Region of central Italy on the Adriatic coast, comprising the four provinces of Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata and Ascoli Piceno. Regonal capital Ancona. A hilly, largely agricultural region consisting mainly of east-west ridges and valleys; the only good north-south communications are in the coastal strip.

The region borders Romagna to the north (as well as the independent enclave of San Marino), Umbria to the west and the Abruzzi to the south.

Sometimes referred to as the Marches in English.