Ascoli Piceno: The City of a Hundred Towers in Le Marche

In the heart of southern Le Marche, where the Tronto and Castellano rivers meet in an eternal dance, rises Ascoli Piceno, one of Italy's most fascinating and best-preserved cities. Known as the 'City of a Hundred Towers', Ascoli is a jewel of medieval and Renaissance architecture that captivates visitors with its historic center built almost entirely in travertine, the local stone that gives the city its characteristic golden color.

Strolling through Ascoli's streets means taking a journey through time, among noble palaces, Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous towers that once symbolized the power of patrician families. Every corner tells a millennial story, from Picene origins to Roman domination, from the glorious communal period to modern transformations, always respecting an artistic heritage of inestimable value.

But Ascoli is not just art and history: it's also authentic flavors, living traditions and warm hospitality that makes every visit an unforgettable experience. The famous olive all'ascolana, born right here, are just one of the delicacies that make this city an unmissable destination even for the most refined palates.

Piazza del Popolo: Italy's Living Room

The beating heart of Ascoli Piceno is undoubtedly Piazza del Popolo, considered one of Italy's most beautiful squares and often called the 'city's living room'. This marvelous Renaissance square, completely paved with travertine slabs, is surrounded by a harmonious ensemble of historic palaces, elegant porticoes and historic cafés that invite rest and contemplation.

The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo dominates the western side of the square with its imposing 14th-century facade, enriched by the characteristic crenellated tower. Built in the 13th century as the seat of city government, today it hosts important exhibitions and cultural events. Beside it, the Church of San Francesco represents one of the purest examples of Gothic architecture in Le Marche, with its austere facade embellished by the magnificent central portal.

Under the square's porticoes are some of Italy's oldest historic cafés, perfect for enjoying an espresso while admiring the comings and goings of locals and tourists. In the evening, when golden lights illuminate the travertine, Piazza del Popolo transforms into a fairy-tale setting, ideal for a romantic stroll or aperitif with friends.

The Cathedral and the City's Sacred Treasures

The Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, dedicated to Ascoli's patron saint, is a magnificent example of how different architectural eras can coexist in harmony. The facade, unfinished but evocative, conceals an interior rich with artworks spanning from Romanesque to Baroque. The crown jewel is Carlo Crivelli's Polyptych, a Renaissance masterpiece depicting the Madonna with Child and saints.

Sant'Emidio's Crypt deserves a special visit: here rest the martyr saint's relics, and the collected, spiritual atmosphere touches the hearts of believers and non-believers alike. The medieval frescoes decorating the walls tell the saint's life with extraordinary emotional intensity.

Other Churches Not to Miss

• Basilica of San Vincenzo and Anastasio: One of the city's oldest churches, with its distinctive black and white checkerboard facade
• Church of Sant'Agostino: Gothic masterpiece with magnificent 14th-century frescoes
• Santa Maria Intervineas: Small Romanesque jewel hidden in the historic center

Medieval Towers: Symbols of Power and Beauty

Of the over two hundred towers that once soared toward Ascoli's sky, about fifty remain today, sufficient to justify the nickname 'City of a Hundred Towers'. These structures, built between the 12th and 13th centuries by noble families as symbols of prestige and power, still characterize the city skyline today with their majestic presence.

The Torre dell'Arengo, 40 meters high, is perhaps the most famous and best preserved. Located next to Palazzo dell'Arengo, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains from its summit. The Torre degli Ercolani, in the heart of the historic center, is instead a perfect example of medieval defensive architecture, with its thick walls and small windows.

Walking through the center's streets, it's impossible not to notice how these towers integrate perfectly into the urban fabric, creating picturesque views and plays of light that change with the hours of the day. Many have been transformed into private residences while maintaining their historic charm intact.

Museums and Artistic Treasures

Ascoli Piceno boasts a museum heritage of great interest that absolutely deserves a visit. The Civic Picture Gallery, housed in Palazzo dell'Arengo, holds one of Le Marche's most important art collections, with works spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Here you'll find the celebrated Polyptych by Cola dell'Amatrice, one of the masterpieces of Marche Renaissance.

The State Archaeological Museum instead tells the territory's most ancient history, from pre-Roman civilizations to the Imperial age. Particularly evocative is the section dedicated to the Picenes, the ancient people who gave their name to the region and left important testimonies in the Ascoli area.

The Ceramic Art Museum

A museum reflecting local artisan tradition is the one dedicated to ceramics, displaying pieces from the 15th century to today. The Ascoli ceramic tradition is still alive thanks to numerous artisan workshops that can be visited in the historic center.

Gastronomy: Olive all'Ascolana and Other Delights

Talking about Ascoli Piceno without mentioning olive all'ascolana would be like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. This dish, born in local noble cuisine in the 18th century, has become one of the gastronomic symbols of Le Marche and all of Italy. The tender Ascoli olives from Piceno DOP are pitted, stuffed with a mixed meat filling, breaded and fried until they become small golden, crispy spheres.

But Ascoli's culinary tradition doesn't stop there. Vincisgrassi, rich lasagna prepared with meat ragù and béchamel sauce, is another traditional dish. Baccalà all'ascolana, cooked with tomato and peppers, represents instead the city's connection with past commercial traffic.

Where to Taste Traditional Dishes

• Historic center taverns: Many preserve traditional recipes passed down through generations
• Covered market: Ideal for purchasing quality local products
• Surrounding farmhouses: Offer authentic culinary experiences with zero-kilometer products

Events and Traditions: La Quintana and Historic Festivals

Every year, on the first Sunday of August, Ascoli Piceno transforms into a medieval stage for La Quintana, one of Italy's most spectacular historical reenactments. This equestrian joust, rooted in the 16th century, sees knights from the six city districts challenge each other in a test of skill and courage that keeps thousands of spectators breathless.

The Historic Procession preceding the competition is a show within the show: over a thousand costumed figures parade through the center's streets, recreating the atmosphere of Renaissance Ascoli. The costumes, hand-embroidered according to ancient models, are true masterpieces of artistic tailoring.

'La Quintana is not just a joust, it's Ascoli's soul that comes alive every year, uniting past and present in an embrace of tradition and passion.' - An elderly Ascoli resident

Excursions in the Surroundings: The Sibillini Mountains and Uncontaminated Nature

The strategic position of Ascoli Piceno, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, makes it an ideal base for excursions into the uncontaminated nature of the homonymous National Park. Just a few kilometers from the city you can reach trails leading to perched medieval villages, spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Apennine mountains.

Lake Pilato, located on Mount Vettore, is a destination much loved by hikers. According to legend, Pontius Pilate's remains were thrown here, and the lake is inhabited by a small endemic crustacean that locals call 'the devil'. Force, with its waterfalls, and Arquata del Tronto, a medieval village of rare beauty, are other unmissable destinations easily reachable from Ascoli.

Winter transforms the area into a paradise for snow sports, with the ski resorts of Bolognola and Sarnano offering slopes for all levels, immersed in postcard landscapes.

Ascoli Piceno is much more than a simple tourist destination: it's an experience that involves all the senses, from sight enchanted by its architectural beauties to the palate delighted by its gastronomic specialties, from the heart touched by its inhabitants' cordiality to the soul enriched by its millennial history. Visiting this city means taking with you a piece of that timeless charm that only Italy knows how to give.