The view of the Sibillini Mountains, Le Marche, Italy from our garden

Holiday apartments near the Sibillini Mountains in Le Marche, Italy

Casa Carotondo is located in the region of the Marches (le Marche) in the province of Macerata. This area has been populated since about the C10th. BC. For an overview of local history in English click here. The history of the area is still visible. There are, for instance, many museums to visit covering the different ages. Each small town in the area has at least one museum or art gallery of, an often, unexpected and diverse nature. Sarnano has a museum of hammers. For a listing click here The Romans were the first people to leave any lasting evidence of their architecture. The most notable excavation in the area is of the town Urbs Salvia . The town of Piane di Falerone uses its Roman theatre for outdoor performances in summer.
Most of the towns in the area around Casa Carotondo have medieval centro storico. Many of these have, in recent years, been the subject of renovation and are well worth visiting especially since even the smaller towns can boast a number of architectual and artistic treasures. Especially noteworthy are the larger towns Macerata, Tolentino and Camerino and slightly further afield Ascoli Piceno and Fermo. However even the smaller towns surrounding Casa Caratondo such as San Ginesio , first mentioned in documents in 995 AD or Sarnano , which became a free commune in 1265, have much to offer. The medieval town is well preserved as all modern building has taken place outside of the historical centre.
Religion has, of course, played a very important role in the historical development of the area. Not least because the Marche was once part of the Papal Lands. Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, was born in Norcia on the Umbrian side of the Sibillini Mountains. Saint Francis spent some time in Sarnano in the years 1214-1215. Important among the many basilica and churches in the area is the Basilica of Loretto , an important pilgrim destination is said to contain the house of Mary brought all the way from Nazareth. The Basilica of St. Nicola in Tolentino has recently been beautifully restored. The Abbey of Fiastra, started in 1142, was partly built using the stones from the ruins of the Roman town of Urbs Salvia. The Abbey is in a nature reserve with walks and cycle routes to enable vistors to enjoy the scenery.

For a good generic overview of what there is to do in the Marche try the new official regional tourist website, which includes some information brochures you can download. Alternatively consult the Marche tourist website with a listing of valuable internet links. Most guide books deal with Umbria and the Marche together. Two books in English devoted entirely to the Marche and, therefore, more detailed are from the "The Marche: Heritage Guide" by the Touring Club of Italy and "The Marche and San Marino" by the Blue Guides series.
It should be noted that in Italy lunch is still taken very seriously. Apart from some large supermarkets most institutions close down from about 1pm until 4 or even 5pm. They will then remain open until 7 or 8 pm. It is always wise to check opening times before going anywhere as they do vary. Some historical and cultural sites are closed during the week in winter. Again inquiries should be made prior to arriving to avoid disappointment.

Roman ruins at Urbs Salvia, Le Marche, Italy

A number of castles were built during the medieval era in the Cessaplombo, Calderola, Tolentino, Camerino area. Some have been restored. Of particular interest are the Castello Pallotta in Calderola and La Rancia in Tolentino. Information about these can be found on the Italian castle website.

While the Marche cannot be said to have been at the forefront of Renaissance art, there are important pieces on show in the region. Carlo Crivelli made Ascoli Piceno his home and examples of his work are exhibited throughout the Marche. The nearest one to Casa Carotondo is at Monte San Martino. Paintings by Lorenzo, Lotto, Titian and others are to be seen at various locations. For those who perfer modern art there is a small gallery at Ripe San Ginesio. For detailed information about art in the Marche click here. Another site worth visiting is the home of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi who was born and lived in the Marche in Recanati. Recanati is a fine medieval town and birthplace also to the famous opera singer Beniamino Gigli.

Locally our most famous son was probably Alberico Gentili, born in San Ginesio, our commune town and one of the founding fathers of international law. Unappreciated in his home town during his life time he died in exile in London. There is now a centre for the study of his work in San Ginesio.

Many Umbrian towns are easily accessible for a day trip. The route to the towns of Perugia and Assisi takes you through some very beautiful scenery.