“Le Marche” is a region in central Italy that to the west shares the mountainous terrain of the Sibillini National Park with the Umbria region, and to the east faces the Adriatic Sea. It is a region with a remarkable variety of landscapes, descending from the 2,500 meters of Mount Vettore to the Adriatic Sea, traversing a broad hilly area dotted with numerous small towns, predominantly medieval in origin, that rise above the land. It is a region with a primarily agrarian culture but one that has a significant impact on Italy’s culinary and manufacturing scenes. For centuries, it has been a treasure trove of agricultural and culinary products of absolute excellence and variety, such as the Special Varnelli Anise and Anisetta Meletti.
We made a stop in Ascoli Piceno, a city founded during the Roman Empire period. Here, we visited one of Italy’s historic cafés, founded back in 1907. The product that has long represented the coffee culture in the Marche region is Anisetta Meletti. This liqueur is derived from the distillation of anise seeds and other aromatic spices, enhancing the freshness of Mediterranean green anise (Anice Verde), produced according to the original recipe created in 1870 by Cav. Silvio Meletti. It is a common practice among the Marche people to use these liqueurs to correct espresso coffee, giving it a pleasant and distinctive anise aroma.
The establishment that has housed Caffè Meletti since 1907 overlooks the charming Piazza del Popolo, a central gathering spot and cultural hub of the city. In perfect Liberty style, it features spacious interiors defined by an elegant mix of wood and iron, with large windows overlooking the square and allowing glimpses of patrons seated outside.
The high quality of the roasting, the pastry, and the unique atmosphere make it a must-visit experience for coffee lovers. A visit to Caffè Meletti and Ascoli Piceno, is certainly worth the journey!
