Corso Persiani is a town house in the heart of medieval Recanati, offering Le Marche self catering just a few steps from the central piazza and within an ancient palazzo whose foundations date back to the early Middle Ages.
Carefully restored in recent years, the property features splendid original cross-barrel vaults in exposed local ‘cotto’ (terracotta bricks). The apartment opens onto one of the beautiful hanging gardens that cling to the old town, gently stepping down to the edge of the ancient defensive wall, built in the 11th century and which still contains the town ... new building is banned here.
From this location you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of central Italy where the Sibillini Mountains provide a background for the unfolding Italian countryside.
The American writer Jonathan Harr has described in unmistakable words the setting of the town: “They arrived at Recanati shortly after two in the afternoon. The town was eight miles inland from the coast, built a millennium ago on a hilltop. The little car struggled up the winding road, past groves of olives, in the shadow of an ancient defensive wall, crumbling in places, that still encircled the town. As they climbed, the countryside spread out before them like a storybook land - the Adriatic to the east, the Apennines to the west, and neighbouring towns shimmering in the sunlight on their own tophills, rising from the undulating plains below.” (Jonathan Harr, The Lost Painting, 2005)
That same defensive wall still contains the garden, which constitutes an extension to the house: sheltered from northern winds and exposed to the south, it enjoys a particularly mild microclimate and allows the growing of palms, lemons, olives, cypresses and wisteria. The upper part, next to the apartment, is a terrace for unwinding or dining al fresco; the lower part retains its original romantic character where you can contemplate magnificent sunsets or simply sunbathe.
For these reasons, this Le Marche self catering accommodation is a perfect retreat for the most discerning visitors. Here you will find the charm and cultural facilities of an Italian town with the pleasures of country life.
Recanati is dear to the hearts of Italians for being the birthplace of one the country’s greatest poets, Giacomo Leopardi (1798-1837), altough it is still relatively unknown to foreigners. The streets of the old town still retain the atmosphere that inspired Leopardi’s writings, and nowadays his house hosts a museum including his original library. The rich cultural heritage of the town spans several centuries: medieval frescoes adorn the church of Sant’Agostino, the masterpieces of Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto are exhibited at the Civic Gallery including a most haunting Annunciation, while the Gigli Museum features the possessions of another famed Recanatese: the tenor Beniamino Gigli.
Every season has something new: in mid June the streets of the historic centre are busy with the fair of the patron saint; in July and August opera lovers can enjoy the Opera festival at the Arena Sferisterio in Macerata and the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro. Every first weekend of the month the central Leopardi piazza hosts the Antiquaria antique fair. In winter there is a theatrical season at the 19th century Teatro Persiani coordinated by the Piccolo Teatro of Milan. Shopping facilities and several restaurants are available just outside the apartment’s front door, in the town’s high street and in the central piazza.
This Le Marche self-catering accommodation is also an ideal location for exploring Le Marche, being located in the very centre of the region. There are the treasures of the Sanctuary of Loreto built around the Holy House, the white cliffs of the Conero Riviera and several wine routes close by. Macerata and its Opera Festival is 20 minutes away, Urbino and Ascoli Piceno approximately 50 minutes. Many other towns such as San Severino Marche, Jesi, Montelupone and Cingoli are all small gems worth a visit. Several major fashion outlets such as Prada and Tod’s are also within an easy drive.
[ View on Google Map | map of Le Marche ]Ancona Airport is 45km away (Ryanair daily flights from London Stansted, car rental available at the terminal); Ancona rail station is 30km, connecting to Recanati by a frequent bus network. The A14 highway is nearby and Ancona Harbour is 30km away: it has ferry connections to Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Israel.
Corso Persiani accommodates two people. Main access is from the old town high street; the living/dining room has French windows to the terrace and garden. There is a WC with shower, a large kitchen (washing machine/oven/fridge) and a larder; double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and TV. The house has a spacious garden with eating/sunbathing spots and with a quite marvellous view, as well as secondary access to the ring road and parking area. Linen is included; maid service is available upon request.
Low season runs 1 October-15 December and 7 January-31 March; mid season runs 1 April-14 June, 1-10 September and 16 December-6 January; high season runs 15 June-31 August. Please contact your host to find out more about rates and availability.
English and French is spoken by your hosts. As well as the facilities
in the house, the terrace and garden, nearby you’ll find excellent walking,
riding and cultural excursions. There is also swimming and surfing nearby.
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