Marche, Italy
Le Marche is a picturesque region in central Italy, offering a blend of rolling hills,
medieval towns, and a rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the dramatic Sibillini Mountains and the azure blue colours of the Adriatic Sea, Le Marche is an undiscovered region of traditional Italian tranquility. Historic hilltop towns scatter the horizon, while scores of vineyards adorn the valleys.
Comunanza
Villa Pascali sits just outside the town of Comunanza. Nestled at the foot of the
Monti Sibillini, it is a tranquil market town with a population of approximately 3,100. Founded
between the 5th and 6th centuries, it boasts historical sites like the 9th-century Church of Santa Maria a Terme, built atop a Roman temple.
Comunanza hosts a weekly market, two local grocery stores, and some great cafes to enjoy an espresso and pick up some local gelato.
Ascoli Piceno
Visit Piazza del Popolo - a stunning Renaissance square, perfect for leisurely strolls and people-watching. Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio is a beautiful cathedral with impressive architecture. Be sure not to miss Tempietto di Sant’Emidio alle Grotte - a small temple built into a cave, offering a unique experience. Finish off with some Ascoli Olives and an Aperol Spritz at Caffe Meletti.
Other Nearby Towns & Villages
Le Marche is scattered with quaint hilltop villages and towns to explore. Many offer cultural insights into the region, picturesque views, and an abundance of gelato to help cool you down on a warm summers day.
Montefalcone
This tiny village sits high above the Aso Valley, with precepice cliffs plunging to the valley below. There a small castle tower and gardens that run to the cliff edge.
Montalto
Basilica Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is beautiful cathedral church built by Pope Sisto V with rich history and art.
Castello di Porchia closeby houses the castle remains offering panoramic views and a touch of medieval charm.
Amandola
A charming town known for its historical center and proximity to the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Check out the visitor center for hiking and nature trails, the historic market square and wander up through the old town to the small park on the hill top.
Servigliano
Explore the well-preserved 18th-century town built on a perfect small grid pattern. Learn about the town's history. Parco della Pace is a tranquil green space with art installations, ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
Sarnano
Famous for its medieval architecture, Santa Maria Assunta Church, and Thermal Baths of Sarnano - spa facilities offering relaxation amidst scenic surroundings.
San Ginesio
Visit an 11th-century church with Romanesque and Gothic elements, featuring a civic tower and historical inscriptions. Also visit Ospedale dei Pellegrini: A 13th-century former pilgrims' hospital, offering insights into medieval travel and hospitality.
Offida
Known for its lace-making tradition and the impressive Church of Santa Maria
della Rocca built on a narrow headland. Offida is also the centre of vineculture in the region.
Montefortino
Hike amidst waterfalls and lush greenery at nearby Gole dell’Infernaccio, and visit Santuario Madonna dell’Ambro - a sanctuary nestled in the mountains, providing both spiritual and natural beauty.
Monte Rinaldo
Visit Area Archeologica La Cuma - an archaeological site featuring ancient ruins,
offering a glimpse into the past. Cantina dei Monti is a family-run winery where adults can enjoy tastings while
kids explore the vineyard surroundings.
Montedinove
Visit Museo delle Tombe Picene - a museum showcasing ancient Picene tombs and artifacts, intriguing for history enthusiasts. Convento San Tommaso Becket is historic convent offering insights into
religious history and architecture.
Fermo
A little further north, Fermo is a larger town and great to explore with lots of shops and restaurants. There are theatres, a beautiful church and ancient library.
Grottamare
Down on the coast, Grottamare has a historical hilltop center overlooking the beautiful azure Adriatic sea. Nearby there are sandy beaches and seaside beach cafes and restaurants serving delicious seafood and fish dishes.
Castellucio di Norcia
Castelluccio di Norcia was a tiny hilltop village in Italy’s Sibillini Mountains, largely destroyed by earthquakes in the past. However it is still famous for its breathtaking “flowering” meadows each spring. Surrounded by dramatic plains and hiking trails, it offers stunning panoramic views, local lentils, and tranquil rural charm.
Abundance of nearby Family-owned Vineyards
Le Marche boasts well balanced red and white wines, made often from Sangiovase, Montepulciano, Pecorino and Passerina grape types. These create bold earthy reds like Rosso Piceno, and famous whites like Passerina, Pecorino and Falerio.
The vineyards have often been in the same family for generations, resulting in great pride in each wine produced. Many vineyards welcome visitors for formal and informal wine tastings.
Casale Vitali
Family run and intimate, taste incredible Methode Classique sparkling alongside artisan cheeses and meats.
Le Cana
A boutique winery near the coast, producing elegant, terroir-driven wines from local varietals. Relax on the terrace with beautiful views and experience the wines.
Lacanosa
Run by the Disaronno Family, Lacanosa boasts an impressive array of unique grapes to the region
Geminiani
The true "locals" experience. Roberto, the sixth generation wine maker, will welcome you to taste his family's wines standing around a wine barrel whilst locals arrive to fill their bottles.
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Marche is surrounded by an abundance of nature and outdoor activities. From stunning beaches, to hiking trails in the mountains, there is something for everyone.
Sibillini Mountains
Summer walking in the high mountains is easily accessible from Villa Pascali.
Lakes of Pilato
High mountain lakes of austere beauty.
Conero Regional Park
High hills and steep cliffs falling to unspoilt beaches are south of Ancona. A beautiful day's outing from the villa.
Beaches
The local Adriatic beaches are less than an hour from the villa. Often sandy, with safe lagoons created by the rocky sea defenses, they make for an ideal children's beach experience. Enjoy the beach cafes and fish restaurants.