In search of truffles in the Marche: a journey through authentic flavours and breathtaking views

Our truffle journey through the Marche begins in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, in Acqualagna, which accounts for two-thirds of Italy’s entire production of this prized delicacy. This patch of land, founded along the Via Flaminia in 202 BC, just southwest of the Furlo Gorge, has always been home to these “diamonds of the table”, growing wild thanks to an unusual soil alchemy.

This is especially the land of the Prized White Truffle, the most renowned and expensive of all truffle varieties. The Tuber magnatum Pico is named after Vittorio Pico, a Turin-born doctor who lived in the mid-1700s and identified three of Europe’s most important truffle species. He called the white truffle the “truffle of magnates” in honour of its exceptional quality.

Acqualagna, the Marche’s truffle capital, is surrounded by stunning locations, such as the spectacular Furlo State Nature Reserve - a jewel of the natural world and home for years to the majestic golden eagle. This “canyon of the Marche” opens between the steep limestone walls of Mount Pietralata and Mount Paganuccio, and still today visitors can walk through the ancient tunnel carved into the rock by Emperor Vespasian in 79 AD.
This is a place of extraordinary natural, archaeological and geological interest - well worth a visit between a plate of tagliatelle and a truffle omelette.

Plan your trip here for November and you’ll be able to attend the Acqualagna White Truffle Fair, a market event that has attracted visitors from all over the world for over 50 years and has earned official international status.

A visit to the Truffle Museum in the centre of Acqualagna, housed in the historic Palazzo Conti, is the perfect way to learn more about local traditions and everything involved in truffle foraging. This interactive multimedia experience is ideal for both adults and children.

Continuing through the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, the next stop is Pergola. Every October, the town hosts a growing food and wine market that now stretches for nearly two kilometres, with stalls offering outstanding local specialities. Among these, the Prized White Truffle reigns supreme.

Treat yourself to a visit to one of the many producers in the area who trade in this culinary gem, and take part in the unforgettable experience of a truffle hunt, guided by someone who has made this tradition their life’s work. With an expert truffle hunter at your side, you’ll come to understand the passion and dedication that go into finding the King of the table.

Don’t miss the famous Museum of Gilded Bronzes, home to the world’s only surviving group of gilded bronze statues from the Roman era - the Gilded Bronzes of Cartoceto. A special immersive room brings their story to life with an engaging film that retraces the extraordinary discovery of this ancient treasure.

Pergola, land of culinary gold, is a blend of art, history and traditional flavours lovingly preserved. Take the opportunity to enjoy another local treasure: chocolate, which here is even paired with prized truffles.

Leaving Pergola behind, the journey continues towards Arcevia, nestled in the Misa Valley. This area is known for its truffle production, particularly Prized White and Black Truffle.

Before sitting down to an unforgettable lunch in one of the local trattorias, take a stroll along the ancient defensive walkway, dotted with medieval gates and towers. Step outside the town centre and explore the nine castles of Arcevia. These small 14th- and 15th-century villages are still enclosed and protected by mighty fortified walls, offering stunning views across the surrounding landscape.

 Be sure to visit Loretello, one of the smallest walled villages in the Marche and the oldest of Arcevia’s castles.

Enjoy the peace and stillness of this place, take in the beauty of the other castles perched on the soft hills of the valley, and take a moment to unwind.

The next stop on this truffle trail through the Marche is Amandola, a village in the province of Fermo that serves as the eastern gateway to the Monti Sibillini National Park. Set in a stunning natural setting, between the River Tenna and the surrounding woods, Amandola boasts a historic centre awarded the Orange Flag, with picturesque alleys, breathtaking views of the mountains and elegant buildings.

It’s no coincidence that the town is home to the Museo del Paesaggio (Landscape Museum), located in the former collegiate church. This interactive museum, filled with sounds, images and words, reflects the deep connection between the town and the Monti Sibillini National Park. It’s a wonderful way to explore the area from both a natural and cultural perspective. 

Amandola is also truffle country, and hosts two annual events dedicated to this prized local ingredient: Diamanti a Tavola in July, which celebrates the Prized Black Truffle, and a second edition of the same event in November, focusing on the Prized White Truffle.

You can’t leave without tasting the Prized White Truffle, which grows abundantly here and throughout the Sibillini area. Recognised nationally and internationally for its outstanding qualities, it features in some truly exceptional dishes, including the local speciality “Fregnacce”, a humble yet delicious first course that closely resembles cannelloni.

The journey continues into the province of Macerata, towards San Ginesio, known as the “balcony of the Sibillini” and recognised as a Best Tourism Village by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Here you’will find the Hermitage of San Liberato, located on Mount Ragnolo at 757 metres above sea level and surrounded by the Monti Sibillini National Park. Step inside and take in the beauty of this spiritual place, now home to the Friars Minor of the Lauretana Province. It has become a destination for visitors and pilgrims, and still radiates a peaceful, Franciscan atmosphere.

It is as if time has paused just beyond the edge of the woods that surround and gently hide it from view.

This lush natural setting also offers one of the region’s finest treasures: the Prized Black Truffle. With its rich and lingering aroma, it holds the essence of the Marche landscape.

Enjoy it in one of the local restaurants and savour a journey where traditional flavours meet the elegance of this prized ingredient, turning each dish into a truly memorable experience.

For the last stop on this journey, we head to Comunanza in the province of Ascoli Piceno. This area has an abundance of streams and natural channels, making it especially suited to the growth of Prized White Truffle. The mild climate and fertile soil in this part of the Monti Sibillini create ideal conditions for its production.

Not everyone knows that this village has been officially recognised with the title of “Village of longevity”, thanks to its unusually high number of centenarians. A sure sign that life here is not only long, but good, and so is the food.

Step into the surrounding nature and take part in a guided tour to learn how local truffles are processed and discover the many ways they are used in the kitchen.

Wander through the cobbled streets of this small medieval village, part of the Great Ring of Ascoli Villages, and you will come across ancient stone houses, historic churches and picturesque squares. It feels like stepping back in time, uncovering the rich cultural heritage that Comunanza has carefully preserved.