Free Time
Inland areas
GRADARA
Land of the Malatesta family in Marche, Gradara breathes the sea wind and the final mists of the Padana Valley in which voices and music from the past echo, together with the colours that recall the ways of the great courts of the Northern families of the Estensi, Gonzaga and Visconti. More than in any other Malatestian castle there is still an air of polite but harsh chivalry, mixed with the memory of the last acts of bravery of the unfortunate but courageous Sigismondo Malatesta before his decline.
SAN MARINO
Situated between the Romagna and Marche regions, a few kilometres from the Adriatic Riviera, The Republic of San Marino occupies just 61 square kilometres and was founded 301 A.D. by a Dalmatian stonemason, called Marino.
It has always remained a free land even during the difficult Renaissance period. San Marino combines the pace of modern times, to the respect for secular laws and traditions.
URBINO
A splendid Renaissance town, (with 16,000 inhabitants) in the province of Pesaro – Urbino (335,000 total inhabitants), rising up from a panoramic position between two hills, Urbino is known for its narrow lanes and streets, its houses and walls which still maintain to present-day the same characteristics and look it had 500 years ago. It is the site of a historical university (1507), and is the birthplace of Raffaello Sanzio
SAN LEO
Only a few metres from the sea, rising up from an imposing sheer cliff, which stretches along the right bank of the Val Marecchia, San Leo offers wide and varied panoramic views.
The first people to occupy San Leo were the Umbro-Sabelli followed by the Galli and the Romans.
Its name derives from San Leone, who spread Christianity throughout the surrounding region until the creation of the dioceses of Montefeltro
LE GROTTE DI FRASASSI
In the homonymous gorge of the council of Genga in the province of Ancona, there are still enormous and great caves extending for about 18 km. Discovered in 1971 by a group of speleologists C.A.I. of Ancona, they have been open to the public since 1974, and in a short time they have become the most important attraction in the Marche region. They have already been visited by 10 million people coming from all continents.
LORETO
A very small but very important centre for its spirituality and art since the Middle Ages. Loreto has been a pilgrimage destination for the millions of faithful every year.
Its secret is enclosed in the sacred chapel of the holy House.
