The most beautiful villages in the Marche region: treasures to discover

Fortresses, castles, churches and breathtaking hill views. A trip to the Marche cannot do without a visit to the villages, rich in history, charm and art.

Every year the Marches are a popular destination for travel lovers, especially for those who prefer slow travel experiences. It will be thanks to its marvelous hilly landscapes, the artistic beauties of which each of its historic centers is rich, or its food and wine delights. Whatever the reason that will lead you to visit this region (whether you want to relax or live an adrenaline adventure), there are stages - more or less known - that you cannot miss.

Thanks to this review of the most beautiful villages in the Marche region, you will go without fail, to transform your trip into something more: an unforgettable experience!

Gradara and her star-crossed lovers

“Amor, ch’ha nullo amato amar perdona” wrote Dante Alighieri in his Divine Comedy. A phrase known to students, lovers of literature and romantics from all over the world, just as the characters to which it refers are famous, the most unhappy lovers in Italy (surpassed only by Romeo and Juliet): Paolo and Francesca. The legend surrounding their impossible love has it that they were killed out of jealousy by Gianciotto Malatesta - her husband and his brother - after witnessing their love match. The tragedy took place at Castello di Gradara , a medieval fortress dating back to 1100 and over the centuries home to numerous noble families.

Your journey to discover the most beautiful villages in the Marche can start right from Gradara. Impossible not to notice the Castle once you reach the village: it stands on the top of a hill, with the high tower and the two walls. Della Rocca - which has become a state museum - today you can visit the external courtyard and 14 internal rooms, where you can observe paintings, furniture, frescoes and many other works of art.

But Gradara is much more than this. You can cross it by walking through its suggestive alleys or by walking along the walkway along the external walls. If, on the other hand, you want to fill up on art, history and culture, you can find bread for your teeth at the Historical Museum or by visiting the numerous churches in the village: that of San Giovanni, with its crucifix dating back to the 1400s, or that of the Santissimo Sacramento , which preserves the remains of San Clemente.

Frontino, where man and nature coexist

Slow travel does not only mean making the most of the destinations visited, but also taking the opportunity to take a break from the hectic everyday routine. If this is your goal, you can stay in one of the relaxing Marcheholiday villas with pool, and then visit Frontino, one of the most romantic villages in the Marche .

Awarded the Orange Flag (which recognizes the quality of hospitality in small Italian towns), Frontino is the meeting point between man and nature. This can be seen starting from the stupendous Torre Civica, whose structure is completely covered with vines, which cloak the tower in different colors depending on the season. Walking through the silent alleys of Frontino you can admire what remains of the castle walls, which stand out on the surrounding hills.

A stop at the main square will allow you to discover the legend behind this place. In fact, it seems that in 1451 the square hosted the so-called "battle of the tiles", which saw the inhabitants of the village take sides against the Malatesta troops... and win! Also not to be missed is the church of Saints Peter and Paul, where you will find two paintings of great artistic interest on display: one depicting the Madonna and Child and the other the Crucifixion. If, on the other hand, you are a lover of contemporary art, you might like the Museum of Franco Assetto, a Turin artist who is also the father of water sculpture, in the heart of the centre.

Mondavio, a stronghold nestled in the hills

The journey to discover the most beautiful villages in the Marche continues with a visit to Mondavio, where the Rocca Roveresca stands out, built on the initiative of the Della Rovere family in the second half of the 1400s. From here you can start walking the walkway that crosses the village or visit its moats, where the ancient war machines are still found. The internal rooms, on the other hand - complete with wax statues in Renaissance clothing - will allow you to relive scenes of daily life.

Mondavio is a village made up of contrasts: on one side the power of a fortress built for military purposes, on the other the peace religious buildings, such as the small but fascinating Church of San Francesco, dating back to the end of the 1200s. You can take a tour of the cloister, on the ground floor of which there is a civic museum full of works of art, or visit the inside of the church. You also cannot miss the graceful Apollo theater, a small jewel in Art Nouveau style dating back to the 1800s and containing interesting frescoes. Finally, the visit can end at one of the restaurants in the village, in front of a plate of broad bean heels, a typical pasta of the area.

The “100 churches” of Pergola

In the heart of the hinterland rises Pergola, defined as the "City of 100 Churches", one of the most beautiful villages to visit in the Marche region. A place of worship not to be missed is the seventeenth-century Church of the Magi. Crossing the threshold you will be surrounded by Baroque decorations and precious friezes, while on the altar you can admire the masterpiece for which this building is known: the Adoration of the Magi, a painting on canvas created by Aurelio Lomi. Remarkable for its historical value is also the Church of Santa Maria di Piazza, near the Town Hall, dating back to the 11th century and therefore considered the oldest church in the village.

But the real jewel of Pergola is the Museum of the Golden Bronzes, which preserves a group of magnificent statues from the Roman era depicting two horses, two knights and two women.

Finally, if you are a food and wine enthusiast, you cannot miss a taste of the excellent Visner, the sour cherry wine. You can buy a bottle in a local shop and savor it by the pool at Villa Ludovica, a few kilometers from the village.

Cingoli: among the most beautiful villages there is the "Balcony of the Marches"

Located on Monte Circe, in a raised position compared to other locations, from Cingoli you can admire the entire valley, until you see the Adriatic in the distance. This center - one of the best villages to visit in the Marches - is above all a contemplative experience: at the terrace in via Balcone delle Marche, you can relax in front of a breathtaking spectacle made of hills, trees and glimpses of blue sea, forgetting for an instant the frenzy of the daily routine. Beware of the weather though: the view can range for miles on sunny days, while fog can be an annoying obstacle.

A walk through the streets of the city will lead you to the clock tower of the Palazzo Comunale, dating back to the 1200s. The building, which can also be visited inside, houses the Archaeological Museum, containing fascinating prehistoric finds, epigraphs, coins and sculptures. In the Sala degli Stemmi, on the other hand, you can admire the Madonna del Rosario, a sixteenth-century painting by Lorenzo Lotto.

Discover the most beautiful villages in the Marche by staying in one of the Marcheholiday holiday homes, for an exciting and above all comfortable experience!