Castles in Le Marche: between myth and reality

Hills, sea inlets, citadels and an extensive countryside … and much more, because in Le Marche, villas and castles are one more Architectonic and Landscape Heritage, boldly standing out in many parts of the territory, each with its own story to tell.

Not everyone knows that it was here, in these very lands of Le Marche, that came about the celebrated Love story, with a capital L because of such noteworthiness that it is a part of the Divina Commedia, and as such does not need any introduction. Obviously, we are referring to the one between Paolo and Francesca, with the Rocca di Gradara as stage and witness: “Amor, ch’a nullo amato amar perdona, mi prese del costui piacer sì forte, che, come vedi, ancor non m’abbandona” (Love, who does not spare any loved one from loving back, made me fall in love so strongly for this man that, as you see, it still keeps me tied to him), to quote Dante. The beautiful Castello di Gradara is still there, standing out strong, sturdy and soaked in history on the hills in of the Province of Pesaro e Urbino, as visitable and marvellous today as it was in the past.

There are numerous noble families that ruled the territory from North to South during Middle Age and Renaissance, from the Montefeltro in Urbino to the Malatesta in Fano, from the Varano in Camerino to the Gentile in Fermo and Smeducci in San Severino Marche.
And again, the Sforza in Jesi in the 15th century, each of these families accorded prestige, brought riches, Art, fortresses and castles that to this day adorn the land as an indelible testimony of the past history, wrapped partly in mystery and known in parts through legends and truths found in books and in heirlooms that have come down to us.

Some castles are now museums, others are locations used and usable for events, big magical parties or even to become homes: indeed, at Marche Country Homes we look in the territory of Le Marche for every type of habitable building with a tale to tell.

Not only castles, but also stately villas, splendid summer residences dating back to the time when Delight, Leisure and Art were crucial to the lives of the nobility.

Our land is richly endowed with these properties, ready to be inhabited again, for an out of the ordinary experience. In Le Marche, nothing is commonplace, from the tales passed on to the delicious food, from the beautiful, breath taking view to the numerous events to attend, so to never feel boredom.

Architecture also plays its role, thus, here every wish can come true: some buildings are an integral part of the heritage and remain open only for visits, while other castles in Le Marche, as well as amazing villas, are ready to be called home.