The Marche region lies between the Adriatic sea and the Apennines in central Italy. In this multifaceted territory are countless well-preserved evidence of a very rich history. Noteworthy is the former Duchy of Montefeltro, with Urbino —its late centre— revamped in the 15 century by Federico da Montefeltro. As a successful condottieri (captain) for Italian cities and, above all, for various popes, he possessed the necessary means for self-expression and distinguished himself as a patron.

As an important connection from Rome thru Cagli to Fano, the Roman built the Via Flaminia. Many still used bridges and tunnels testify to the high level architecture of the constructors. Along this route can be discovered many Roman monuments.

During the second world war thousands of important works of art were hidden in the castle. Francesco di Giorgio Martini gave it in 1475 the shape of a turtle due to alchemist believe. Today, it houses an tiny private theatre.

Near the lake of Sassocorvaro (Mercatale) an outdoor restaurant offer a relaxing stay under huge beautiful trees.

Sassocorvaro you may reach by e walk of 1,5 hour.
The Foglia valley was 1944-45 a heavy embattled defence line, part of the Gothic line.

An important town during the Renaissance, today Urbino has been classed as a world heritage site by Unesco. The painter Raphael was born there and his house can be visited. The Ducal Palace houses the Marche National Gallery and is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The town’s foundations date back to Roman times or may even be earlier. Accessible also by bus.

Famous for centuries for its majolica, Urbania is home to a recently restored theatre (Teatro Bramante) as well as a Ducal Palace which houses a museum of peasant culture and two Mercator globes. The hunting palace of the Dukes of Montefeltro (Barco Ducale) is also worth a visit. Just 15km from Ca’ Agostino, Urbania is an ideal place to go to on a mountain bike.

Several majolica workshops sell their handiworks and offer insight to this great old technique.

An other attraction may be the famous church "Chiesa dei Morti" where 18 mummies of local dignitaries wait for visitors.

The fortress of San Leo is first of all known as the place of death (1795) of "Count Cagliostro" the may be most enigmatic adventurer, freemason and occultist of the 18 Century. He was involved in the affair of the diamond necklace affaire of Marie-Antoinette ...
San Leo (Mons Feretro) was also the ancestral seat for the counts and later dukes of Montefeltro.
1213 sojourned Francis of Assisi her and founded the nearby Monastery St. Igne.
The pre-romanesque parish (9 century) and the romaic cathedral from the twelfth century are both worth a visit.

• Fabriano: Here was invented the Watermark, hosts a very rewarded Paper Museum.
• Pergola: Museum with gilt bronzes from Roman epoch found lately in Cartoceto di Pergola.
• Auro-Valley, Parchiule: char burner valley with still active production
• Pennabilli (poetically influenced by screenwriter Tonino Guerra), Busker-Festival in June
• Pietrarubbia: metal-arts centre T.A.M. initiated by world level artist Arnaldo Pomodoro
• Pesaro: native town of Gioachino Rossini, Majolica Museum, Rossini-Festival in Summer
  
  

Easy reachable World Heritage Sites:

• San Marino: oldest existing republic
• Assisi: Basilica San Francesco
• Ravenna: early christian mosaics and monuments