Discover Pesaro: The Cultural and Culinary Jewel of Italy

Visiting Pesaro in the province of Pesaro and Urbino is an immersion into a perfect blend of Renaissance splendor and the tranquility of the Adriatic Sea. On one hand, you have Pesaro, the Italian Capital of Culture and City of Music, welcoming visitors with its sandy beaches and the immortal notes of Gioachino Rossini. On the other, there is Urbino, a UNESCO gem, where strolling through the steep alleys and the magnificent Ducal Palace feels like catching a glimpse of Raphael or Federico da Montefeltro.

The Charm of Contrasting Landscapes

The region offers a fascinating contrast: within a few kilometers, you can move from the sheer cliffs of the San Bartolo Park to the medieval villages perched inland, such as Gradara or Cagli. This is a journey that also satisfies the palate, from the white truffle of Acqualagna to the generous wines of the Marche hills. Here, the pace slows, allowing you to rediscover an authentic Italy, made of supreme art, hill landscapes that seem painted, and genuine hospitality that makes you feel at home.

A Safe and Inclusive Haven

PESARO is considered a very safe and welcoming city for LGBT+ individuals. In recent years, it has distinguished itself as one of the most progressive and inclusive centers in the Marche and Central Italy.

Here are some reasons why the city enjoys this excellent reputation:

• Capital of Inclusion: Besides being the Capital of Culture, Pesaro has hosted significant national meetings of the RE.A.DY network (the network of public administrations against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity), which the municipality has actively participated in since 2020.
• Events and Pride: The city regularly hosts the Marche Pride (the latest edition took place in June 2025). It is a heartfelt event that involves not only the community but also institutions and much of the citizenry in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.
• General Atmosphere: Being a university and tourist city, Pesaro has an open-minded outlook. Walking hand in hand in the city center or along the seafront is considered normal and usually does not provoke negative reactions.
• Proximity to Rimini: The proximity to the Romagna coast (about 30 minutes by train or car) also offers easy access to a more structured LGBT+ nightlife, with historic clubs and discos famous throughout Italy.

In short, PESARO is not just a destination for art and the sea, but a city that actively works to make everyone feel at ease, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. With the ARCO Card, individuals can access safe spaces and enjoy a truly inclusive experience.

Culinary Delights: The Four Kings of First Courses

In PESARO, cuisine is a serious matter, lying exactly at the intersection of the bold flavors of the Marche hinterland and the freshness of the sea.

Here are the ‘Four Kings of First Courses’ you absolutely must try:

1. Pizza Rossini: The absolute institution of Pesaro, loved by locals and often regarded with suspicion by tourists until they taste it. It’s a Margherita base with the addition of sliced hard-boiled eggs and homemade mayonnaise. Despite seeming like a daring combination, the acidity of the mayonnaise and the creaminess of the egg perfectly complement the tomato. Enjoy it for breakfast, snack, or dinner!
2. Cappelletti in Brodo: Unlike the Romagna version, Pesaro’s cappelletti are tiny and filled with mixed meat (often with a touch of lemon zest and nutmeg). Tradition dictates that they be eaten in a good capon broth, even in the heat of August.
3. Passatelli: A simple yet flavorful pasta made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and a hint of nutmeg. In Pesaro, they are enjoyed either in broth or ‘dry’, often topped with a fish sauce or with truffle and mushrooms from the hinterland.
4. Brodetto alla Pesarese: This is the local variant of fish stew. Compared to other Marche versions, the Pesarese one is known for being particularly rich and dense, cooked with tomato and served with croutons to soak up all the sauce.

And do not forget to try the Crescia di Urbino (or Sfogliata), a specialty from nearby Urbino that is similar to a piadina but much more flavorful and ‘flaky’, thanks to the addition of lard and pepper in the dough. Top it with Prosciutto di Carpegna and Casciotta d’Urbino, a DOP cheese loved even by Michelangelo.

For a classy touch, end your meal with a sorbet or dessert dedicated to Rossini (who was a known gourmet) and a glass of Bianchello del Metauro, the typical white wine from the local hills.