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Marche castles, palaces and mansions

The Marche region is rich in castles, towers, and historic houses, a strong testimony of medieval architecture. A dense network of manors spreads over the whole territory, in the plains, on the gentle hill slopes and perched on rocky mountains, surrounded by vineyards, beech and chestnut woods. Built in strategic positions, they dominate the surrounding valleys, often with mighty crenellated walls and lively interior decorations made on frescoed walls to recall the opulence of the local noble families. Many can be visited, still others used as private homes, and still others only ruins bearing witness to a glorious past. Discover with Visititaly, the fortresses, the villas, the forts, the historic buildings, the noble residences and all the places linked to culture that characterize the Marche region. If you have visited a castle and would like to share your experience with others, please report it here!

Gradara - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Gradara

The castle of Gradara is a medieval fortress located in the municipality of Gradara, in the Marche region. It is protected by two walls that extend for almost 800 meters, making the structure impressive. The castle is one of the most visited monuments in the region and is the scene of museum, musical and artistic events. The Stronghold of Gradara covers an area of 800 meters and is protected by two walls. The property is a state property and is one of the most visited monuments in the region. Over the years the building has been owned by several families. In 1641 the castle passed under the control of the State of the Church and in 1920 it was purchased by the Zanvettori family. They restored it making it a very important military structure.

Ancona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Senato

It is a historic building in the city of Ancona that was built in the twelfth century, and was erected as the seat of the Senatory Council. Between 1943 and 1944 he suffered bombings that seriously damaged him. In 1952 it was restored and today it is the seat of the Superintendence for Architectural and Environmental Heritage of the Marche. It has a high and narrow arch on the stone façade, as well as two orders of mullioned windows of elegant columns and covered with round frames.

Ancona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo del Governo

Built since the mid-1300s as the new headquarters of the city government, it is located in Piazza del Plebiscito. In 1470, the arch of the Rastello was initialized, which is also the main entrance to the courtyard. In 1484 Francesco di Giorgio Martini redesigned the whole building giving it a Renaissance look. Instead, in 1690 due to the earthquake, the frescoes by Melozzi da Forlì were destroyed by the collapses of the Council Hall, who had decorated the interior. From 1860 to today, it is the main seat of the Prefecture of Ancona.

Ascoli Piceno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza Pia

The Pia Fortress is an ancient building located in the highest area of the city of Ascoli and was rebuilt at the behest of Pope Pius IV in 1560, from which it also took its name. The construction, part of a defense system connected to the Porta Romana and demolished three times, was completed by Lombard masters before being demolished again in 1799 by the French. The walls of the North and the ramparts to the East crown the dedication to Pius IV.

Ancona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Cresci Antiqui

Despite the origin of the building dates back to the '400, the building was remarkably renovated in the '700 at the behest of Francesco Cresci Antiqui, who wanted to transform the loggia on the first floor into shops. The architecture is special and the building can be admired already from the decorated arches on the ground floor. A testimony of the period in which it was built is represented by frescoes on a Christian and mythological theme.

Ancona - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortino Napoleonico

The Napoleonic Fort was erected in 1810 in Portonovo by General Beauharnais and had the task of protecting the southern flank of the city of Ancona and to carry out the military block in the Adriatic of traffic in the Adriatic. trades of the English enemy. It was built with the addition of recycled stones from the ancient Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria di Portonovo. In the 1960s the fort was completely restored respecting the original architectural lines.

Ascoli Piceno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Forte Malatesta

The Malatesta Fort is a majestic building that dates back to pre-Roman times. It took its name today in 1349 from the leader of the Ascoli militias who strengthened him for defensive purposes during the war against Fermo. At the center of the construction you can still see the ancient church dedicated to Santa Maria del Lago. Later the fort worked as a judicial prison. Today it houses the finds of the Lombard necropolis of Castel Trosino.

Ascoli Piceno - Castles, palaces and mansions

Torre e Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo

Torre and Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo dates back to the 13th century. It was built between the 13th and 14th and is located in the center of the city in Piazza del Popolo. The tower is known for an ancient style belonging to the Middle Ages. The building has architectural elements, decorative details of local art. After a few deep restorations, it was completed in 1520. The rear facade of the Palace was rebuilt in the same year by the architect and painter Nicola Filotesio.

Pesaro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Berloni

The current Villa Berloni is the final result of several interventions started in the late '700 and ended at the beginning of the 1800s, by the Almerici family. It was restored by the famous architect Luigi Vanvitelli. Later, a phase of degradation began, and in World War II it was used as a shelter for displaced persons. In 1980 it was purchased by the Berloni family from which it also took the name it bears today. It was totally furnished and restored, bringing it back to its splendor. You can admire the pictorial works and various antiques from 1600-1700.

Pesaro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Mazzolari Mosca

The imposing palace, commissioned by Antonio Maria Mazza, is the final product of several works carried out between the 18th and 20th centuries. Its construction began in the second half of the 18th century above a pre-existing structure. The building has three floors with a perfectly linear façade with the canons of classicism. On the pictorial decorations of the first one can definitely notice the school of Lazzarini while the decorations on the second floor date back to the '800 and are works by lesser-known masters.

Pesaro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Toschi Mosca

The construction of the building dates back to the last years of the '500, but its architectural development had it in the years of the '600 and '700. The building occupies an entire block with three central courts, it is an immense rusticated portal covering almost half a façade. Recently, the building underwent a complete renovation to be in European standards. The size of its rooms with 14 rooms and a lounge made it perfect for hosting the Civic Museum.

Smerillo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Rocca di Smerillo

The Rocca di Smerillo was built in the Middle Ages. It has always served as a home for the noble families of the city. The Fortress was in a raised position relative to the village. This strategic approach often made it the object of a clash between the Dukes of Camerino with those of Fermo. Today, in the state of ruins, it is possible to admire only one side of the fortification since the other was left uncovered as it was overhanging a cliff and was not attackable.

Urbania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Ducale

The Palace was built at the behest of the Duke of Urbino Federico II da Montefeltro. The project was conceived by the architects Francesco di Giorgio Martini, as far as the general plant is concerned, and Gerolamo Genga as far as the rooms are concerned. The complex also includes a beautiful garden that dates back to the '400. It currently houses the Civic Museum, the Library, the Art Gallery, the Museum of Agriculture and Crafts and the Historical Archive.
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