La Casa degli Amori

~ LE MARCHE ~

The internet provides a wealth of information about this relatively undiscovered part of Italy. So with a little effort it is possible to find out about Le Marche before arriving. Once here the local tourist offices produce a wealth of printed literature detailing the different entertainments. The tourist office in Treia is open each day and the staff some of whom speak English, will gladly help you. They will even walk with you to the museum or open up the wonderful theatre in Treia for your own personal viewing, on request.

SOME OF THE REGULAR EVENTS

* Annual Rossini opera festival held in Pesaro in August.

* Teatro della Muse, Ancona, Concert season from October - May, Theatre season from October - April.

* and closer by, MACERATA OPERA held in the wonderful LO SFERISTERIO (former Disfida del Bracciale court), now home to the second largest open air arena in Italy, during July and August.

* San Severino Blues festival in July and August featuring many international artists.

* Colmurano Buskers Festival in July featuring international street performers, theatre, music and art.

* From May until late September, jazz, folk, blues, rock, and pop music is played in the piazzas and are part of endless list of festivals throughout Le Marche.

THEATRES

Le Marche has a wealth of theatres, some of which were built in the 17th, 18th or 19th centuries. Many have been restored in the past 10 to 20 years and even if you are not lucky enough to be here to see a production (season is normally from October to May) a visit is well worth the time.

FOOD EVENTS OR SAGRAS

From late May until November. A time to celebrate different food, or the fruit of the grape, chestnut, walnut, olive or truffle harvest.

ANTIQUE AND WEEKLY MARKETS

Regular antique and craft markets are held throughout the year, with two week long events in the nearby town of Pollenza (town of furniture restoration) and Sarnano. There are weekly markets in most local towns, Treia has a market on Tuesdays.

OUTLET FACTORIES AND SHOPS

Le Marche is the main manufacturer of Italian shoe brands. Although not always the easiest places to find, Tods, Prada, Fornarina, Saks, D&G, and Hogan are amongst the better known brands. Many lesser known brands all have factories or shops selling directly to the public, all within easy reach of La Casa degli Amori.

THE COAST

La Casa degli Amori is 30 minutes from the nearest beach. Have lunch at many of the beach front restaurants with fish freshly caught from the Adriatic Sea and gaze across the immaculately kept sandy beaches and then maybe a dip in the sea. If the fancy takes you, an exploration of the seaside towns with their numerous designer shops and into the evening for a gelato (ice cream) and a little people watching. The coast is also a perfect place for watching the Italians passeggiata (to walk) or showing the world their "bella figura"

THE MOUNTAINS

If skiing or walking in the mountains appeals the house is about an hour and a half from the ski slopes in the magnificent Sibillini National Park. Closer to home, the hills above San Lorenzo are just a short drive from the house. They offer an opportunity to walk in woods and heath land, discovering a wealth of wild flowers and plants, bird song and tranquillity and on a clear day, viewing the coast line from Monte Conero to the border between Le Marche and Abruzzo. The views are spectacular!