Gaze up at the hilltop fort that overlooks a gorge. Try the olive specialties in the cafés of the two main plazas.
Ascoli Piceno is a traditional town with a magnificent Vecchio Quartiere (Old Town) full of palaces, plazas and churches from the medieval and Renaissance eras. The town’s relatively flat terrain is covered with chic bars and cafés, while olive dishes are everywhere. Sip espresso and watch people go by as you sit at one of the tables spilling out onto the grand plazas.
Among the highlights in the town is the Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio. Descend into its impressive crypt and marvel at the colourful mosaics. Admire the artworks decorating the walls of the nave. The cathedral is in the stunning Piazza Arringo, a rectangular plaza with two fountains featuring bronze sea horses.
Go to the Palazzo dell’Arengo on the plaza’s southern flank. Admire the period décor and Renaissance fixtures in the stately halls and the religious artworks displayed in the palace’s Pinacoteca Civica gallery.
Walk west to the Piazza del Popolo, where you’ll see the grandiose Palazzo dei Capitani. Gaze up at the light green dome of the Chiesa di San Francesco.
Enjoy a break at one of the typical restaurants on the narrow alleys breaking off from the plaza. Try the olive all’Ascolana, dish of stuffed friend olives that originates from this town. Another insight into the town’s customs is offered by the annual Quintana festival in July and August. Watch the Renaissance reenactments and the parade featuring more than 1,500 actors in period dress.
Visit the museum of the hilltop Forte Malatesta and snap photos of the Castellano River, which is a popular swimming site. Note that locals often refer to Ascoli Piceno by its first name alone.
Find the town near Italy’s eastern Adriatic Coast in the centre of the country. Drive northeast from Rome for 110 miles (180 kilometres) to get here in about 3 hours. Visit other nearby towns, such as San Benedetto del Tronto, Ancona and Pescara.
Ascoli Piceno has proud traditions and countless historical gems.
