Marche

Marche, or Le Marche, is a region of central Italy located along the Adriatic coast. The regional capital and largest city is Ancona. The region is divided into five provinces: Ancona, Pesaro e Urbino, Macerata, Fermo, and Ascoli Piceno. It borders Emilia-Romagna to the north, Tuscany and Umbria to the west, Lazio to the southwest, and Abruzzo to the south.

Geography within Marche ranges from sandy Adriatic beaches to the Apennine hills inland. The Conero promontory along the coast and the Monte Sibillini mountain range in the interior are notable features, as are rolling towns and historic villages. The landscape supports agriculture and a growing tourism sector, with parks and protected areas preserving coastal and mountain habitats.

Historically, the area was part of the Roman Empire and later consisted of autonomous communes and lordships in the Middle Ages. It became part of the Papal States and played a role in the unification of Italy, joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. The region hosts a rich cultural heritage, including Renaissance towns and religious architecture.

Culturally, Urbino is a World Heritage Site recognized for its Renaissance urban planning and architecture; it is the birthplace of the painter Raphael and hosts the University of Urbino Carlo Bo. Other towns, such as Ascoli Piceno, are noted for their historic centers. The Marche is also known for wine and cuisine, including Verdicchio and Rosso Conero, olive oil, and truffle, as well as a coast that supports seaside tourism. The region has a population of roughly 1.5 to 1.6 million people.