Discover Ascoli Piceno: Squares, History and Trails

Ascoli Piceno combines travertine buildings, squares, churches and Roman traces with trails for walking and cycling. This creates a culturally oriented destination with a distinctive culinary side.

Squares, Churches and Historic Architecture

The historic centre preserves old travertine buildings. Piazza del Popolo acquired its present regular appearance in the early years of the 16th century. Next to the Church of San Francesco stands the Loggia dei Mercanti, a 16th-century building in the Bramante style. San Francesco recalls the visit of Saint Francis of Assisi to Ascoli Piceno in 1215 and is an imposing example of Gothic architecture; construction extended from 1258 to 1549. Piazza Arringo is the civic and religious centre of Ascoli Piceno. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is considered an important example of Romanesque architecture and preserves its original round baptismal font for baptism by immersion. The cathedral stands on the site of a Roman public building; its crypt preserves the relics of the saint.

Roman Traces and Museums

The Roman theatre was excavated between 1932 and 1959 and remains under excavation. The Ponte Augusteo is a Roman bridge from the 1st century BC over the Tronto River; following restoration work in the 1930s, it can be crossed through its interior. Porta Gemina preserves remains of Roman walls made of opus reticulatum. As Asculum, ancient Ascoli Piceno established contact with Rome through trade along the later Via Salaria even before the alliance with the Piceni in 299 BC.

The Museo Archeologico Statale di Ascoli Piceno presents collections ranging from prehistory through Picenian culture to the Roman era. It is located in a traffic-restricted zone; you cannot drive a private car as far as the entrance. The nearest car parks at Piazza della Viola and Porta Torricella charge a fee. Forte Malatesta is a restored Renaissance fortification associated with Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. The Museo dell’Alto Medioevo in the fort displays precious grave goods from the Lombard necropolis of Castel Trosino. The Museo dell'Arte Ceramica has a well-equipped workshop with a potter’s wheel and kilns.

On Foot, by Bicycle and Through the Countryside

Walking tours are well suited to visiting Ascoli Piceno, as distances within the city are short. The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani begins and ends in Ascoli Piceno and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. Around 80 percent of its route follows historic paths and mule tracks. The Grande Anello connects Ascoli Piceno with the diverse countryside southwest of the city. A municipal cycle and pedestrian path is planned to run partly through a river landscape of high scenic value. In addition, a cycle-path project is intended to connect Ascoli Piceno with the coast via the Tronto Valley.

Quintana and Local Specialities

The Quintana di Ascoli Piceno includes a historic festival procession; its traditional programme features jousting tournaments on Campo de' Giochi in July and August. A meat-filled speciality acquired its now-famous form in the 19th century and became a symbol of conviviality in Ascoli. Anisetta Meletti is a natural liqueur made by distilling anise seeds and aromatic spices according to an original 1870 recipe.

When choosing your hotel, you can consider whether short distances in the city centre, culture or excursions on the Grande Anello should shape your stay. The different themes make Ascoli Piceno a destination for individually planned days.

More Destinations

More destinations: Cossignano, Rotella, Venagrande, Castignano, Castorano, Colli Del Tronto, Montedinove, Montelparo, Monteprandone, Offida, Il Palazzo, Montemonaco, Lisciano, Massignano, Cupra Marittima, Monsampolo Del Tronto, Montefiore Dell'aso, Ripatransone, Folignano, Ascoli Piceno, Ponzano, Castel Di Lama, Grottammare, Pastina, Comunanza, Acquaviva Picena, Campolungo, Carassai, Centobuchi, Montecchio, Vallefusella, Force, Arquata Del Tronto, Spinetoli, San Benedetto Del Tronto, Amandola, Pedaso, Marsia, Porchia, Capradosso, Piane Vecchie, Abetito, Venarotta, Montalto delle Marche, Colle San Marco, Acquasanta Terme, Uscerno, Illice, San Silvestro, Appignano del Tronto, Roccafluvione, Balzo

To the overarching travel overview: Marche.