Archive for 'The Marches'

This year presented a major calendar of various events and exhibitions throughout Italy celebrating the life and work of Da Vinci on the event of his 500th anniversary since passing. With 2020 just on the horizon, so too comes another big anniversary in art history after this year of celebrating Da Vinci, the 500th anniversary of the death of Raphael, and, with it, another series of events and exhibitions throughout Italian museums and other fine art instituions around the globe.

Unlike Da Vinci, or Michelangelo, this great name of the Renaissance only lived into his late thirties, with his two great peers making it into their eighties. Today, his name is less lauded on the scale of those two great artists but he was no less beloved in his time and, though his life was shorter, he was incredibly productive, leaving behind an impressive oeuvre of fine art.

In the last post, we introduced the little gem that is the enclaved microstate of San Marino. Nestled between the Italian regions of Le Marche and Emilia Romagna, this impossibly pretty republic is a perfect spot for a day trip and has a surprising amount to offer visitors. Just find a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna or a villa in Rimini, in particular, or a holiday rental in Le Marche and then set aside a day to come and explore this incredible place that looks like a picture-perfect kingdom plucked right from the pages of a storybook. Aside from the stunning views and scenery, pretty streets, great food, and excellent value for money, here are even more reasons as to why it is a must-see...

6. Shop The Discounts

We noted that San Marino isn't overly expensive, in general, but it also boasts tax-free shopping, lots of great shops and boutiques to choose from, some malls, and, additionally, two outlets: San Marino Factory Outlet and Queen Outlet. Be sure to grab a bargain while you're in town!

Those who have found a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna or a villa in Rimini, in particular, or a holiday rental in Le Marche should definitely try and set aside a day to spend visiting the intriguing San Marino.

The enclaved microstate of the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is located inside Italy, not far from the riviera of Rimini and is a fascinating little country within a country that is just 61 square kilometres in size. It is thought to be the oldest sovereign state, oldest republic in the world, and was founded in 301 AD. In addition, it is one of the least visited countries in Europe and is a really special gem with a unique history and culture of its own. Impossibly picturesque and a path less travelled, the discerning and adventurous tourist exploring the surrounding area of Italy will definitely check it out but, if you're not yet convinced, here are ten reasons to add San Marino to your bucket list...

There are many interesting traditional festivals that take place all over Italy from foodie delights to heart-in-your-mouth horse races, costumed parades to wild parties. However, among them all, there is one that stands out as, perhaps, the most unique, bizarre, interesting and entertaining. This, of course, has to be the Palio della Rana. Taking place in the town of Fermignano in Le Marche, not far from Urbino, this festival features multiple events and celebrations including an annual race that takes place each year on the Sunday following Easter. While the Palio di Siena is one of the most famous horse races in the world, this is probably the most famous frog race in the world. Yes, you read that correctly, it is a frog race and if you want to experience it for yourself, you need only find a vacation rental in Le Marche and plan to be there on time for the big event!

The Palio della Rana festival was born as a result of the town's independence from the rulers of Urbino in the 18th century, warranting major celebrations and new traditions. Among those new traditions that were created at this time, the frog race emerged. It involves representatives from the 7 contrade of Fermignano (Cà L’Agostina, Calpino, La Pieve, La Torre, San Lazzaro, San Silvestro and Santa Barbara), each clad in traditional clothing and wearing different colours, compete for the title of champion. Specialists inspect the frogs before and after the race to ensure there is no foul play and each frog is placed on a wheelbarrow, underneath a basket.

The word, “leprosy,” doesn't exactly conjure images of a good time or a desirable tourist attraction but the former leprosarium known as the Lazzaretto, or Mole Vanvitelliana, in Ancona is a stunning building that has become a must-see for those visiting the town. An incredibly impressive architectural gem with a rich history, it is an extraordinary sight to behold if you have managed to find a vacation rental in Le Marche.