Paula Stanghetta May 28, 2022Ascoli Piceno is a charming town located in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche Region of Italy. It is definitely off-the-beaten path, tucked away in the foothills of the Sibillini Mountains, which themselves are full of legend and intrigue (but that’s for another article). Like most towns in Italy, Ascoli is defined by its history, art, architecture, and food. And like every town, it has a defining characteristic that sets it apart from every other town. Let’s explore 5 things to see and do in Ascoli Piceno that make it a gem worth visiting.
History
To begin with, Ascoli is ancient. It was founded prior to 268 BC by a people called the Piceni. They were Iron Age inhabitants of the Adriatic Coast who traded with the Greeks as early as the 7th century BC. The Piceni are described as warlike, with little artistic ability, but wealthy enough to sustain a flourishing trade.
Then came the Romans in 268 BC who claimed the territory for its strategic value. A series of occupations by the Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Franks followed until 1189 when Ascoli became a free republican municipality. Stability was elusive as warring factions continued to assault Ascoli with dictatorships and Papal domination. In 1869 Ascoli became part of the unified Kingdom of Italy and settled into the heart of the Marche region. Today it is the capital of the province of Ascoli, one of five provinces in the Marche.
Ascoli is not without its churches and convents. Not too far from the main square is the Piazza Arringo, the religious centre of the town. It features the Cathedral, the baptistery, the Bishop’s residence, and the Palace of the Commune. In years past when state and religion were highly integrated, this was also the administrative centre of the town.
Ascoli has been dubbed the city of 100 towers and while only about 50 remain today, it was thought to have upwards of 200 towers in earlier times. In fact, several years ago I stayed at a hotel in the historic centre that took its name from this historical reference. It was built into the rock of the town and I felt like my room was in the tower lookout. If only the walls could talk…
A Day in Ascoli – 5 Things to Do and See in Ascoli Piceno
There are, of course, many more than 5 things to see and do in Ascoli Piceno. However this is an excellent list to get you started and to hopefully pique your interest in this charming ancient town. Enjoy!
1. Visit Piazza del Popolo
The most impressive sight in Ascoli is its central Renaissance square called the Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square). It is built using travertine marble, which comes from the surrounding mountains. Its size is impressive for a relatively small town, however what really is stunning is the effect of the Sun and the Moon on the stone. The play of light and shadows creates an ever-changing colour on the marble that is marvellous to observe.
2. Sip a Caffe or Enjoy a Gelato
Leisurely sipping a caffé (espresso) on a sunny morning in the Piazza is an experience to be savoured. If you prefer gelato, there’s a shop or two for that as well.
3. Visit Caffé Meletti
Housed in an historical building on the Piazza del Popolo, stop by to enjoy an “all day Meletti”. This is the signature drink of the Caffé, which contains local anisette, prosecco, and soda.
4. Taste a Local Favourite: Olive Ascolane
Of all the dishes of the Marche, this is probably the one that has most familiarity outside the region. It is most often enjoyed as part of the aperitivo hour, with a cocktail on the side. These tantalizing morsels are deep-fried olives that have been stuffed with a ground pork and herb mixture. I challenge you to eat just one – it will be difficult!
5. Hire a Local Guide to Take You on a Walking Tour
The last (for this blog post) of our 5 things to see and do in Ascoli Piceno list is an idea we suggest in any city. If your time is limited and you want to really appreciate the essence of Ascoli, book a walking tour to learn about the local history, art, and architecture of the town. You will also hear about the town’s main festivity, which occurs on the first Sunday in August, and the tournament called Quintana involving knights, honour, and neighbourhood pride.
If you choose Ascoli as one of your Italian stops, I know you won’t be disappointed. It’s one of those unexpected gems that catch your breath and become a memorable part of your adventure in Italy. Ascoli awaits – put it on your list of off-the-beaten path destinations and enjoy its abundant charm.
Curious to Learn More About Le Marche?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and will try these 5 things to see and do in Ascoli Piceno. Are there any more ideas you would add to our list or have you visited any of these sites before? Let us know in the comments below! Looking to learn more about our tours to the Marche region? Check out our Marche Tour Page.
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