1. THE PODERETTO | AGRITURISMO IN THE MARCHE REGION

Il Poderetto is the perfet choice if you look for an agriturismo with a farm in the Marche Region, Italy. You will find out an agriturismo in province of Pesaro-Urbino, the Montefeltro, with beautiful animals and a splendid salt water swimming pool. In our organic farm you will find cows, Chianina cattle, donkeys, ostriches and alpacas. Scroll through the photos below and find out more about our farmouse in the Marche, a splendid region that was awarded as the Top region to visit in 2020 by the world’s most famous guide, Lonely Planet. On this page you will find out more about our agriturismo for families and children, about the animals living in our farm. You will also discover what to expect from your countryside holiday in the Marche.

1.1. Marche agriturismo with a swimming pool

Not only our farmhouse boasts of animals, but also of a swimming pool. A large salt water swimming pool has been designed to provide our guests with the opportunity to relax and enjoy a breathtaking view. In our Country House with a swimming pool it is possible to alternate life on the farm with purely relaxing moment, thanks to the landscape offered by the mountain ranges of the Umbrian-Marche Apennines and the typical products of the Marche region. If you are looking for a family holidays, we assure that children and kids can play freely on 321 hectares of farm available to our guests.

1.2. Agriturismo in the Marche with two lakes – Il Poderetto

Available territory not only includes cultivated fields and facilities used for livestock, but also two owned lakes, clasifying Il Poderetto as one of the very few farmhouses in the Marche with such an offer. You can stop and play with children along their shores enjoying the view. For all enthusiasts and those who are interested, it is also possible to fish in our lakes and test youself on this noble art together with your children.

1.3. What to do in the Marche region?

The Terra e Sole farm and the “Il Poderetto” complex are located in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, specifically in the Montefeltro area and on the border with Massa Trabaria, two regions of high historical, artistic, gastronomic and naturalistic interest. We are located a few kilometers from the Ducal City, at the same time being on the border between the Marche, Umbria, Tuscany and Romagna regions, an evocative and relaxing environment that offers multiple opportunities. Below you will find a list of main cities and places of historical and cultural interest that are easily accessible from our Agriturismo.

1.3.1. Visit the ducal city. Where to sleep in Urbino

Urbino is undoubtedly a gem not to be missed. Only at 30Km distance, the town that gave birth to the great Raphael is an essential destination from the historical and artistic point of view. Urbino, a UNESCO heritage site since 1998, was one of the most important centers of the Italian Renaissance. Its urban architecture is characterized by narrow alleys that wind steeply up to the top of the town. The symbols of the town are the Ducal palace, which was of Federico’s Da Montefeltro property, the birthplace of Raphael; another symbol is the Albornoz fortress from which you can enjoy a fabulous panoramic view. From the historical point of view, other sights of great importance within our agriturismo’s vicinity are the old towns of Gradara (60Km), San Leo (45Km) and San Marino. If you are looking for accommodation for couples, families and groups of people near Urbino, take a look at our Raffaello apartment. You will be able to stay close to the Renaissance city without sacrificing the relaxation and nature tranquility.

1.3.2 What to see and where to sleep in Gradara

The town of Gradara, between the Marche and Emilia Romagna regions, is easily reachable by car from our Agriturismo. The Castle and its old town are certainly the main attractions that captivate thousands of tourists every year. The castle was built in the 12th century and it belonged to the Malatesta, Sforza and Della Rovere families throughout the centuries. According to legend, it was also the place where death struck Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Polenta at the hands of his brother Gianciotto Malatesta. The story of the two lovers was narrated by Dante in the Divine Comedy. The internal rooms and the courtyard are completely open to visitors and they are very often chosen as the location for events and exhibitions organized during the year and available for on the castle website. Gradara is also a stone’s throw from the sea and specifically from the tourist Port of Vallugola which is also part of our property’s complex. Here you can enjoy the wonderful seaside of this private corner of the Adriatic coast and enjoy affiliated services.

1.3.3. What to see and where to sleep in Urbania

Urbania is located just 10km from the agriturismo, it was named in honor of Pope Urban VIII in 1636, but previously known under the name of Casteldurante. Among the main attractions of the town we find the Ducal palace, belonging to the Brancaleoni family and then renovated by the military architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini in 1470. At the same time it was also the Fortress and Cort building, as well as one of the residences of the Dukes of Urbino. Currently the building is home to the Civic Museum which houses a rich collection of ancient and contemporary ceramics, a collection of 50 engravings of the latest generation of engravers from the Marche and a picture gallery with paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. We recommend the “Bosco dei Folletti” ( Elves forest) center where you can visit a spacious educational park on magical creatures living in the surrounding woods. This place was specifically designed for the little ones and for trips with children in the Marche, so this unique experience will make your stay memorable. Do you want to go horseback riding? The Equestrian Center la Cantinaccia, which is affilited with our facility, is the perfect choice to get in touch with these beautiful animals. If you are looking for accommodation in Urbania, and want to stay in the countryside and a few steps from the town, take a look at the Piero della Francesca apartment, that is certainly an ideal solution for you and your family.

1.3.4. What to see and where to sleep in Sassocorvaro

A few kilometers away from the facility you will find Sassocorvaro, a fortified village of Montefeltro with a splendid fortress of 1475, built by Francesco di Giorgio Martini under the aegis of Federico da Montefeltro for his brother Ottaviano Ubaldini della Carda. The Rocca di Sassocorvaro ( Sassocorvaro Castle) has a tortoise-shaped form, to symbolize strength and longevity. It can be visited from April to September from 9.30-12.30 a.m. to 15.00-19.00 p.m. and from October to March, open Saturday and Sunday from 9.30-12.30 a.m. to 14.30-18.00 p.m. You can admire its art gallery inside, containing paintings and objects dated from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century. Sassocorvaro is also built on the artificial lake built around the 1960s through damming of river Foglia. If you are looking for an apartment for two or four people, check the availability of our Rossini apartment to stay near Sassocorvaro.

1.3.5. What to see and where to sleep in Sant’Angelo in Vado

Known as Tiphernum Mataurense in ancient times, it was rebuilt by the Lombards and dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo, hence the name of Sant’Angelo in Vado. The old town, formerly bishop’s seat, hosts the Cathedral and numerous ecclesiastical buildings such as the Church of S. Maria Extra Muros, the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi known as the convent of Santa Chiara. Among the laic buildings the The Palace of the Region and the Civic Tower should be mentioned. Among all amazing landscapes surrounding the Massa Trabaria that are perfect for trekking and mountain biking, the waterfall Cascata del Sasso is the one that stands out. This place is ideal for having a break and enjoying the spectacle created by water power. The White Truffle Exhibition in Sant’Angelo in Vado is the event that attracts numerous visitors from all over Italy on weekends of October and November. During this event the streets of the old town are filled with food stands, conferences and exhibitions dedicated to the tuber magnum, but also to all the typical products of the area such as mushrooms, cheese types, salami, beer, honey and chestnuts. If you want to stay overnight during the Truffle weekends, Il Poderetto is the ideal solution with its 7 apartments which are located just 6 km from the center of the town. Check the availability of our Zuccari apartment and find out where to sleep in Sant’Angelo in Vado.

1.3.6. What to do and where to sleep in Pennabilli

One of Pennabilli’s curiosities is due to the origin of its name. It derives from the union of the castle of Penna and the castle of Billi. Peace between these two strongholds was sanctioned around 1350 by laying of the so-called “peace stone”, currently located in Vittorio Emanuele II square. Walking along the streets of the town, you may come across the so-called “Places of the soul” designed by Tonino Guerra, a poet and a writer who chose Pennabilli as adopted homeland. Among these places are the Madonne Refuge and the Meridian Street. Going up the streets of the Penna cliff it is possible to observe some Tibet references, in memory of Father Orazio Olivieri, an important eighteenth-century missionary born in Pennabilli. The main event of Pennabilli is definitely  the “Artisti in Piazza” Festival (Artists in the Square), which gathers thousands of tourists all over Italy and beyond every year. Since 1997, more than 60 international companies meet in the streets of the old town in June giving life to dance, music, theater and juggling shows. Why not book one of our apartments for two people during the days of the “Artisti in Piazza” Festival? Check here the availability of our Piccolpassi apartment and stay near Pennabilli.

1.3.7. Visit Sasso Simone and Simoncello and Monte Carpegna

The Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park is mainly part of the territory of the historic region of Montefeltro; its territory is shared by three regions: the Marche, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Here you may find a unique Sasso Simone mount (1204 m s. L. M.), where the ancient City of the Sun reigned, a fortification commissioned by Cosimo I de ‘Medici, and lately abandoned from the seventeenth century. Mount Carpegna (1415 s.l.m.) is the highest massif in the park, suitable for amazing trekking and mountain biking in spring and summer and perfect for skiing in winter thanks to its equipped facilities. Our agritusrismo is an excellent starting point for visitting the Montefeltro area and Massa Trabaria. Do you want to spend a family day in nature? Here you will find the Carpegna Park – Family Adventure Mountain, the Adventure Park of Monte Carpegna. The park offers you bicycle paths and nature walks.  Find out our Piero della Francesca apartment that could be the ideal solution for the whole family, where you may stay overnignt and at the same time fully experience the landscape of the Umbrian-Marchigiani Apennines every day.

1.3.8. What to do and where to sleep in Frontino

The surprising and magnificent village of Frontino, awarded in 2018 as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, extends between Montefeltro and Massa Trabaria. A characteristic bell tower of the old town covered with the mantle of the Canadian vine is really eye-catching. Walking through the streets of the old town, you come across the church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The Church hosts the painting of Antonio Cimatori, a pupil of Barocci, depicting the Virgin and Child, San Francesco, Sant’Ubaldo and Federico Ubaldo della Rovere. Frontino also went down in history for “The Battle of the Coppi”, in which the Frontinesi fought from the roofs of their houses to defend themselves from the siege of the Malatesta. In memory of this battle, the former Church of San Salvatore was later built, now used as a commercial building. Frontino also houses a museum dedicated to the international artist Franco Assetto (1911-1993).  Fontana della Maestra, a majestic water structure located within old town, is the art work of this great twentieth-century artist. A famous painting Virgin and Child, Count Carlo Oliva and Saints,  by Giovanni Santi, father of Raphael, is located just outside the old town, within the walls of the church of the Franciscan convent of Montefiorentino. Among the events in Frontino we recommend the International Scarecrow Festival and The Triumph of the Black Truffle, which both takes place in the summer. Are you looking for a romantic weekend? Here is the page of our Laurana apartment.

2. Agriturismo with a farm in the Marche region

What could be better than a holiday in nature? Rent and stay in our apartments in the countryside and you will also have the opportunity to live in contact with the work of the land, the cultivation of organic products, animals and livestock breeding as well as in the production of natural products such as our honey.

2.1 Agriturismo in the Marche – Farm with Alpaca

Here at “Il Poderetto” we breed numerous farm animals. We will find a small group of Alpacas, among others, wonderful, sweet and tame animals. Discover better how they live and how alpaca wool is one of the most valuable and appreciated.

2.1.1. Origin

Alpacas belong to the camelid family originated from North America. They migrated to South America and gave origi to two distinct breeds: the vicuña and the guanaco from some descend the alpaca and the lama respectively.

2.1.2 How alpacas live and what they eat

They are animals that are bred all over the world and present in captivity especially in Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Alpacas eat mainly grass and hay. Every day, one alpaca can eat about one kg of plants, even including branches of trees, and drink a little water. They have 3 stomachs and particular enzymes that allow the digestion of the fibers.

2.1.3. Alpaca wool

Alpacas have been bred since ancient times for their fine wool, used for weaving blankets and ponchos. These animals are generally shorn in spring and it is possible to obtain from 2.5 kg to 4 kg of wool from each animal, depending on whether it is a female or a male. But why is alpaca wool valuable? The answer lies in the absence of lanolin which makes this wool extremely shiny and hypoallergenic, therefore suitable for use in children’s clothing; this wool is also much more resistant and durable compared to cashmere.

2.1.4. Pet therapy with Alpaca

As previously mentioned, these animals are extremely docile, they respond to commands and are very predisposed to interact with humans. In our farm “Terra e Sole” you can spend a lot of time in their company, caressing them and accompanying them to pasture.

2.2. Agriturismo in the Marche – Farm with Chianina cattle

Our livestock includes approximately 80 bulls, brood cow, steers and male calves. The Chianina breed is among the oldest and most prized in the world and it’s indigenous to Central Italy.

2.2.1 Origin of the Chianina breed

Chianina owes its name to the Val di Chiana valley in Tuscany, but is widespread in Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria and the Marche. Its massiveness (males can reach up to 1700 kg and a height at the withers of 190 cm) made it particularly suitable for use as a driving force in agricultural work while it is currently raised for meat production.

2.2.2. What they eat and how Chianina is bred

Let’s start by dividing the calves from the adult specimens. The former are naturally fed by their mother until weaning. Subsequently, the food base is represented by fodder from our meadows and crop cultivations. Adult cattle feed on fodder instead. In our farmhouse “Il Poderetto” it is possible to observe these majestic specimens grazing in the open air on our fields.

2.2.3. Chianina meat

Chianina meat boasts the PGI – Protected Geographical Indication denomination. The most precious meat is that of a female, the so-called “Scottona”, in terms of tenderness and reduced dimensions. This breed is not suitable for  intensive breeding and on our farm it is bred with passion and dedication, with full respect for the life of the animal. In Sestino (AR), a Tuscan town not far from the farm, the Chianina Steak Festival is held every year in June

2.3. Agriturismo in the Marche – Farm with ostriches

The ostrich is the largest existing bird in the world and, despite being extremely agile and fast, it does not have the ability to fly.

2.3.1. Ostrich origin

Ostriches originate from Sub-Saharan Africa, but they were introduced by man all over the world. Its scientific name (Struthio camelus) is the combination of a “bird” and  a “camel”, indicating its physical predisposition to live in the steppes.

2.3.2. Why ostriches do not fly

First of all, it’s a matter of weight. The ostrich with its weight above 100 kg is well beyond the flight limit which is approximately 27 kg. In addition, it lacks the musculature suitable for flying and its long and soft feathers are not as rigid as other birds’ ones. However, the ostrich can reach 70 km / h speed and is equipped with a really acute sight that allows it to see up to 3 km of distance.

2.3.3. What do ostriches eat?

Ostriches are herbivores and have a large stomach called a gizzard. They feed on herbs, fruits and cereals although they can swallow everything from seeds to pebbles that shine in the sunlight.

2.3.4. In contact with ostriches

Among the activities recommended by our Agriturismo there is undoubtedly a visit to an ostrich farm, which is ideal activity to spend half a day with your children. Here you can get closer to this animals and see their large eggs, thanks also to the staff who will take care of the tour inside the farm. The Struzzo 2000 farm is located in Urbania, which is only 10 km from our facility.