Central Italy, Marches, and Abruzzo

Enrico Massetti wrote this book with 43 color images. As a matter of fact: Italy possesses the most remarkable artistic and cultural heritage globally. And its culture is not just found in the great creative cities but is diffuse, "spread" throughout national territory as in no other country. The proof? Le Marche. Its flat and sandy coast is interrupted by rugged, rocky precipices, a region with rich and varied countryside with the Adriatic Sea. The musical agricultural landscape of its gentle hills, the deep and mysterious caves, and the protected areas of natural beauty enriched with towns, villages, palaces, and religious buildings is of significant architectural and artistic value. It highlights the case with Ancona's cathedral, the regional capital, an essential Adriatic port, or Pesaro's temple. In Urbino, the Ducal Palace is a stupefying testimony of Renaissance grandeur. So naturally, it is unpardonable not to book a seat at the grand Sferisterio theatre for a play or musical performance if you are in Macerata during the summer. At Ascoli Piceno, the blend of medieval and renaissance architecture (S. Francesco, Loggia dei Mercanti, Piazza del Popolo, etc.) arrested the attention of even the most distracted visitor. But in almost all Le Marche's centers, even the smallest, there are many genuine artistic treasures. This guide leads you on a two-week car trip through Central Italy, in the Marches, Umbria, and Abruzzo regions. It covers the towns of Pesaro, Urbino, Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, Spello, Foligno, Montefalco, Spoleto, Terni, Rieti, L'Aquila, Popoli, Rivisondoli, Roccaraso, Chieti, Pescara, Teramo, Ascoli Piceno, Macerata, Loreto, and Ancona. It includes many photos and descriptions of the attractions.