Many
illustrious families, humble farmers and magnificent artists have left
evidence of their love for the land they inhabited: the hilly
countryside around Macerata. It is possible to breath the magic of this
area, from the snowy summits to the golden beaches. All the humble
residences and the lively villages stand as an evidence of the passage
of those who have inhabited here. Raffaello himself has left behind for
us to admire his modest dwelling, that became the headquarters of the
“Accademia Raffaello” at the end of the nineteenth century. The
place has then been enriched by works of art, period furniture and
documents relating to the great artist and his hometown. Gioacchino
Rossini home place has equally became a museum. In Maiolati a tour
articulates through the village to end in the museum dedicated to
Gaspare Spontini.
The
famous Leopardi building in Recanati has been turned into a museum as
well. There the exceptional library and the sights throughout the
village remind us of verses of the famous Giacomo Leopardi. A place to
see in Recanati is also the Garden of the Palazzo Dalla Casapiccola once
used by the prelates pilgrims to Loreto and then made part of the
Palazzo property under suggestion of G.Leopardi himself.
Senigallia
also boasts several historical dwellings. Mastai Ferretti family built
there a villa enriched by private chapel and theatre in 1700. The place
is presently in state of disrepair and everybody is hoping it will soon
receive the attention it deserves. Luckily enough other buildings are
more appreciated and in better state. This is the case of Palazzo Mastai
where the to be Pope Pio IX was born on in 1846. The place boasts a
collection of well preserved period furniture. Historical buildings are
evidence to us of the traditions that are no more. It is a delight to
see the ancient Palazzetto Gambini in the urban environment of Pesaro,
or Villa d’Isola built in the country side around Urbino in 1500.
In
the Ancona district Palazzo Sabatucci in Ostra Vetere with its sumptuous
living rooms and Villa la Columbara are worth mentioning. Villa
Columbara overlooks in fact the clear Adriatic sea and is completely
surrounded by the Conero National Park. A picturesque tree-lined avenue
leads to Villa la Pieve in Macerata with external staircase and “Piano
Nobile”. And still: Palazzetto Giochi with marvellous view on the
Sibillini mountains, Palazzo Lucangeli in Porto Recanati particular for
its nineteenth century frescoes. The Piceno district is rich in examples
of historical dwellings. There we can find Palazzo Malaspina in Ascoli,
built in the sixteenth century. Palazzo Sgariglia Cancrini in Grottamare
is important for being a typical example of the Marche style. These
precious testimonies of the past above described are just few examples
of the immense cultural treasure and beauty that “Le Marche” own.