On the Footsteps of Dante Alighieri: a journey in the Marche

The Monastery of Fonte Avellana is situated on the wooded slopes of Mount Catria (1701 m.) at 700 meters above sea level in Serra Sant'Abbondio. It dates back to late tenth century, around 980, when several hermits chose to build the first cells of a hermitage, that later became the present monastery. The spirituality of these hermits was influenced by San Romualdo from Ravenna, the father of the Camaldolese Benedictine Congregation. He lived and worked between the tenth and the eleventh century near Fonte Avellana. Today the monastery includes a large square that gives access to the church in Latin cross, covered with barrel vaults with pointed arches; the crypt built in the eleventh century is one of the oldest parts, along with the cloister and the thirteenth century scriptorium. Among the valuable volumes housed in the monastery, notworthy is the NN code dating back to the eleventh century. The prestigious Library "Dante Alighieri" contains over 10,000 volumes, including precious manuscripts and ancient holy books. The hospitality of individuals or groups is provided throughout the year.  In Fonte Avellana there are meetings of Lectio Divina and retreat days.
The Monastery of Fonte Avellana joins the project the Monasteries of the Marche.

A few miles from the Adriatic beach resorts, Gradara is one of the most popular Marche’s tourist destinations. Gradara boasts the Orange Flag award, it belongs to the Association of The most beautiful villages in Italy and to the National Association of Wine Cities.

The imposing 14th century walls surrounding the town are some of the best preserved in the Marche, with their crenellated battlements and bristling towers. The single main street leads up through the city gates to the fortress at the higher end of the town. The squared fortress, a polygonal tower on the northern side, dominates the town: it was here, according to tradition, that the murder of Francesca da Rimini and her lover Paolo, the lovers immortalized by Dante in his Divina Commedia, took place in 1289. It dates back to the twelfth century, but was changed under the rule of the Malatesta and the Sforza families. Pieces of 15th century furniture, valuable frescoes and altarpieces can be admired inside. Around the castle people can walk along the Lovers’ path, which surrounds the hill. There you can enjoy a nice view of the farming landscape. In the wonderful setting of the Medieval castle there’s also a bird’s park, which is also a falconry centre ( The Teatro dell’aria” or Theatre of the air”). It’s a park of environmental education entirely dedicated to the art of falconry. Here you can enjoy exhibitions of flying birds of prey and intriguing shows with them. Must-see attractions are also the little theatre, which can accommodate 70 people; Rubini Vesin Palace, built by local artists in the second half of the 19^th century and now used for several cultural events: theatre, music and literary conferences.

The most typical dish is the "bigol," a kind of homemade spaghetti seasoned with mushroom or gravy sauce.

The most remarkable events taking place in Gradara during the year are: Gradara d’amare ( Gradara for lovers) in February, Solstice at the castle, Thursdays at the castle ( June/September) and Siege to the castle ( July).

Fiorenzuola di Focara is an hamlet rich with medieval atmospheres, also known by Dante Alighieri. Its name originates perhaps from the fires that were lit to show the way to sailors, or maybe from the presence of little furnaces used to glaze bricks. It boasts ancient origins, dating back to the X and XIII centuries, when the castle and its ramparts, still visible today, characterized the defence system of the place. Beautiful landscapes, set into the St. Bartolo Park, offer unforgettable emotions to those who decide to celebrate their wedding here, in the middle of a green lush nature and in front of the blue Adriatic sea.

The Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo covers an area of 1600 hectares of protected land; it was established in 1994; the towns included in the park are Pesaro and Gabicce Mare. It has very striking landscapes : the cliffs, narrow pebbled beaches and coves and large agricultural areas. The vegetation of Mount San Bartolo is varied: there are oaks, hornbeams and rare species such as the flax sea, the reed and the bright brooms. The park is also rich in bird life - the peregrine falcon, the honey buzzards, the seabirds, the cormorants , the heron, the mute swan live there, but other types of animals can be found : the deer, the fox, the badger, the porcupine and the weasel. Walking tours all around the protected area are fully available. Must see attractions are the ancient villages of Gabicce Monte, Casteldimezzo Fiorenzuola, Santa Marina Alta and the amazing Baia Vallugola. Cultural interesting sites are: Villa Imperiale, Villa Caprile and the archeological area near Colombarone, boasting a villa built in the III century AD.

Info
Paleontological Museum
‘’Lorenzo Sorbini’’
P.zza Dante Alighieri 1,
61010 Fiorenzuola di Focara, (PU)
Tel. 0721 268426

Fano is a popular seaside resort in northern Marche, famous for its Carnival, that is claimed to be some of the oldest in Italy and featuring a cavalcade of massive floats that runs on three consecutive Sundays before Lent. 

The promenade is divided into Lido and Sassonia; the former beach is sandy, the latter is a long strand of pebbly beach, both with shallow water. Lido and Sassonia are suitable beaches for children, thanks to seaside amusements. The southern part features Torrette beach, Ponte Sasso and Metaurilia. Many campings are available along the National route between Fano and Marotta di Mondolfo. Along the promenade there is also the 12 Km biking path, from Fano to Pesaro. Fano boasts an important fishing port; sailing lovers may rely on the efficient Marina dei Cesari , a modern marina perfect for mooring.
In the historical centre the most remarkable monument is the Arco di Augusto, a splendid Roman triumphal arch providing a fitting gateway to the town. It was erected in 2 AD under the order of the Roman Emperor Augustus as part of his ambitious project to smarten up the Empire's road network and marks the arrival of the Via Flaminia on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Further tourist attractions are:  the Fountain of Fortune, a whimsical 16thC fountain topped by the goddess Fortune, the Theatre of Fortune, the Malatesta Court, home to the Civic Museum and Art Gallery, boasting works by Domenichino, Guido Reni, Guercino, Warriors and Mattia Preti; the Cathedral, housing a pulpit and the seventeenth century Nolfi Baroque Chapel; the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, holding two treasures by Perugino, a Madonna with Saints and an Annunciation; the baroque Church of San Pietro in Valle and the Tombs of the Malatesta, a real masterpiece of Neo-Gothic art, housed in the porch of the Church of San Francesco. The most typical specialty is the fish stew “alla fanese”, with tomato purée and vinegar. The local Moretta is a blend of three spirits - aniseed-based anice, rum and brandy - sugar and a twist of lemon peel, topped up with strong, hot coffee. In addition to the Carnival, the most significant events taking place in Fano during the year are: The Antiques Market, which traditionally takes place on the second Sunday of each month and the preceding Saturday, Fano Jazz by the sea (July), Fano dei Cesari, a reenactment of the Roman Fano (July) and the International Festival of Fish Soup (September).

Senigallia is located on the Mid-Adriatic coast at the mouth of the Misa river. Its territory is mostly flat but surrounded by hills sloping towards the sea; the old town follows the urban setting of the Roman site, that was founded on a hill south of the Misa river.

SEASIDE HOLIDAY: The town boasts the famous beach dubbed “velvet”,  consisting of 13 Km of a most fine sandy coast interrupted only by the long docks of the port and by the suggestive Rotunda by the Sea, built in the XIX century to administer hydrotherapic therapies and to host parties; nowadays it hosts exhibitions and events. Along the boardwalk there are many beach resorts equipped with beach volley, soccer and tennis courts, as well as playgrounds for children. Along the promenade you can also find the “Bibliomobile”, a service offered by the city library, which lends books to tourists directly on the beach. In addition, skilled professionals perform readings and leisure activities for children. Along the main boardwalk there's a bike track, where you can bike or skate. Near Senigallia, as a natural extention of its beach, is Marzocca, whose beach is mostly pebbly. The beaches awarded with the Blue Flag label in 2018 are Levante and Ponente; in addition, the Porto della Rovere (Della Rovere Port) has been awarded the 2018 Blue Flag Harbor.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: The symbol of the town is the Rocca Roveresca, a splendid example of fifteenth century military architecture, built by Giovanni della Rovere. Must see attactions are: the Palazzo del Duca, with its beautiful paneled ceiling painted by Taddeo Zuccari; Palazzetto Baviera, where you can admire splendid stuccos made by the celebrated plasticizer Federico Brandani in 1590; Portici Ercolani, one hundred and twenty arches in Istrian stone that line the right bank of the Misa river; they were built to accommodate the many merchants who used to come to Senigallia in July for  for its enormous commercial fair - the Maddalena Fair; the Foro Annonario, a neoclassical building in brick, projected by Pietro Ghinelli in 1834; it hosts the city market and a large number of shows and concerts in summer; the Church of the Cross, where you can admire the "Burial of Christ" by Federico Barocci. You can't miss: the Museum of Modern Art, Information and Photography, which houses some works by contemporary photographers including those made by Cavalli and Giacomelli, founders of the "Photographic School Misa", established in Senigallia in the 50s; the diocesan Art Gallery, the museum dedicated to Pope Pius IX in his birthplace. The archaeological site "La Fenice" documents the consistency of the settlement of Sena Gallica, the first Roman colony on the Adriatic Sea. 3 km from the historic center is the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to the "Sergio Anselmi" Museum of History of sharecropping. The homonymous church boasts a masterpiece made by Perugino. Senigallia is among the capitals of Italian restaurants: there are countless local restaurants who appear in the most famous guides to hospitality. Moreno Cedroni and Mauro Uliassi are internationally acclaimed chef. Many events are organized throughout the year like, for example, the traditional fireworks  and the folk Fair of Sant 'Agostino which enlivens the center of Senigallia in late August, drawing more than 500 exhibitors.  The most remarkable festival is the Summer Jamboree, the international festival dedicated to the music and culture of America of the 40s and 50s ; in late July and early August there are concerts of the most well-known bands of the genre, a great vintage market and motorbike parades and cars of the 40s-50s. Further important events  include: the Music festival, which is held in June, the CaterRaduno, with numerous musical and theatrical events; Pane Nostrum, the international bread festival, which takes place every September. 

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Perfectly nested in the natural paradise of the Monte Conero, this church overlooks the white limestone cliffs on which it is erected. In harmony with its surroundings, and partially concealed by the greenery, the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo is a true gem of Romanesque architecture, made of blocks of limestone from the Conero. The floorplan in the form of a Greek cross is divided up into a nave and four aisles, with a cupola split into two parts, square lantern and tambour, where the main source of light is represented by the characteristic mullioned double windows.

Loreto and the Holy House

The town of Loreto developed around the famous Basilica that contains the “Santa Casa” (the Holy House of Nazareth) where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary was born, lived and received the announcement of the miraculous birth of Jesus. 

Tradition says that, when in 1291 the Muslims finally expelled the Christians from Jerusalem and then tried to regain Nazareth, a group of angels took care of the House and, after some wanderings, spreading their wings took it to Loreto. For this reason, the Madonna of Loreto is venerated as the patroness of aviators. 
Studies highlight that the origin of the House is Palestine in view of both the architectural style and the use of construction materials, unknown to the Marche territory and instead widely used in the Holy Land at the time. A recent theory, supported by the discovery of documents written after 1294, asserts that the transfer was the work of the Angeli Comneno princes, a branch of the imperial family of Constantinople, who carried the stones by ship. Both theories, in any event, concur that the House left Nazareth in 1291, passed through Dalmatia, remaining for about three years in Trsat (now a district of the town of Rijeka in Croatia), and arrived in Loreto on the night of December 9th-10th, 1294. 

In 1469, on the initiative of the bishop of Recanati, Nicolò delle Aste and later with Pope Paul II, the first construction of the present basilica began, first with Gothic and later Renaissance forms. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V appointed Loreto to the diocese and the bronze statue designed by Antonio Calcagni and Tiburzio Vergelli, that is placed in all its majesty next to the entrance of the Basilica, was dedicated to him. The octagonal dome was the work of Giuliano da Sangallo and was built in the years 1499-1500. The statue of the Virgin Mary, made of embossed and gilded copper, is on the top of the dome’s lantern. Next to the white Istria stone facade, completed in 1587, stands the elegant bell tower (1750-55) by Luigi Vanvitelli. The shrine of the Holy House is positioned under the dome, faced with marble and with statues and reliefs, a masterpiece of 16th century sculpture. The highly evocative interior is a destination for pilgrims who come from all over the world to pray before the statue of the Black Madonna. 

The Chapel of the Annunciation was decorated with frescoes by Federico Zuccari, the sacristies of San Marco and San Giovanni by Melozzo da Forlì and Luca Signorelli, the ceiling and the roof of the Sala del Tesoro by Pomarancio. The Museum and Picture Gallery of the Holy House of Loreto, housed in the Apostolic Palace, preserves paintings, sculptures, tapestries and majolicas from the Sanctuary and donated to the Holy House in the course of the centuries. The later works by Lorenzo Lotto, who died in Loreto in around 1556, stand out in the collection of paintings. 

The Holy House Treasure includes valuable works of very refined jewellery.

Jesi is one of the most beguiling towns in Ancona’s inland and boasts a sophisticated old centre and lively cultural life. As you arrive you must look at its most striking feature - a belt of massive 14thC walls, built on Roman foundations and later strengthened with buttresses and impregnable towers, and topped by houses.
Piazza Federico II lies at the north-eastern end of the town where the Roman forum of Aesis once lay. Its name recalls the birth here of the fabled Medieval Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II in a tent on 26 December 1194. In Piazza Ghislieri is the Federico II Museum, a large multimedia museum dedicated to the emperor, documenting Federico's life and his stirring deeds. A few steps down Via Pergolesi and you will be in Piazza Colocci and in front of Jesi's most remarkable building, Palazzo della Signoria. This Renaissance palace was built at the end of the 15thC; the large rampant lion above the entrance is the symbol of the power the city once held. Piazza della Repubblica, Jesi's largest square, is dominated by the town's 18thC theatre, Teatro Pergolesi, home to a prestigious autumn opera season and named after the composer Pergolesi, who was born here in 1710.
On Via XV Settembre stands Jesi's most flamboyant building, Palazzo Pianetti. Apart from its hundred windows, the bland facade little prepares you for the over-the-top Rococo flourishes inside. The most extravagant part is the sugar-candy stucco work in the long galleria. The over-blown decoration alone would merit a visit; the added bonus of the civic art gallery makes it obligatory as here is kept a small group of some of Lorenzo Lotto’s finest works: the Judgement of Santa Lucia, a Visitation, an Annunciation and a restless Deposition.
To find an exhaustive selection of Marche wines you can’t miss the regional “enoteca”, in the city historical centre, where you get to know the delicious Verdicchio, a white wine proudly produced in this area.
Among the main events, to be mentioned is the Palio of San Floriano and historical re-enactment: during the first week of May the town fully plunges into a medieval atmosphere. 

Fermo is situated on the slopes of Sabulo Hill (319 above sea level). The city is now divided into two parts: the old town, that has remained almost intact through the centuries, and the new area.

SEASIDE HOLIDAY OFFER:  Fermo features the seaside resorts of Marina Palmense (3 km of beach to the south of Porto San Giorgio)  and Lido di Fermo, Casabianca and Lido San Tommaso (4 km of beach to the north). The beaches at Lido di Fermo and Marina Palmense are both pebbled and sandy; the area is full of camping sites, tourist villages and apartments and equipped with many facilities, like bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The resorts are surrounded by green and lush hills, protecting the coast from the winds. There's a bike path running from Casabianca to the village of San Tommaso.

ATTRACTIONS: The heart of the town is the magnificent Renaissance Piazza del Popolo, formerly Piazza Grande, where there is the sixteenth century Palazzo dei Priori, whose main entrance is topped by  Sansovino's grand statue of the Bishop of Fermo who was to become Pope Sixtus V. Now it is home to the Municipal Art Gallery, boasting valuable paintings of the Venetian and Marche schools and the "Nativity" by Rubens, and the Sala del Mappamondo (Hall of the Globe), taking its name from the world map drawn by the cartographer Moroncelli of Fabriano in 1713; the building also houses the archaeological section "From the Villanovians to Piceni"; further remarkable palaces surrounding the square are: the Palazzo degli Studi, housing the town library "Spezioli" with 400.000 volumes, and the Apostolic Palace, built in 1532 as the residence of the Governors and of the papal legates. Fermo's pride is also the prestigious "Teatro dell'Aquila", a fine example of eighteenth century architecture.  Also worthy of note are the underground piscine romane (roman pools) which comprise thirty magnificently preserved underground chambers built between 41 & 60 BC to conserve and purify the town's water supply, and regarded as the finest example of their kind in Italy. Climbing up Girfalco hill, you reach the 13th century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, with its richly decorated interior and fine rose window. You cant' miss: the Church of San Francesco, which houses fragments of frescoes by Giuliano da Rimini; the church of San Domenico, rebuilt in 1233 on the area where once stood the church of St. Thomas of Canterbury; the Church of St. Agostino, decorated with nice frescoes by Giotto's school.
The most famous local products are: caciotta, a top quality cheese made from both ewe and cow's milk; ciauscolo ( soft cured pork) and vin cotto (sweet "cooked" wine). The frustingo is the typical Christmas cake. It is made with dried figs, raisins, almonds, walnuts, cooked wine, flavored with cocoa, coffee, rum, grated orange and lemon peel, candied fruit and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The most imnportant event taking place in Fermo is the feast of the Assumption, celebrated on August 15. During the summer period the Piazza del Popolo plays host to Fermo's music festival featuring some of the world's finest performers, as well as outdoor markets.

Urbisaglia, where the Orange Flag flies, was a large and important town in the Piceno area; it later became a Roman colony. Near to this small town lie the remains of the Roman Urbs Salvia, with the amphitheatre built in the 2nd century AD and the theatre , one of the region's most conspicuous Roman ruins, that still retains earliest decoration. Another interesting attraction is the fourteenth century trapezoid shaped fortress. Not far from the town, a must see attraction is the Abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, with the church in Cistercian style, the Cistercian monastery and the palace owned by the Giustiniani Bandini family. The whole area is a Nature Reserve, an idyllic spot for country rambles covering 1825 hectares of protected land.