Le Marche is the Eastern Italian region quite off the tourist radar. If you are looking for unique things to do in Italy, the region of Le Marche should be on your list. There is so much to do and see here that a few weeks will fall short. But you can always keep going back like I did 😉 Here are 5 unique and unmissable experiences in Le Marche that I recommend you to experience. From visiting a historic ceramic store to a block printing studio and dinner with locals, it has it all!
5 Unmissable Experiences in Le Marche
1. Visit Antica Stamperia Carpegna:
One of the most unmissable experience in Le Marche was visiting the block printing studio of Emanuele Francioni. Situated in the old town of Carpegna, Emanuele’s studio is next to the Montefeltro mountains. As soon as you enter you can smell a mix of vinegar, flour and rust! Emanuele’s family has owned this studio and the legacy of block printing from the early 1900s. The studio passed from one generation to another is a true gem of a find! Emanuele is a kind soul who will gladly show the process of block printing. It was fun to chat and know more about the history. I even bought a few things from him. The art of Block printing is not new to me as India is a big hub for block printing designs. However, I never thought I would find it in a small town of Marche.

Visit Antica Stamperia Carpegna
Emanuele distributes his products in many towns in Italy and few other countries of Europe. For more information write to info@anticastamperiacarpegna.it

Visit Antica Stamperia Carpegna:
2. Explore Urbania’s Medieval Ceramic Store:
Another unmissable experience that I had in Le Marche was a visit to the famous ceramic store – L’Antica CastelDurante. Situated in the town of Urbania, this historic store has preserved the ancient Renaissance art and designs from over centuries ago. The owners of the store, Gilberto Galavotti and Giuliano Smacchia, are two passionate art enthusiasts who have learnt the majolica technique and opened the world of art in an entirely different way! I absolutely adore crockery and ceramics in general so visiting this store gave me a high!
L’Antica CastelDurante was founded in 1995 and aims to reproduce the classic period of Urbania’s art. (Urbania was previously known as Casteldurante). For more information visit their website for some exceptional designs!

Explore Urbania

With the two founders of the medieval Ceramic store
3. Eat with Locals at a River Mill:
Dining with locals at a mill is another unusual experience that I recommend having in Le Marche. “Il Mulino della Ricavata” is a mill located close to Urbania and owned by Anna and Gianfranco. The couple restored the mill in 1998 and have now converted it into B&B. Anna is the Masterchef who brings heartwarming local produce to the table while Gianfranco takes care of the guests.

Eat with locals at a river mill

Eat with locals at a river mill
Dining at their home was very special and a great experience in Le Marche. If you are ever in this part of Le Marche, support them by booking a room here. I am grateful to Anna and Gianfranco for a warm and hospitable evening! Imagine the consistent sound of the river, lush green garden and fresh food at your table.
4. Dinner at Palazzo Mucci:
You would think, all I am imploring you to do is eat!! Well you are sort of right 😉 Another unmissable experience in Le Marche was to eat in a village called “Palazzo Mucci”. Apparently this place is a local’s secret and you can guess why. It is far away from everything and yet you would still feel like you are at home. My friends from Le Marche drove with me here, I was totally blown away by the food and service. The owner is the most kind hearted soul and a wizard in the kitchen. He delieverd the best of regional cuisine to us. For more information on booking and the restaurant visit their official website.

Dinner at Palazzo Mucci
5. Have Aperitivo with the 9 Men
Another unique thing to do in Le Marche is to visit the town of Mercatello sul Metauro and have a foodie experience with the 9 men! Thanks to the Palazzo Donati , Lanfranco Pagliardini and “Academia del Padlot” for this experience. These 9 men are a group of passionate and committed food and wine enthusiasts. They cook, drink and talk and spend evenings together in an insightful way.

Academia del Padlot
Hope you enjoyed these 5 unusual experiences in Le Marche! I stand by my saying that it is the people who make my Italian travels so memorable and fascinating 🙂
Further Reading:
- 7 Peculiar Similarities between Indian and Italian Culture
- Sarasvatī Association-Promoting Indian Culture in Italian
- Where to eat authentic Italian Food in Delhi NCR
- 7 Year Blogiversary and Patreon Membership
- River to River Florence Indian Film Festival-The Story of Two Cultures
23 Comments
Castello della Pieve in Le Marche – Italophilia
June 5, 2020 at 9:08 pm[…] Read Next: 5 Unmissable Experiences in Le Marche […]
Manja Mexi Movie
June 2, 2018 at 11:24 pmHihihi, the 9-men experience has me giggling. Way to name an event! 🙂 And I wouldn’t mind eat what Masterchef Anna prepares but I’m afraid of the price. 😉
Ishita
June 2, 2018 at 11:28 pmIt’s not an event. It’s a group and they are a serious one ..you should see the awards etc they have! And who told you the price 😉 she is very reasons
Manja Mexi Movie
June 3, 2018 at 12:03 amOh, I have no doubt they are serious. But I love the idea. I wish to gather a few friends and start a similar dinner with 9 women occasion! 😀
Ishita
June 3, 2018 at 12:12 am😂😂 let’s!
Ishita
June 2, 2018 at 11:28 pmReasonable*
Tanja
May 30, 2018 at 2:36 amunique experiences
Ishita
May 30, 2018 at 6:37 pmThanks dear!
Tony
May 29, 2018 at 6:04 pmGreat post and awesome experiences! I will have to some day visit Le Marche for sure. Urbania looks beautiful, and that food!! 🙂
Ishita
May 29, 2018 at 7:23 pmThank you for reading. I am pretty sure you will appreciate this region as much as I have.
karenincalabria
May 29, 2018 at 12:57 pmNice, I particularly like the group photo in the ceramic store.
Ishita
May 29, 2018 at 1:53 pmThanks 🙂 They were an entertaining bunch, Karen!
thewonderer86
May 28, 2018 at 1:14 pmWhat a great post. All of these, look like such a joy.
Ishita
May 29, 2018 at 11:13 amThanks for reading 🙂 Have a great day!
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
May 27, 2018 at 9:51 pmI also love Italian ceramics, but I love their food more. And visiting the less popular areas is so wonderful. 🙂
Ishita
May 27, 2018 at 9:51 pmHaha I know what you mean;) thank you for reading!
Darlene
May 27, 2018 at 6:29 pmThe food looks amazing. Love the ceramics as well.
Ishita
May 27, 2018 at 7:07 pmThank you! It was delicious
a mindful traveler
May 27, 2018 at 3:56 pmI love the ceramics in Italy. I have many different plates, cups and kitchen goodies I have bought back from there. Great memories and great post Ishita. Xx
Ishita
May 27, 2018 at 4:41 pmThey truly are. Thanks for reading Lorelle! I have Vietri sul mare on my list for ceramics next time 😛
a mindful traveler
May 27, 2018 at 4:54 pmAhhh yes, on the Amalfi. I remember driving through this town. Beautiful region Ishita. ❤️
alexgettinglost
May 27, 2018 at 1:50 pmThis is a lovely post! I worked in Le Marche a few years ago and had quite a different experience to you so it’s great to hear what you got up to in comparison.
What a beautiful part of the world!
I wrote a post about it if you fancy taking a look 😆
https://alexgettinglost.com/2015/12/31/if-you-go-to-marche-make-sure-you-do-this/
Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Alex
Ishita
May 27, 2018 at 1:57 pmCiao Alex! Interested to know your experience and will definitely read this post you shared. Thanks for reading 🙂 Have a great Sunday!