Home » Discover Italy » Marche » Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno - Piazza del Popolo
Ascoli Piceno is the Marche’s southernmost province. The area slopes down from the Apennines to the sea through mountains such as the Sibillini, which rise up along the border with Umbria, with a formation of hills on the eastern side. This sequence of hills, with the different hues ofthe orchards and cultivated fields, gently descend from the Apennines to the sea turning the landscape into a palette of colours.
The coast, narrow and sandy, lies between the mouth of the Chienti and Tronto rivers, and is interspersed with interesting seaside towns like San Benedetto del Tronto with its long, sandy beach and wide promenades, all surrounded by verdant palm trees; Grottammare, with its fine, sandy beach and Cupra Marittima, whose milder climate supports the growth of tropical vegetation.
Mountains, hills, valleys, woods, beaches all give the area a great variety of landscapes that can be discovered throughout the year in all their vivid beauty.
The characteristic buildings, streets and piazzas tell the story of centuries of history; from the facades of its medieval buildings to its old maze of streets and trails, Ascoli Piceno is a town of art, culture, of strong traditions.
The town is a cohesive and harmonious mix due to the widespread use of travertine marble for everything from simple buildings to palaces, from the churches to the paving of the town squares. There are two main centres, reflecting ancient and modern Ascoli: the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Arringo. The former was the location of the old forum, the residence of the People’s Captains, and a vibrant commercial center, whereas the latter was once the political heart of the town, with the Cathedral and Palazzo Vescovile. Many of the museums in town are concentrated in Piazza Arringo, also known as ‘Museum Square’; the Pinacoteca Civica (the public art gallery), with its many masterpieces by Titian, Guido Reni and Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo, the Museo Diocesano and the State Archeological Museum. The old town is well protected by the Tronto River and its offshoot, the Castellano River, while the modern town spans eastward, following the Tronto to the sea.
A tour of the churches of the town might start from the Chiesa di S. Tommaso and end at S. Maria Intervineas, passing by 14 Romanesque churches and the Battistero, a central feature of Ascoli Piceno. This land has a long established theatrical tradition, as shown by the many theaters built in the 19th century, such as the Filarmonici, the Ventidio Basso, and the S. Francesco di Paola Auditorium.
Ascoli Piceno occupies a strategic geographic location close to the Sibillini National Park, the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park and the Sibilla Peak. Not far from the town lies Mount Ascensione, the destination of pilgrimages during the Middle Ages that, nowadays, retains its sacred atmosphere. Indeed, every year in May, thousands of people ascend the mountain on Ascension Day to carry the Madonna da Polesio to the church on the top.
Moving on from Ascoli to San Benedetto del Tronto, towns such as Offida are encountered, with its 15th century fortress. Glimpses of the Middle Ages can be found in Ripatransone, also known as the “belvedere del Piceno ” due to its panoramic location. Among the coastal towns, worthy of note are the narrow streets of Grottammare and the sandy beach of San Benedetto del Tronto.
Those who enjoy trekking and being in the midst of nature can hike along the trails in the woods and slopes of the Sibillini Mountains, en route to the Sibilla cave, named after the prophetess who reputedly lived there, or wander around the villages, churches and historical landmarks. Nesting nearby here in is Lake Pilato where, according to legend, Pontius Pilate was dragged below the surface by buffaloes.
Bicycle holidays are available that combine the beauty of nature with the pursuit of the sport, discovering the territory and traditional cuisine along the way. Many routes, both on- and off- road, have been designed to explore this varied environment, ranging from the mountains to the sea, with many climbs and descents, woods and rocky areas, all passing through breathtaking views.
Acquasanta Terme is the ideal place to refresh body and soul at a thermal spa used by the Romans, now with all the modern comforts.
The key element in the local cuisine is olive oil, which enhances the authenticity and simplicity of every course. The egg pastas are among the leading dishes, from simple tagliatelle to Campofilone maccheroncini and chitarrine. The traditional eve of feast day menu includes spaghetti in tuna sauce, green olives and tomatoes. Alternatively, there are soups made with cereal or pulses from the nearby mountains such as wheat, lentil or bean. The traditional second course is mixed fried food ‘all’ascolana’ featuring renowned local olives, which are stuffed with meat, liver and tomatoes and then deep-fried. They can be served as an appetizer or as a snack. The dish includes cream, zucchini, artichoke and lamb cutlets.
Olives are also used in the turkey ‘all’ascolana’, seasoned with aromatic herbs, juniper berries and liver.
Piceno wines have gained a reputation throughout Italy for their quality. The most popular are Rosso Piceno, Rosso Piceno Superiore and the Bianco Falerio dei Colli Ascolani.
The ancient capital of Sabina and its territory are set in a beautiful mountainous scenery, with many sites bearing witness to the presence of St. Francis of Assisi in this area. The Rieti province is located in Lazio, in central Italy, on the slopes of the Sabini and Reatini mountains and is ...
The province of Agrigento, stretches out among ancient ruins and Baroque architecture, sparkling beaches, marvellous islands, crystal-clear waters and flourishing ocean beds. It is the ideal place to combine culture, history and the search for art, all in an environment of total relaxation ...
The province of Rome is a matching frame for the many treasures of the capital, and the surrounding area has, more or less directly, experienced the influence of the history of the Eternal City. A region with a great deal to offer: sea, nature, good food and villages rich in ...
The position of the territory of Bologna is very particular. As a connection between the area of the Po valley and the rest of Italy, it offers walks in the plains, along the Reno and the Panaro rivers, in the hills and in the mountains, between the ridges of the Santerno and Senio rivers to the ...
Italy, a land of sport and adventure Italy offers endless and amazing opportunities for those seeking a vacation dedicated to sports and physical activity - for those who want to be in close contact with nature both during the summer and the winter, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unique ...
Italy, a land of art and history Italy is a synonym for culture, art, and history. Artistic wonders can be found everywhere, and every corner of the country holds countless and wonderful surprises. Our artistic and cultural heritage is one of the most valuable in the world. Italy has more ...
At the southern foot of Monte Conero lies the beach of Numana, one of the two bays formed under the cliff and overlooked by the historical town centre, known as Numana Alta. Prior to the eighth century BC, Greek merchants came to this Picene harbour and shortly afterwards Numana was occupied by the ...
The town of Palmanova is renowned for its perfect polyganal plan, which makes it one of the best examples of a Renaissance 'model town'. Six roads radiate from Piazza Grande, the centre of the stellar structure. The square is adorned with large statues and the seventeenth century Duomo faces onto ...
Gabicce Mare, the first beach in the Marche, differs from the resorts of Emilia Romagna because of the presence of a hill on which the ancient Gabicce Monte is perched. The colourful bathing establishments on the sandy beach seem particularly elegant and neat.
A beautiful sandy beach extends south-east from the historical town centre of Vasto, whose ancient profile can be seen on the hills. Beginning from this point, to the north, the coast becomes high and rocky.
