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Towns
of Art
Situated
on picturesque backgrounds, with sea, hills, mounts and plains, Le Marches
towns all have their own artistic heritage, resulting from a millenary
encounter of peoples, cultures, artists, and wise patrons.
The
Renaissance beauty of Urbino is renowned all over the world, and it
is not by chance that this town was declared a heritage of humanity.
The Montefeltro Dukes gathered in Urbino all the important artists of
their times, Luciano Laurana and Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, Piero della
Francesca and Paolo Uccello, Leon Battista Alberti and Sandro Botticelli
embellished Urbino with their works, which may be admired in every street
and in the sumptuous halls of the Ducal Palace that hosts the rich National
Gallery of Arts.
Urbino
was the native town of many excellent artists, such as Donato Bramante,
Federico Barocci, Girolamo Genga and Raffaello Sanzio. The latter grew up
in the Montefletro area, and his father was Giovanni Santi, a fine painter
who worked for the Dukes.
Before
Raffaello, another important artists was Gentile da Fabriano, whose gothic
works embellished various courts, contributing to the start of an intense
pictorial activity in Fabriano. Protected by its mounts, Fabriano boasts
an ancient tradition in paper production, as well as having a historic
centre rich in beautiful buildings where invaluable picture galleries are
hosted.
Fermo
is
also a beautiful town, with its elegant buildings and medieval alleys, it
is worth discovering during a long walk. Only in this way is it possible
to admire the landscapes, the shades, the evidence of an ancient
tradition. Monuments include roman swimming-pools and water reservoir
which date back to Augustus’ period.
Precious
Roman remains, as well as art’s collections, are also kept in San
Severino – an elegant town with the famous Piazza del Popolo. The
latter is characterized by 14th-century porticoes which
embellish the buildings overlooking them. Another town that is worth a
visit is Macerata, full of 16th-century monuments such
as the Sferisterio Theatre and many elegant buildings that host important
museums.
The
medieval centre of Ascoli Piceno is wonderfully situated and is
characterized by bold bridges, austere towers, elegant towers and
wonderful churches overlooking beautiful squares. The Basilica of Loreto
is also located close to a wide square, and was designed by the best
Italian artists in the 15th century.
Other
examples include Urbania, San Leo, Gradara, Jesi, Recanati, Sarnano,
San Ginesio, Tolentino, and many more small towns and villages, all of
which offer precious masterpieces and beautiful landscapes.
Wonderful
paintings and charming sculptures are kept in many museums and picture
galleries - the Marches’ territory boasts over 200 collections – yet
the verses of famous poets still echo among the walls, in the harmonious
places in which they were composed.
© 2001
Liberation Ventures Ltd.
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