Exploring Le Marche
A Hidden Gem Between The Mountains And The Sea
With its unique culinary delights, rolling green hills, vibrant seaside towns and quaint city squares, the central Italian region of Le Marche offers something for everyone–yet it remains one of Italy’s best kept secrets.
Le Marche is situated between the Apennine Mountains to the west and the Adriatic coast to the east. It shares it borders with Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo. Every region in Italy boasts its own culinary specialties, and Le Marche is no exception. While its cuisine may not enjoy the international reputation of its neighbouring regions, those fortunate enough to experience it know that Le Marche is truly a gastronomic paradise.
In Le Marche, you may not find lasagna but you’ll certainly discover vincisgrassi. Believed to date back to the late 1700s, vincisgrassi was traditionally made to sustain hardworking farmers, making it a dish deeply rooted in the region’s agrarian history. This hearty dish features of layers of flat pasta, a rich meat ragù, creamy béchamel, and a generous touch of grated nutmeg. What sets vincisgrassi apart from traditional lasagna is the addition of ingredients unique in the Marche-style ragù. Alongside minced beef and pork, the ragù includes chicken giblets, livers, and other left-over cuts of meat, adding depth and complexity to its flavour.
Ciauscolo is a smoke-cured spreadable salami similar to Calabrian ’nduja or a French pâté. Even though a slight variation can be found in Umbria, ciauscolo is the quintessential salami of the Marche region. Made with select pieces of pork—including pork belly, shoulder, ham and loin trimmings—the meat is seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, wine, and crushed garlic, giving it a spicy and distinctive aroma. The meat is double-ground to produce a fine and smooth consistency, making ciauscolo ideal for spreading on bread to enjoy as a light snack.
Piconi Ascolani are delectable baked ravioli filled with cheese, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast on Easter morning. Each province in Le Marche claims its own variation, and every family is guardian to a unique recipe handed down through generations. Most recipes feature a classic pecorino cheese filling, while others may add intriguing twists like lemon juice or white wine to their dough.
The tradition of eating piconi at Easter is particularly meaningful for Italian Catholics, who observe a period of fasting leading up to Easter. Rich, flavourful, and deeply satisfying, piconi are a much-anticipated indulgence for many Marchegiani, symbolizing the joyous end of the Lenten season and the start of festive celebrations.
Olive all’Ascolana—also known as Olive ripieni—is one of the most iconic and distinctive dishes of the Marche region. This delicacy features local green olives, which are pitted and then filled with a fragrant mixture of seasoned minced meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon, these delectable bites are an unforgettable treat and a must-try for any food lover.
Le Marche is not only reputed for its unique cuisine but also as a destination that is “off the beaten path”—and, surprisingly, for its scarcity of tourists!
San Benedetto del Tronto is a vibrant seaside town on Italy’s Adriatic coast, perfect for those who love sun and sea air. Once an ancient fishing village, it has transformed into a beloved coastal retreat. Its iconic promenade, known as the Riviera delle Palme, is eloquently lined with tall palm trees, evoking both the charm of Italy and the allure of a tropical paradise.
The Riviera delle Palme has been awarded a Blue Flag certification every year since 1998. This certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, recognises beaches that meet the highest standards of environmental quality and sustainability.
Urbino, a picturesque municipality in the Le Marche, is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the independent cultural significance of its Renaissance heritage. Perched atop a hill, the town is adorned with historic and medieval architecture, offering a glimpse into its storied past
Urbino is famously the birthplace of Raphael, the illustrious painter of the Italian High Renaissance. Renowned for his Madonnas and monumental compositions in the Vatican, Raphael's works are revered for embodying the Neoplatonic ideal of human grandeur and beauty.
For visitors, Urbino has several must-see attractions, including the majestic Ducal Palace, home to the National Gallery of Marche, as well as Raphael’s home-museum, which provides an intimate look at the artist’s early life and legacy.
The Piazza del Popolo, located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, is a stunning medieval town square often hailed as a Renaissance masterpiece. It is flanked by architectural gems, including the Palazzo dei Capitani, the Loggia dei Mercanti and the Chiesa di San Francesco. The square also boasts an array of boutiques, cafes and bars making it an inviting spot for shopping, dining and socialising.
For those seeking a place to unwind, the historic Caffè Meletti is highly recommended. Established in 1907, this iconic cafe offers the perfect setting to savour an espresso or authentic Italian hot chocolate. Take a seat outside and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Piazza del Popolo.
Gradara is a picturesque town in the province of Pesaro e Urbino, renowned for its stunning Castello di Gradara and its association with the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalised by the famed poet Dante Alighieri in the fifth canto of his Inferno. According to legend, the castle served as the backdrop for their ill-fated romance when Gianciotta, Francesca’s husband, discovered them in each other’s arms and killed them both.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Gradara offers breathtaking views and the timeless atmosphere of a beautifully preserved medieval town. It is officially classified as one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia, which translates to “the most beautiful villages of Italy.”
Whether you’re passionate about history, art and architecture, outdoor adventures, or gastronomy, the lesser-known region of Le Marche has it all—plus it offers an escape from the usual tourist crowds.
This article is dedicated to Laura and Federica Ciotti, two locals from Le Marche who provided me with invaluable insights into the region. I’d also like to thank my father, Filippo, for sharing inspiring stories about our family’s homeland in Le Marche.
