Lov you | Le Marche

*LOV - Land of values

LOV is a project focused on making a unique and an unforgettable experience at Loccioni Group, to let everyone feel the professional and friendly vibe.

For us, LOV means introducing you in a friendly and confidentialfamily-life atmosphere, shaping unique and precious moments, discovering the values and culture our world takes its essence from.

For this reason, we are glad to help you with every advice you may need to have a special time in Italy, even if you are not in Le Marche. We always love taking care of our partners and guests.

Lov you

Medieval towns

Spiritual towns

Natural experiences

Where to eat

Special food and beverage

Medieval towns

Historically known as the city of paper, today it is an important industrial centre hosting a lot of giants of the Italian economy.Fabriano had its highest economic and social development in the XIV century when thanks to the Chiavelli family it became a Seigniory; therefore, it is not by chance that in this period the pictorial school of Fabriano developed producing artists like Gentile da Fabriano, Allegretto Nuzi and Antonio da Fabriano.

Main sightsPodestà Palace Built in white stone from Vallemontagnana and subsequently modified several times. It has a distinctive bridge structure, a memory of the stream which once flowed under it.

Sturinalto Fountain It was designed by Jacopo di Grondolo, who was inspired by the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia.

Communal PalaceIt was the residence of the Chiavelli family, lords of the city until 1435. In the courtyard is alapidarium with fragments of buildings of the ancient Roman cities of Attidium (Attiggio), Tuficum (Borgo Tufico) and Sentinum (Sassoferrato).

Paper, watermark museumFabriano is one of the first towns in Europe to produce soft paper. Fabriano’s fame is not only due to chronological reasons; thanks to the paper producers of Fabriano during the XIII century some important innovations have been brought to deeply improve paper making: among these the multiple-mesh hydraulic support which preserve the sheet of paper and make it waterproof.

The DomeTo the original Cathedral belong the polygonal apse, the cloister and the St. Lawrence Chapel. From the Baroque restoration are the stucco decoration of the interior and the canvasses.

Fabriano Close to Frasassi Cave

Visit also...Frasassi CaveTaste...CiauscoloCrescia

Main sightsDucal PalaceInitialized in the second half of the 15th century by Federico II da Montefeltro. It houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, one of the most important collections of Renaissance paintings in the world.

Albornoz FortressThe Albornoz Fortress (known locally as La Fortezza), built by the eponymous Papal legate in the 14th century. In 1507-1511, when the Della Rovere added a new series of walls to the city, the rock was enclosed in them. It is now a public park.

Urbino CathedralUrbino Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption

of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since 1986 it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Urbino-Urbania-Sant’Angelo in Vado, and was previously the seat of the Archbishops of Urbino.

Raphael’s Native houseRaphael’s native house was built in the 14th century. Noteworthy is the “Madonna with the Child”. There are as well a drawing by Bramante (1444-1514) and a collection of Renaissance ceramics, manuscripts, rare editions, coins and portraits dating back to the 19th century.

Urbino is a walled city south-west of Pesaro, a World Heritage Site notable for a remarkable historical legacy of independent Renaissance culture, especially under the patronage of Federico da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino from 1444

to 1482. The town, nested on a high sloping hillside, retains much of its picturesque medieval aspect.It hosts the University of Urbino, founded in 1506, and is the seat of the Archbishop of Urbino.

UrbinoClose to Fonte Avellana Hermitage

Visit also...Gradara CastelPesaroFurlo Pass

Main sightsLoggia dei MercantiThis fine 16th century building consists of two floors with an open gallery made up of rounded arches on columns and completed by a pillar at the corner.

Piazza delle LibertàTorre Civica with bells that marks worldly events in contrast to church towers. In Medieval times civic clock towers were also used to display the wealth of the citizens and the municipal government, so they are generally quite good looking. the tower of Gentile Baglioni’s house and a medieval cellar.

Arena SferisterioOne of Europe’s most stunning outdoor theatres is the neoclassical Arena Sferisterio,

Main sightsSan Francesco churchIn Gothic-style the dome was completed in 1549. In the side portal is the monument to Pope Julius II, while the central portal is one of the finest examples of local travertine decoration.

Palace of the People’s CaptainsBuilt in the 13th century connecting three pre-existing edifices, it was the seat of the podestà, the people’s captains and, later, of the Papal governors.

Gemina GateThe “Twin Gate”, an ancient Roman gate from the 1st century BC, through which the Via Salaria entered the city. The ruins of the ancient theater are located nearby.

a grand colonnaded affair resembling an ancient Roman arena, which was built between 1820 and 1829. Its acoustics are second to none. From mid-July to mid-August it’s the backdrop for the Macerata Opera Festival, one of Italy’s foremost musical events, attracting the cream of the operatic world.

Lauro Rossi TheatreAcross the Piazza della Libertà square is the Teatro Lauro Rossi, an elegant theatre built in 1774 for the musical enjoyment of the nobility, which now allows well-dressed riffraff to attend.

Tufilla GateA tower-like gate built in 1552–55. It is annexed to the Ponte Tufillo, a medieval bridge built in 1097 over the River Tronto.

Loggia dei MercantiA 16th-century portico annexed to the church of St. Francis. It was commissioned by the city’s wool traders guild and finished in 1513.

The historical city center is located on a hill between the Chienti and Potenza rivers. It consisted of the Picenes city named Ricina (Helvia Recina), then, after the romanization, Recina and Helvia Recina.The medieval city is contained within well-preserved city walls, where steep inclines combined with narrow, cobblestoned alleys keep most motorized traffic out. This means you can stroll around the centre without constantly watching your back.

The central historical part of the city is built in marble called travertino, a grey-hued stone extracted from the surrounding mountains. Its central Renaissance square, Piazza del Popolo (“Square of the People”) is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. According to traditional accounts, Ascoli Piceno was home to more than two hundred towers in the Middle Ages: today some fifty can still be seen.

MacerataClose to Chiaravalle Abbey of Fiastra

Visit also...Chiaravalle Abbey of FiastraPallotta Palace in Caldarola

Ascoli PicenoClose to Castelluccio

Visit also...SmerilloMonte Vidon Corrado Gorge of Infernaccio (Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini) close to Montefortino and Montemonaco.Taste...Anisetta Liquor

Spiritual towns

LoretoClose to Ancona beaches

Nearby LoretoCastelfidardoThe most significant craftwork tradition in Ancona area is accordion making, which places Castelfidardo as one of the leading global centres for this instrument.After a period of crisis, the industry of various musical instruments was however followed by rapid manufacturing reconversion, which has consolidated and re-launched traditional accordion and piano accordion making.

The town is also known for gift items,

furnishing objects and accessories made of gold and silver.

RecanatiRecanati is a town in the Province of Macerata. In 1290 it proclaimed itself an independent republic and, in the 15th century, was famous for its international fair. In March 1798 it was conquered by Napoleon Bonaparte.It is the hometown of tenor Beniamino Gigli and poet Giacomo Leopardi, which is why the town is known to some as “the city of poetry”.

Loreto is located 127 metres (417 feet) above sea-level on the right bank of the Musone river. It is 22 kilometres (14 miles) by rail south-southeast of Ancona.

Main sights The Basilica of the Holy House It is a catholic place of pilgrimage in Loreto, Italy, containing, according to tradition, the house in which the Virgin Mary lived.

The Holy House itself is quite small, and its single room with a small altar contains a Black Madonna statue and a blue ceiling with golden stars. In 1469, a large Basilica was built over the Holy House. Having been remodeled and reconstructed numerous times over the ensuing centuries, the Basilica has a Renaissance exterior and a Gothic interior.

Fiastra is a municipality in the Province of Macerata, located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) southwest of Ancona and about 40 kilometres (25 mi) southwest of Macerata.

The Abbey Chiaravalle Abbey, Fiastra (Abbazia di Chiaravalle di Fiastra) is a Cistercian abbey situated between Tolentino and Urbisaglia. It is one of the best preserved Cistercian abbeys in Italy. It is surrounded by a large nature reserve.The abbey flourished for three centuries. The monks organized their agricultural land into six granges. The monastery was actively involved in encouraging the economic, social and religious development of the area. Its influence grew to the extent that it incorporated 33 dependent churches and monasteries. The history of the abbey is recorded in the collection of 3,194 manuscripts known as the Carte Fiastrensi, now in the state archive of Rome.

ChurchThe church is dedicated to Santa Maria di Chiaravalle di Fiastra. The imposing building is pure Cistercian architecture, typical of the transitional phase between the Romanesque and the Gothic. There are three naves, and eight bays with Romanesque arches; the capitals of the columns were carved by the monks themselves.

MonasteryThe monastery, which is next to the church, still functions as a Cistercian community. It boasts a beautiful cloister rebuilt in the 15th century. All around the cloister, it is possible to see the lay brothers’ refectory, the cellar, the chapter house and the grottoes.

Chiaravalle Abbey of FiastraClose to Macerata

Visit also...MacerataUrbisagliaFiastra lake, MacerataPalace Pallotta in CaldarolaTaste...Vino Cotto and Vernaccia

Fonte Avellana is located on the east side of Catria mountain. Historically, this mountain marked the boundary between the Exarcha-te of Ravenna and the Duchy of Spoleto.

The HermitageEstablished by a group of hermits living at that site around the turn of the first millennium, it was closely connected to the reforms of St. Romuald, and its early customs and documents share much in common with the nearby hermitage of Camaldoli which Romuald founded. The community, in fact, eventually became part of the Camaldolese congregation.One notable feature of its architecture is that the cells of the hermits were built as suites. This way a hermit and his disciple could share the cell, yet each had their own sleeping space within it. This reflects the ancient custom of a hermit taking a young monk as a disciple, whom he would train in the ascetic life and often who would care for the older hermit as he aged.It was once presided over by Saint Peter Damian, and it was described by Dante in the Divine Comedy

Curiosity«Between Italy’s two coasts, the Apennine mountains rise, not far from your native place, and so high that the thunder sounds far lower down, and make a hump called Catria, beneath which a monastery was consecrated, which used only to be given over to prayer.»

«Tra ‘due liti d’Italia surgon sassi,e non molto distanti a la tua patria,tanto che ‘ troni assai suonan più bassi,e fanno un gibbo che si chiama Catria,di sotto al quale è consecrato un ermo,che suole esser disposto a sola latria.»

(Dante Alighieri, Divine Comedy, Canto XXI of Paradise, verse 106-111)

Fonte Avellana hermitageClose to Urbino

Main sights The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi The lower church has frescoes by the late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; the upper church houses frescoes of scenes in the life of St. Francis previously ascribed to Giotto, but now thought to be by artists of the circle of Pietro Cavallini from Rome.

Eremo delle CarceriA small monastery with a church at a canyon above the town, where St. Francis retreated and preached to birds.

Basilica of Santa ChiaraThe Basilica with its massive lateral buttresses, rose window, and simple Gothic

interior, begun in 1257, contains the tomb of the namesake saint and 13th-century frescoes and paintings.

Other Landmarks Rocca Maggiore The town is dominated by two medieval castles. The larger, called Rocca Maggiore, is a massive presence meant to intimidate the people of the town.

Roman amphitheater It was built in the early 1st century AD. Its elliptical plan is identifiable through the from the medieval houses built around it, and from an arch of travertine cunei. The arena now houses a garden.

AssisiClose to Perugia

Assisi is in the province of Perugia in the Umbria region, on the western flank of Subasio Mountain.It was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara

d’Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Sisters, which later became the Order of Poor Clares after her death. The 19thcentury Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born in Assisi.

Visit also...Furlo PassGubbioSassoferrato

Visit also...Perugia Gubbio

Nature experiences

The Frasassi caves are part of a complex subterranean system extended for over 18 km inside the Natural Park of Gola della Rossa and Frasassi, a green oasis rich in history and art.

Discovered in 1971 and opened to the public since 1974, the spectacular caves have already been visited by more than ten million people.In two hours of silent and easy itinerary, it is possible to admirea naturalmasterpiece: small lakes, in stalactites, luminous stalagmites, rooms with crystal and alabaster arabesques.For all those who love adventure it is possible to discover the caves being supported and guided by expert speleologists in a path.

Scientific experimentsThe cave has been used to conduct experiments in chronobiology. Among the cavers that have spent considerable amount of time inside the cave is the Italian sociologist Maurizio Montalbini, who died in 2009.

Frasassi CaveClose to Fabriano

The Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini comprises the most elevated mountainous group in the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines. Its highest peak, Monte Vettore, reaches 2,478 mabove sea level. The Lake Pilato is set upon Monte Vettore Park of Sibillini Mountains. This is the only natural lake of the Marche region and certainly it is one of the last remaining lakes of glacial origin in the Appennino. Set in a bowl, a glacial circle with morainic deposits, which are a manifest proof of the glaciers that were here during the Quaternary era. It is surrounded by the highest peaks of Sibillini Mountains

Castelluccio is a huge plateau at the feet of Monte Vettore. This plateau becomes overpowering between late May and early July of each year through the wonderful landscape of nature called “The Fiorita” or “The Fioritura” (The Flowering) of Castelluccio di Norcia.

CuriosityFranco Zeffirelli directed the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon in Castelluccio Plain in 1972. The film is a biopic of Saint Francis of Assisi.

On the road towards Castelluccio...The Old Spoleto-Norcia railway lineIt is possible to make a track long the alongside the old Spoleto-Norcia railway line. This lovely walk passes through the luxuriant riverside vegetation of the narrow valley bottom, in contrast with the holm oak groves on the rocky, impervious slopes. Enjoy the view from here of the little village of Paterno, an ancient hilltop castle perched above the Nera Valley.

Lenght: Km 7 (Round trips)Difficulty: Beginners Duration: From 2 to 4 hours

CastelluccioClose to Ascoli Piceno

Visit also...FabrianoAcquarella Hermitage, close to AlbacinaSerra San QuiricoTaste...CiauscoloCrescia

Visit also...Ascoli PicenoCasciaNorciaVisso

Taste...Lentil of CastelluccioCoglioni di Mulo, NorciaMotadella of VissoVarnelli Liquor

The Conero Riviera is characterized by a stretch of coast that is unique along the entire Adriatic coast. The Conero promontory interrupts the uniform shape of the coast with a pleasant stretch of beach of fine gravel, rocks and steep cliffs that plunge into the sea.

MezzavalleA long beach that can only be reached by a short swim or by taking two footpaths from the provincial street.

Portonovo There are both rocks and round limestone pebbles, that are considered as one of the pe-culiarities of the locality. In the bay there are art jewels such as the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, the Napoleonic Fort and the Torre De Bosis. The southern side, between the watchtower and the medieval church, is good for windsurfing, thanks to the permanent blowing wind.

The “Two Sisters” It is the beach that best represents the Conero Riviera, with its stacks (the “Two Sisters”) that emerge from the sea. Nestling in the Conero’s cliff, the “two sisters” beach consists of white pebbles and rocky spurs. Clear water, wide beaches and a well equipped port are the major attractions of the nearby Numana.

Marcelli di Numana It is Conero’s Riviera most modern area equipped with hotels, apartments, resorts and several bathing establishments.

The Furlo Pass (Gola del Furlo) is a gorge on the ancient Roman road Via Flaminia formed between the Pietralata and Paganuccio mountains by the river Candigliano. Since 2001 it has been included in a State Natural Reserve of the same name.

Conero beachesClose to Loreto

Furlo PassClose to Urbino

Visit also...Conero Regional ParkOsimo caverns

CatelfidardoLoreto

Taste...Moscioli, (mussels)Brodetto di pesce (Fish soup)

The PassThe Furlo Pass is an authentic paradise creeping among the imposing rocky walls of the Gola, where the suggestion of the landscape joins with a great naturalistic richness boasting of unique specimens of flora and fauna. The vegetation covering the summits of the massif mainly consists of oak woods with Downy oaks, hop hornbeams, manna-ashes, maples, and service trees. The river and riparian habitat is also varied, and the life in the forests, in the pastures, and in the bushy grounds is very rich.

The Furlo DamOn the river Candigliano, in the district of Fermignano, the Furlo dam was finished in 1922. It-s an arch/gravity dam, 59 metres high with a walkway at the top 50 metres in lenght and it is one of the most famous and impressive in central Italy.

Furlo ReserveIt is possible explore the reserve, depending on your desire and level of fitness, you can choose the path you prefer. There is a turist office that will give you all the information you need and a map of area.

CuriosityIn the 1930, a profile of Benito Mussolini was sculpted on the slopes of Mount Pietralata, which was destroyed by partisans during World War II. Nowadays, in this mount there are Golden Eagle Watching observatories.

Visit also...Forum Sempronii of FossombroneUrbinoPesaroFanoThe San Vincenzo Abbey, AcqualagnaTaste...La Quinta, fish restaurant in FanoThe truffle from Acqualagna

Da Emilia

FabrianoDa GaetanoIt is very caratheristic place well frequen-ted by the lover of out door. At "mustache man", you can eat at any time with tipical finger food (as creascia, ciauscolo, cheese, cold cuts and so on) from that area.

Car Park of Frasassi Cave. The first stall close the toilet.

La Vecchia CartieraVery cosy place. Don’t miss the appetizers and carpaccio. You can eat in the portico as well.

Loc. Caporege, 53 - 60044 Fabriano, ItaliaTel. +39.0732.72053

Serra San QuiricoCasa Martelletto AgriturismoHere the food is outstanding. On demand the cooks, Morena and Paola, teach how to make fresh pasta and baked goods. In this country house you can enjoy familiar atmosphere, you can feel home.

Via Certine, 12 - Località Domo Serra San Quirico (AN) Tel. +39.347.3574.0567 | info@martelletto.it

UrbinoLa trattoria del LeoneHere, you can taste local dishes and seasonal specialties like game and “flavours of the wood”.The specialty of the house, “passatelli vegetariani”, tells the story of traditional Montefeltro taste.

via Cesare Battisti, 5 - 61029 Urbino (PU) Tel. +39.347.9803.812 | info@pec.latrattoriadelleone.it

Fonte AvellanaLe cafanneHere you can taste the delicious flavours of traditional cooking and to rediscover the simple delight of nature. Don’t miss crescia with vegetables and cold cuts.

Via Fonte Avellana, 19 - 61040 Serra Sant’abbondioTel. +39.0721.730.706

MacerataLe caseIt is a Country House very speciale with traditional dishes where you can breath the tradition of Marche without missing the relax of your body and your mind thanks to the spa inside.

Contrada Mozzavinci, 16-17 - 62100 MacerataTel. +39.0733.231.897 | info@ristorantelecase.it

AnconaEmiliaThis restaurant directly overlooks the sea within the bay of Portonovo. Emilia is the ideal place to spend a day in a unique setting or just to carve out some moments of peace.

Portonovo bay, 60129 AnconaTel. +39.071.801109 | info@ristoranteemilia.it

Roccafluvione, Ascoli PicenoRistorante RuspanteYou can get homemade pasta nad roasted meats. Excellant are truffle dishes. A friendly advice: “Go with empty belly”.

Via della Resistenza, 28 - 63093 Roccafluvione (AP)Tel. +39.0736.365.129

Where to eat

Don’t miss...Tipical for Marche RegionVincisgrassiIt is traditional from Macerata and Ancona area. The tradition goes that this dish was created by adding extra ingredients to the bolognese sauce to impress a German general called Windisch Graetz who was passing through Marche region in 1799. He certainly was impressed and the recipe remains one of the most traditional and delicious Italian pasta dishes.

CresciaA typical northern Marche flatbread made from the selected fresh raw materials such as flour, eggs and lard that are mixed with the addition of salt and pepper, milk or water until getting the soft paste, then portioned and spread in thin sheets.

Gratin vegetablesThey are baked vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, aubergine) cut in half and covered by bread crumbs, garlic and parsley. Gnammy!

Jesi ValleySalame di FicoIs a real pearl of authentic traditional cuisine of Marche. Obtained by the fine grinding of figs, with the addition of anise and dried

fruit, this delicacy has a very harmonious taste, soft on the palate, it is a real treat to be enjoyed paired with a slice of hard cheese and a glass of sweet wine.

FabrianoCiascuoloIs a soft and spreadable salami, the result of accurately processing of expert butchers, who, referring to ancient techniques. Contribute to enhance our tables with a unique cured meats, absolutely perfect to enjoy with fresh bread.

CastelluccioThe Lentil of Castelluccio di NorciaMarked IGP for Protected Geographical Indication, it is typical of the Castelluccio plains. Be sure to try them stuffed with water, celery, garlic, salt and pepper.

PedasoCozzeThey are mussels typical from Pedaso, in the south of Le Marche. According to the recipe, mussels are cooked by being tipped from sacks into large heated vats, stirred by a man with a paddle. Then the spaghetti is mixed with the sauce before being ladled out into portions. The bread roll is a typical Italian bread roll, of heavily-processed white unsalted flour, and with a good crackly crust.

Special food and beverage

MacerataVino CottoA noble product, rich in history and traditions, in the past, emperors and nobles adorned their banquets with this wonderful sweet wine made from white grapes varieties such as Trebbiano, Malvasia, Montepulciano and Sangiovese.

Ascoli PicenoVarnelliA special dry aniseed liquor coming from a particular, secret way of processing aniseeds. It is excellent for lacing coffee, while if drunk neat it aids digestion though it is not bitter; also delicious on ice-cream.

Anisetta MelettiIt is another aniseed liquor sweeter than Varnelli, it is famous its bar in the main square in Ascoli Piceno.Curiosity: in “The Godfather” book, Johnny Ola ask for an Anisetta when goes to visit Michael Corleone.

Olive AscolaneThe deep-fried meat-filled Ascolana olives is one of the most representative appetizers or finger food of the Marche region’s culinary tradition. The recipe dates to the 18th century and calls for the soft olives of Ascolana strain - large, green and mild that were renowned in Roman times.

Via Fiume 16, 60030 Angeli di Rosora (AN), Italy Phone +39 0731 8161 Fax +39 0731 814700Mail humancare@loccioni.com Web humancare.loccioni.com