INTRODUCTION
Le Marche lies on the eastern side of Italy, east of Umbria, between majestic mountains and inviting sea. The region is split into five provinces: Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno and the recently constituted Fermo. Its proximity to both mountains and sea makes it very appealing to prospective homebuyers. The Adriatic coastline stretches some 180km and includes some of the best Italian Blue Flag beaches, while the steep eastern slopes of Italy’s mountainous backbone, the Apennines, includes the stunning Monti Sibillini in the south.
The main autostrada, the A14, and the state highway SS16 run swiftly along the coast, but further inland they are slower as they weave up and down the region’s hills between towns. The regular intercity train connections at Ancona link the region with Bologna and Rome. Ancona is also the site of Le Marche’s international airport at Falconara, which is served by Ryanair from London Stansted.
Le Marche boasts 13 protected areas, forests and nature reserves — including the majestic Monti Sibillini — and the National Park at Monte Conero on the coast near Ancona. Historically, Le Marche has a remarkable historical heritage too, with its medieval hilltop towns and villages and more than 30 significant archaeological sites and 200 Romanesque churches, as well as beautiful Renaissance city of Urbino.
THE COAST
The coast of Le Marche stretches from Pesaro to San Benedetto del Tronto, past stretches of sandy beach and clean blue water and numerous small seaside towns and villages. The region can boast one of the highest number of Blue Flag beaches of any region in Italy. Ancona sits almost half way down the coast and is the administrative capital, and a busy port. With its Greek heritage there are many interesting styles of architecture. A lot of the coastal resorts are relatively small and retain a certain old-fashioned charm.
The largest seaside resort is Pesaro, in the north, which is bursting with good shops and restaurants. Famous for being the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, the town has an annual Opera Festival. Senigallia, a little further south, is known as the ‘Velvet Beach’ with its 13km of soft, golden sand. The Conero Riviera offers the jewel of Portonovo with its Napoleonic fort, idyllic Sirolo and its spectacular golf course, and the Liberty-style architecture of Porto San Giorgio.
Continue down the coast for Pedaso, which hosts a famous mussel festival, Cupra Marittima and its imposing castle, and Grottamare with its medieval old town. Finally you come to San Benedetto del Tronto, the second largest resort after Pesaro. The fishing port is very busy in the summer with its pretty promenades and vibrant nightlife. The coast might be expensive for property, but it’s easy to get there from inland towns, so you won’t miss out if you can’t afford a home in a coastal resort.
INLAND
Move inland from the coast and you will find the rolling hills and open fields of farming country, a peaceful landscape punctuated by pretty hilltop towns and gentle valleys. The quieter environment and slower pace of life make this is a popular area for British buyers. One of the region’s most eminent cities is Urbino. It rivals Florence for cultural significance and the more compact, bustling city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further south, the hill town of Macerata boasts one of Europe’s most outstanding outdoor theatres, the Arena Sferisterio, built in the 19th century to resemble an ancient Roman arena. The Stagione Lirica musical festival is held here every summer.
Close to the border with Abruzzo, the ancient town of Ascoli Piceno takes its name from the Picene tribe, who were conquered by the Romans in 89BC. The city was once a stop on the via solaria (the salt route) from Rome, but now enjoys a quieter existence. With one of the most beautiful marble-paved piazze in Italy, and a wealth of medieval architecture, there’s plenty to enjoy. Many other villages dot the landscape, including Arcevia (to west of Ancona) perched on the foothills and surrounded by historic castles; Offida in the south with its unusual triangular piazza and memorable Vin Santo; and medieval Jesi, near Ancona, with its castle, cobbled streets and famous Verdicchio wines.
THE MOUNTAINS
The Monti Sibillini National Park was created in 1993 when 700sqm of mountainous wilderness was set aside as a site of outstanding natural beauty. Rising to more than 2,000km high, this is a popular destination for naturalists, skiers in winter and walkers in the summer. The mountains form the border with Umbria to the west and the highest peak is Mount Vettore, at 2,476m.
The area is dotted with medieval towns and criss-crossed with walking trails. There is shelter at the network of rifugi (mountain huts) across the range and all the maps and guides you need to plan your routes can be found at the Casa del Parco visitor centres. Popular nearby towns include Amandola with stunning views of the mountains, and Force, famed for its artisans and wrought iron work.
Pushing aside the considerable charm of Le Marches old buildings for a moment, don’t forget that there are also plenty of nice, modern- built apartments along the region’s gorgeous sun-kissed coastline. Summer holiday rental returns are very good all across Le Marche, but they’re especially strong along the coast. A property here might make a good investment. Coastal areas also have the advantage of having been least affected by the recent earthquakes, of course. It is mountainous areas which bore the brunt of the damage, and which, alas, are said to be more at risk of seismic activity generally than areas nearer the sea.
AND THE FUTURE?
A burning question in many would-be buyers minds is simply “Will there be more of these serious earthquakes?” Unfortunately, it’s impossible to say. Italy’s tectonic set-up is extremely complex (the Italian landmass is technically a bit of Africa that crashed into Europe and is still pushing north into the Alps – which its impact created).
Most of Italy has always been susceptible to earthquakes, although these are usually fairly minor. The recent spate of damaging, medium-sized quakes seem to be connected, according to seismologists, and they are thought to be the result of a stress which has been working its way northward through the Apennines. Whether that stress has now worked itself out or has more shaking to do further north is, unfortunately, anyone’s guess.
Choose a good location in Le Marche and a good property type, make sure your structure is earthquake-proofed to a high standard (this is a legal obligation anyway), and you should have little reason to worry. This is still an utterly enchanting and delightful corner of the world. And who knows? Maybe right now is the perfect time to buy your dream home here.
Villas in Le Marche
VILLA SAN LORENZO
Type of property: Villa
Number of bedrooms: 5
Price: €599,000
Location: Treia (MC), Le Marche
Villa San Lorenzo is perched on a knoll in the rolling hills of Le Marche about 35km inland from the Adriatic Sea and at an elevation of 450m. The villa overlooks several medieval hill towns, Treia being one. On clear days, the Adriatic beckons from the east. The villa consists of two attached residences, both for sale and included in the price, surveying 7 hectares of farmed fields surrounding the buildings and complemented by an olive grove across the road. The villa is less than 1 hours drive from Ancona airport, and 1 hour’s drive to the sea.
VILLA AQUASANTA
Type of property: Villa
Number of bedrooms: 5
Price: €975,000
Location Ostra (AN), Le Marche
Spacious and prestigious villa with 5 beds, 4 baths, a spacious living room, separate reading TV room, a large kitchen and a grand open staircase in the centre of the house. Fully equipped for comfort with all modern facilities. In a sheltered spot in the garden with lots of privacy you will find the beautifully landscaped pool. There is a carport for two cars and several terraces, some covered with porticos, and a large covered balcony terrace with views over the surrounding countryside and the hills, with in the background the snow-covered Apennine mountains in the winter.
