Ascoli Piceno

Discover Ascoli Piceno

At 154 meters above sea level, in the heart of southern Marche, Ascoli Piceno rises between the waters of the Tronto river and its tributary, the Castellano, a natural crossroads that has shaped its identity over millennia.

The city is almost entirely built with travertine blocks, a local limestone that gives its palaces and squares a warm color, varying from white to gray, which glows pink at sunset.

This geological peculiarity is not just an aesthetic feature, but reflects a constructive continuity rooted in the Roman era, making the historic center an example of architectural and urban harmony.

For those wondering what to see in Ascoli Piceno, the answer lies in a well-preserved historic center, where approximately 49,697 inhabitants live daily amidst testimonies of a glorious past.

The main attractions include the picturesque Piazza del Popolo and the imposing Palazzo dei Capitani, guardians of centuries of history and art.

Visitors to Ascoli Piceno will find an itinerary rich in inspiration, ranging from Roman and medieval architecture to local gastronomic traditions, offering a deep and varied cultural experience.

History and origins of Ascoli Piceno

The origins of Ascoli Piceno date back to the era of the Piceni, an ancient Italic population that settled in this fertile valley between the Tronto and the Castellano, developing an important center as early as the 4th century BC.

Its strategic position along the Via Salaria, an ancient salt road connecting the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic, made it a crucial point for trade and communications.

In 268 BC, the city, then known as Asculum, was conquered by the Romans, becoming a prefecture and subsequently a municipality, maintaining significant autonomy and prosperity due to its military and commercial importance.

A crucial moment in Ascoli’s Roman history was the Battle of Ascoli in 279 BC, which saw the clash between Roman legions and the forces of Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, an episode that highlights the ancient strategic importance of the territory.

During the Roman period, the city experienced significant urban development, with the construction of bridges, theaters, and temples, many of which are still visible or have left traces in the current structure of the center.

The fall of the Roman Empire led Ascoli to endure barbarian invasions, passing under the rule of Goths, Byzantines, and Lombards, who altered its social and political structure.

In the Middle Ages, Ascoli Piceno became a free commune, asserting its independence and developing civil and religious architecture that still characterizes its appearance today.

In subsequent centuries, the city was contended by various lordships, including the Malatesta and the Sforza, before becoming a stable part of the Papal States in the 15th century, a period that, despite alternating political events, helped consolidate its artistic and cultural heritage.

The richness of its past is also evident in neighboring villages, such as Apecchio, which, despite having a different history, share the complexity of the Marche region’s events.

What to see in Ascoli Piceno: main attractions

Piazza del Popolo

Ascoli Piceno’s Piazza del Popolo presents itself as an open-air urban living room, entirely paved in travertine, the same stone that clads its surrounding buildings and gives it a particular luminosity, especially on sunny days.

This square, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful, was conceived in the 13th century and reached its current form in the 16th century, when the styles of the buildings bordering it were harmonized.

At its center stands the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, while along its sides extend the porticoes of the Loggia dei Mercanti, dating back to the 16th century, and the Gothic facade of the Church of San Francesco, begun in 1262 and completed only in the 16th century.

Duomo of Sant’Emidio

The Duomo of Sant’Emidio, Ascoli Piceno’s cathedral, stands on an area that has hosted places of worship since Roman times, with the current structure showcasing a mix of styles, the result of stratifications and enlargements that occurred over the centuries, from the 10th to the 16th.

The main facade, in travertine, is characterized by a Romanesque portal and Renaissance elements, while the three-nave interior houses significant works of art.

Among these, the Polyptych of Sant’Emidio by Carlo Crivelli, a 15th-century masterpiece, stands out, along with the Romanesque crypt, which preserves the remains of the patron saint, martyred in 303 A.D.

Its imposing mass dominates the historic center, offering a visual and spiritual landmark for the city.

Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo

The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo majestically overlooks Piazza del Popolo, representing the beating heart of Ascoli Piceno’s civil power throughout the centuries.

Its original construction dates back to the 13th century, but the building has undergone numerous modifications and enlargements, particularly in the 15th century, when the bell tower and the arcaded loggia in Renaissance style were added. Its travertine walls tell the story of governors and captains who administered the city, often during turbulent periods, such as the communal struggles.

Today, the palace hosts cultural events and exhibitions, and its internal courtyard, with its elegant portico, offers a significant example of medieval and Renaissance civil architecture, well-preserved in its decorative details.

Ponte di Cecco

Ponte di Cecco, one of Ascoli Piceno’s oldest and most evocative structures, crosses the Castellano stream, connecting the historic center with the Colle dell’Annunziata.

Its origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have been built in Roman times, probably in the 1st century B.C., as part of an important communication route.

Its travertine structure, with a single large arch, has withstood river floods and earthquakes for millennia, testifying to the engineering skill of ancient builders. The bridge has an extension of approximately 20 meters and a height of over 25 meters, offering a suggestive panorama of the city and the surrounding hills.

Popular legend attributes its construction to a character named Cecco, from whom the name is said to derive.

Forte Malatesta

Forte Malatesta, an imposing Renaissance fortress, stands at the confluence of the Tronto and Castellano rivers, protecting one of the strategic accesses to the city.

Its history begins with a Roman defensive structure, later reused in the medieval era, but its current form is due to Galeotto I Malatesta, who ordered its reconstruction and enlargement in the 14th century.

Subsequently, in the 16th century, Antonio da Sangallo the Younger designed a further fortification for the Papal States, transforming it into a modern war machine. Today, Forte Malatesta houses a museum and exhibition spaces, and can be reached via a picturesque pedestrian path that runs along the river. Its military architecture, with bastions and thick walls, offers a clear view of the defensive techniques of the era.

Typical Cuisine and Products of Ascoli Piceno

The gastronomic tradition of Ascoli Piceno is rooted in the peasant and pastoral culture of Le Marche, characterized by simple and genuine ingredients, expertly transformed into dishes rich in flavor.

The local cuisine is influenced by both its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the presence of a mountainous hinterland, offering a balance between land products and marine flavors.

The travertine that characterizes the city’s architecture is also reflected in the colors and textures of some preparations, which often feature golden fried foods and substantial pasta dishes, typical of the Marche tradition.

Among the most representative dishes, Olive all’ascolana are an icon of local gastronomy, recognized well beyond regional borders.

These are pitted green olives, filled with a mixture of mixed meats (beef, pork, chicken), eggs, Parmesan, and herbs, breaded and fried in hot oil until perfectly golden.

Another classic is the Fritto misto all’ascolana, which includes, in addition to the olives, lamb cutlets, artichokes, zucchini, and cremini (fried cream), all rigorously breaded and fried.

As for first courses, Vincisgrassi represent a rich and complex variant of lasagna, prepared with an elaborate ragù, often enriched with chicken giblets and truffle, and béchamel sauce, all baked in the oven.

Although there are no DOP, IGP, PAT, or DOC certified products specifically listed for this area in the database, the region offers nationally recognized quality specialties.

Among the products to taste, in addition to the main dishes, is Anisetta Meletti, a historic anise-flavored liqueur produced in Ascoli Piceno since 1870, which has become a symbol of the city.

For those wishing to purchase typical products, it is possible to visit the local markets held regularly, such as the Saturday morning weekly market, where fresh produce and local specialties can be found.

Festivals, Events, and Traditions of Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno celebrates with particular devotion the feast of its patron saint, Saint Emidius, on August 5th, a day when the city comes alive with a series of religious ceremonies and popular events.

Saint Emidius is venerated as a protector against earthquakes, a particularly significant aspect in a seismic region like Le Marche.

The celebration includes solemn processions that pass through the historic center, with the participation of civil and religious authorities, and culminate in events that involve the entire community, in a festive atmosphere that unites spirituality and civil tradition.

The most anticipated and spectacular event on Ascoli’s calendar is undoubtedly the Quintana of Ascoli Piceno, a historical re-enactment rooted in the Middle Ages.

This chivalric tournament takes place twice a year: the first edition, the “Reading of the Proclamation and Historical Parade,” is held on the second Saturday of July, while the actual joust, with the “Joust of the Quintana,” takes place on the first Sunday of August.

During the Quintana, the six sestieri (quarters) into which the city is divided compete in a horseback skill challenge, preceded by a sumptuous historical procession composed of over 1,400 costumed figures in medieval and Renaissance attire, who parade through the city streets, re-enacting the splendor of past eras.

When to visit Ascoli Piceno and how to get there

The best time to visit Ascoli Piceno is spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October), when the climate is mild and pleasant, ideal for strolling through the historic center and exploring the attractions without the summer heat.

Summer, particularly July and August, is enlivened by the Quintana celebrations, which, while attracting many visitors, can make the city more crowded and accommodation prices higher.

Those seeking a quieter experience can opt for less touristy months, fully enjoying the architectural beauty and serenity of the village. The city offers a rich cultural experience, suitable for various types of travelers, from history and art enthusiasts to lovers of good food.

To reach Ascoli Piceno by car, the most common route is the A14 motorway (Bologna-Taranto).

The recommended exit is San Benedetto del Tronto, from which you continue on the SS4 Salaria towards Ascoli Piceno for about 28 kilometers.

Those who prefer the train can reach Ascoli Piceno station, which is the terminus of a secondary railway line connected to the Adriatic line at Porto d’Ascoli/San Benedetto del Tronto.

You can consult timetables and purchase tickets on the official Trenitalia website. The nearest airports are Ancona’s “Raffaello Sanzio” Airport (AOI) in Marche, approximately 100 km away, and Pescara’s Abruzzo Airport (PSR), also about 100 km away, both well-connected to various Italian and European cities.

From both airports, you can continue your journey by public transport or rent a car.

Starting point	Distance	Estimated time
Ancona (AOI)	100 km	1 hour and 15 min
Pescara (PSR)	100 km	1 hour and 15 min
Rome	180 km	2 hours and 30 min

Those visiting Ascoli Piceno can consider extending their itinerary to other villages in Marche, such as Mercatello sul Metauro, which with its well-preserved historic center offers a further immersion into the region’s traditions and architecture.

Similarly, Frontino, known for its natural setting, can be an interesting stop for those seeking a different experience, while remaining within the scope of Marche villages.