Le Marche
HOT, HOT, HOT
11.08.2012 - 25.08.2012
36 °C
It is easy to imagine Le Marche as Tuscany may have been 20 years ago. Beautiful coastline (albeit with less than bella architecture) melds into very attractive rolling countryside with gorgeous hilltop towns, which finally gives way to dramatic mountain ranges which have sensibly been declared national parks. The two decade gap indicates the blessed lack of tourist traffic through the region, although we may have been spoilt due to the furnace-like conditions which prevailed during our stay.
typical landscape shot which shows the farmhouse right of centre
Our accommodation came courtesy of a Sydney family that have painstakingly renovated a large farmhouse in the central region of Le Marche - www.la-serenita.com. Perfectly situated high on the hillside looking towards Tolentino, the property instantly has a calming effect on all inhabitants (very aptly named), and we enjoyed two relaxing weeks here swimming, reading, cooking, and exploring the region.
our digs - especially attractive late afternoon
Lisa with her standard morning rev-up
homemade pasta - despite this glum look, I think the cooks were happy!
"what if we do leave the EC, and go back to the lira ...?"
godsend during the heatwave
The highlights of exploring the region were many, and included :
San Ginesio festival week, including their palio
not a great pic, but the equine and human skills on show were impressive
just part of the colourful parade
parade over, but the party is just beginning
Swimming on the Conero Peninsula (Sirolo) with the dramatic limestone cliffs
gives the Amalfi coast a run for its money ...
when in Italy it is important to do as the locals do and flout the law!
muscles cleaning the mussels
Day trip to lovely Ascoli Piceno further south near the Abruzzo border
paunch in the Piazza Del Popolo
temperature nudged 40 degrees this day, so any relief welcome
Ascoli Piceno was beautiful inside and outside the centro
Visit to neighbouring Caldarola for a tour of the castle (Castello Pallotta) followed by aperitivi
15th century drawbridge
usually very good buddies
little known German beer but it mattered not ...
Stunning drive up into the Sibylline Mountains National Park, followed by a swim in Lago Di Fiastra
not quite end of the holiday season so still fairly busy
welcome relief after the long drive ...
Posted by happellfamily12 15:13 Archived in Italy Tagged towns countryside weather swimming pool hot hilltop Comments (1)
