeroporto delle Marche)
