Tour of the truffle villages in the Marche region
4 minutes
Welcome to the Marche, a region where truffles are more than just a culinary delicacy. Here, they are also a symbol of tradition and centuries-old culture. This area offers a unique way to travel. You can visit beautiful villages surrounded by stunning countryside, with plenty of history, art, and genuine traditions to discover. You will discover how truffles are part of everyday life here, and experience the traditions and countryside that set the Marche apart for anyone looking for something genuine.
Joining tasting events, cookery demonstrations, and hands-on classes in the truffle towns of the Marche lets you discover everything about this prized ingredient, from how it is prepared to what makes it special.
These experiences are a chance to enjoy the real flavours of the region, share good food and company, and pick up new cooking ideas. In this way, truffles become much more than an ingredient. They are a sensory and cultural experience to be enjoyed to the full.
Types of truffles and where they are found in the Marche
The Marche region is full of hills and mountains, providing the perfect environment for many different kinds of truffle. These underground fungi are not only a gastronomic speciality, they are also a valuable resource for the local economy and an important part of life for the communities in these areas.
Among the most sought-after and well-known varieties is the Prized White Truffle, considered one of the finest in the world. It grows mainly in the hilly and mountainous parts of the provinces of Pesaro and Urbino, Ancona, and Macerata. It is gathered between October and December, and its intense aroma and firm texture have made it a symbol of both Italian and Marche cuisine. Demand for this truffle is very high, and its commercial value makes a significant contribution to the economy of the areas where it is produced.
Another key variety is the Prized Black Truffle, which favours the warmer, more humid zones around Ascoli Piceno and Fermo. The season for these truffles runs from December to February. This truffle is prized for its strong scent and bold flavour, and is a favourite in high-end, sophisticated dishes.
From May to September, the Summer Black Truffle is collected. It is not as highly valued as the winter variety, but it is still popular in the kitchen, especially for its versatility and gentle aroma. Because the Summer Black Truffle is found in the hilly areas of the Marche, it helps to extend the truffle season and gives value to a product that supports both tourism and the region’s food economy.
Finally, there is the Bianchetto, a smaller and less highly prized white truffle, which is harvested mainly in spring. Found in certain areas of Pesaro, Ancona, and Macerata, the Bianchetto is still an important source of income for local truffle hunters and farms.
A journey through the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, home of the Prized White Truffle
The Province of Pesaro and Urbino, in particular, is recognised as one of the best truffle-producing areas in Italy, where all the most commercially important species grow.
Three unmissable stops for anyone exploring truffles in this part of the region are Acqualagna, Pergola, and Sant’Angelo in Vado. These northern Marche towns offer not only outstanding food experiences, but also plenty of opportunities to discover the area’s culture.
Acqualagna, the truffle capital of the Marche, sits in the heart of the beautiful Furlo State Nature Reserve. This unspoilt area is a real gem, perfect for walking, cycling and birdwatching. It is an excellent place to spot golden eagles, which have lived here for years, as well as to enjoy many other outdoor activities.
Not far from Acqualagna, be sure to visit Pergola, another town known for its Prized White Truffle. Pergola is also home to the only group of gilded bronze statues from the Roman era that still survives anywhere in the world. These are the Gilded Bronzes of Cartoceto. You can explore their history in a special immersive room at the famous Museum of Gilded Bronzes, right in the heart of town.
Another unmissable truffle destination in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino is Sant’Angelo in Vado, which is also known for its Roman origins. This is seen most impressively in the Domus del Mito, a grand Roman villa built at the end of the first century AD. Covering around one thousand square metres and decorated with a stunning series of mosaics, the villa is one of the finest examples of ancient Tifernum Mataurense, a site of immense artistic and cultural value.
These towns offer not only outstanding food, but also beautiful scenery and a cultural heritage that makes this part of the Marche totally unique.
Truffle festivals in the Marche
The Marche region is famous for its lively and well-attended truffle fairs. These popular events take place throughout the year in different towns and villages, celebrating this prized and sought-after ingredient that is so important to local cooking. During these festivals, you will find stalls selling a range of fresh truffles, giving you the chance to buy different varieties to take home and enjoy.
The fairs also give you the chance to watch show cooking and meet experts who share their knowledge and secrets about this natural treasure. These events are a great way to learn about the region’s food traditions and to experience an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
If you would like to experience one of these events, make sure not to miss the Acqualagna White Truffle Fair, held every November. This market has been attracting visitors from all over the world for more than fifty years, earning it official recognition as an international event.
In March, you can visit Fossombrone for the Bianchetto Truffle and Bianchello DOC Wine Festival, where you can taste the first truffle of the season alongside one of the Marche’s most renowned wines.
If this has whetted your appetite and sparked your curiosity, all that’s left to do is plan your trip!
