Discover Ascoli Piceno: Renaissance, Antiquity and Local Flavours

Renaissance, Antiquity and Local Flavours

Ascoli Piceno combines squares, buildings and museums with links to the Renaissance and Antiquity. Piazza del Popolo acquired its regular present-day appearance in the early years of the 16th century through a Renaissance colonnade with differently designed arches. The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by merging three small buildings.

Museums from Prehistory to the Middle Ages

Through its collections, the Museo Archeologico Statale di Ascoli Piceno presents a history ranging from Prehistory through the Picenian culture to the Roman era. It is located in a restricted-traffic zone; the nearest paid car parks include Piazza della Viola and Porta Torricella. This is a specific point to consider when planning your itinerary and accommodation if you are arriving by car.

At the Forte Malatesta, a Renaissance fortress designed and/or signed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, the Museo dell’Alto Medioevo displays Lombard grave goods from the necropolis of Castel Trosino. These include the complete graves of a woman and a horseman. The Forte Malatesta was permanently reopened in November 2010.

The Musei della Cartiera Papale are housed in a medieval complex with mills and a paper factory powered by the water of the Castellano River. The museums are currently closed to visitors due to adaptation works. The Area Archeologica del Palazzo dei Capitani presents excavated remains along a raised walkway with information panels and finds from the archaeological site.

Architecture and Routes through the City

The Chiostro Maggiore di San Francesco has a 14th-century Gothic portico with twenty round-arched arcades, Corinthian columns and an octagonal Gothic fountain. The Teatro Romano di Ascoli Piceno dates from the 1st century BC and preserves remains of the cavea and orchestra.

A walk through Ascoli Piceno takes you across historic squares with travertine, past Romanesque church façades, Renaissance architecture and museums. Annunziata Park is located on the summit of the ancient Pelasgian Hill, offers panoramic views over the city and preserves the Fortezza Pia as well as Roman caves. This means that accommodation options range from an urban walking tour to elevated parkland.

Cuisine and Festival Traditions

Ascoli Piceno also has a distinctive culinary character: Ravioli incaciati originated in the city and are traditionally prepared for Carnival. Anisetta Meletti is an anise liqueur distilled from aniseed and aromatic spices according to an original 1870 recipe; the tradition is preserved by the Meletti family. The Quintana di Ascoli Piceno includes a historic parade and a jousting tournament, held in July and August.

When choosing a hotel, you can base your priorities on the local and cultural themes: historic squares and architecture, museums, the walking tour, parkland, local specialities or festival traditions. This range makes Ascoli Piceno an appealing destination for an individually planned trip to Italy.

More Destinations in the Same Region

If you would like to extend your trip through the area around Ascoli Piceno, you can find Arquata Del Tronto, San Silvestro, Vallefusella, Montedinove, Venagrande, Monteprandone, Castel Di Lama and Montefiore Dell'aso.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.