Il Poggeto

It looks like lasagna but it isn't lasagna; at least not in name. Vincisgrassi is a typical dish, and one of the most eaten regional dishes, of the Le Marche region of Italy and while it is very similar to lasagna: don't call it that! Vincisgrassi has its own distinct history and is an important symbol of Le Marche cuisine together. There are countless variations from all over the region and from household to household but, no matter what variation you manage to get your hands on, if you have found a vacation rental in Le Marche and are exploring this scenic and fascinating region, you cannot leave without tasting a portion of Vincisgrassi! Like a lasagna but richer and with more ingredients, it is the perfect comfort food to give you the energy to traverse the region.

The origins of the dish are, however, swamped in a bit of mystery. There are two legends about how it was created and both are passionately disputed to this day. The first story actually also has two versions, both of which date back to the period of Napoleonic rule, when the region had been taken over by Napoleon's troops.

The Temple of Valadier doesn't look real. It looks, instead, like something from a fantasy novel. Perched just inside the Frassassi mountain caves in Genga, Le Marche with views across an amazing landscape, it seems like a mythical temple or the home of some magical creature.

In reality, it is a neoclassical church which was built in 1828 for Pope Leone XII, who was from the area. The church is set inside the equally fantastical Frassassi cave system. With its crags, stalagmites and stalactites, it has a theatrical and breath-taking appearance.

These caves, too, can be visited and explored. If you are in search of beauty and magnificence that seems utterly other-worldly, find a holiday rental in Le Marche and spend a day exploring this special place.

Genga is a stunning Orange Flag awarded town in the Ancona province of Le Marche. Situated on the Sentino River, this charming little haven has lots to offer to tourists. Genga got its name from being the ancestral home of the famous noble della Genga family. This ancient dynasty produced many influential figures throughout the centuries, the best known being Pope Leo XII.

Stay at a beautiful holiday villa in Casa Rotonda, only six kilometres away from Genga and have a wonderful few days relaxing in lavish surroundings and exploring this beautiful part of Le Marche.

Italy is home to multiple opera festivals all around the country but, if you are looking at booking a vacation rental in Le Marche and want to attend such an event, the Rossini Opera Festival is the one for you.

Taking place between the 11th of August and the 23rd of August 2018, the festival is in the 39th edition this year. Named for opera composer Gioachino Rossini, this international music festival was established in 1980 and is held in August of each year in Pesaro, his birthplace. It is a festival that aims to study the musical heritage of the composer and to revive and perform his works, allowing the collaboration of scholars, artists, and audiences.

Following our introductory article on the small state of San Marino situated between Emilia Romagna and Le Marche, here are some ideas on what to see and do when you arrive. Since the 13th century, the Republic of San Marino has been an independent country which has its own government, currency and cultural traditions.

Probably the most striking sight you’ll meet first are the three ancient towers that rise above the jutted rock of Mount Titano. Situated at the foot of this majestic mountain is the historic city centre of San Marino. These towers served the state well for soldiers to spot the oncoming attacks of the Malatesta of Rimini and prepare their strategies of defence and attack in good time.

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.