Image care of Belisario, whose work we really apperciate
A region northeast of Rome, Le Marche stretches from the Appenines in the West to the shores of the Adriatic in the East. It is famous within Italy for it’s rolling fertile hills and abundant harvest. For many years Le Marche was one of the Papal States and therefore has many stunning unspoilt medieval towns.
To the East are many miles of beaches along the Adriatic coast (30 mins). If you like it sandy, craggy, or shigley, there will be something for you. (Personally I’m more of a lake person)
Stategically situated where the Sibilini mountains meet the Appenines, Camerino is a beautiful renaissance town and the traditional seat of the Varano Family.
Image from Turismo Marche, The Sirolo coast, 1hr drive
A bustling market town bristling with chuches and abbeys. It is arranged in 3 tiers, Abbeys, museums and convents at the top, town square and civic centre in the middle – trade very much at the bottom
Often considered one of Italy’s hidden jewels, Spello is constructed out of pink marble which glows at sunset. It is famous for it’s intricate little lanes (lovely to draw) and stunning Pinturicchio frescos of the life of the young Jesus.
A beautiful, although relatively unknown pilgrimage town. In the centre of the ornate basilica you will find a tiny Palestinian house. Apparently the very house where the annunciation occurred. It was flown to Loreto by angels during the crusades. Loreto is the spiritual home of the Italian Airforce. Genius Logic. Plenty to journal about there!
A charming little fishing town, with boats and seafood,
You just can’t mention Fabriano without Paper. For many years the pope held the patent for papermaking and with Fabriano having all the prerequisites (hydro power, gelatin from the leather industry) it remained the centre of the paper industry for centuries. For those of us fond of drawing the occasional cog it is a foil to all the renaissance splendour of castles.
Heart of the local leather industry, if you like shoes you’ll love Tolentino. Otherwise it houses some beautiful frescos in the chapel of the Basilica San Nicola. Along with some tranquil cloisters which we often visit.
30-minutes- the oldest commercial paper mill in Europe. They offer very good half-day workshops in papermaking. If there is enough interest, we’re happy to arrange a visit.
A beautifully blue lake in the Sibilini mountains. No chlorine, no salt just cool. (Also a very good restaurant specializing in truffles).
Sassoferrato, 30mins– the largest cave complex in the Europe and truly, truly breathtaking. Also refreshingly cool on a hot day, or warm on a cold day
A pilgrimage town, approximately one-hours drive, through the mountains. Packed full of very lovely Giottos!
15-minute drive to the center of the Verdiccio wine region.
July – August
30 minute drive
Vicolo dell'Arco
Church tower, Santa Maria in Via / the duomo
Arch, San Vernanzo
Corsa alla spada, San Vernanzo
San Vernanzo/ Maiden, Corsa alla Spada
Corsa alla spada, parade, May
Corsa alla spada, parade, May / Rocca Borgia
The fountain, Rocca Borgia
Sunny spells, Rocca Borgia
Panorama, Rocca Borgia
Window's and shutters, spring light
The Palazzo Ducal
Doors and knocker
Vicolo dell' Arco
University gates
Tower, San Erasmo
Rocca d'Ajello
Rocca d'Ajello / Rocca Varano
Camerino from the Tuseggia road, winter
