It is pronounced "markay" and translates into English as the "Marches".
It lies on the eastern side of Central Italy, surrounded from the Adriatic Sea on the East side and from the Apennine mountains chain on the West side. Its Adriatic coast has been well-known to holidaymakers from North Europe for decades, but much of inland, remains concealed to the mass tourism. (View Images of The Marches)

-Ancona- Capital of the Marche, Ancona is a major port in the Adriatic sea, the Marches' main ferry port with links to Croatia, Greece and Turkey. Among the sights: Vanvitelli promenade (18th c.), Passetto sea front promenade and just 10 km South of Ancona, Conero Riviera.

-Urbino- Major Renaissance center, city of Raffaello Sanzio, Duke Federico of Montefeltro set up his celebrated court here in the second half of the 15thC. Urbino’s image is strongly linked to the late 15th and early 16th c.
Its ancient University is still one of the most famous places of learning in Italy today.

-Macerata- Dignified town, famous for its annual outdoor opera festival. Among the major sights: the Cathedral (12th cent.), Loggia dei Mercanti (Renaissance) in the central Piazza della Libertà, Palazzo dei Diamanti, Palazzo Ricci housing an important museum and art gallery, Palazzo Buonaccorsi (18th cent.), and Arena Sferisterio whic is venue for Macerata Opera Festival, major city's event held in July and August. Just outside the city center lies the remains of the ancient Roman settlement Helvia Recina.

-Osimo- Setup upon a gentle hill, located only a few miles inland from Conero coastline, Osimo is a quiet center which has a lot to offer to holydaymakers who plan excursions inland as staying on the Adriatic riviera. Notable the Cathedral with its portal featuring sculptures of the 13th century, the ancient town walls (2nd cent. BC), the castle (15th cent.) and the town hall that contains a number of statues found on the site of the ancient forum.

-Ascoli Piceno- Ascoli Piceno boasts one of the most beautiful Renaissance squares in Italy, Piazza del Popolo. Most of the historic center of this city is built in a marble called Travertino.

-Main resorts along the Conero Riviera- Sirolo, Portonovo, Numana, Porto Recanati.

The Frasassi caves are some of the most spectacular limestone caves.
Furlo Gorge is a dramatic natural pass through the mountains that has been in use since prehistoric times.
Monte Conero, a high limestone mountain that plunges into the Adriatic sea and guards small bathing resorts.
Impressive mountain scenery to the south of the region amidst the Sibillini chain, whose peaks, with Mt. Vettore, reach 2478 mt.

Art and architecture with a number of masterpieces of Renaissance (in the city Urbino, but not only).
Trekking across wild mountains and the several naturalistic oasis.
Shopping in the many factory-outlets of the region. This is one of the most renowned zones in Italy for the production of high quality shoes, bags and leather accessories.