A Guide to Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is just inland form the Adriatic coast of central Italy, at the meeting of the Tronto and Castellano Rivers. Found in such a strategic position upon a high rocky plane it is not surprising that there is an interesting history to be discovered about Ascoli Picerno.

You can find evidence of Roman, medieval and Reniassiance civilizations here in the numerous sites that include the following: the Cathedral of St. Emidio, the Octagonal Baptistery, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Vescovile, Palazzo Malaspina, the Romanesque Church of St. Gregorio, Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo and the Gothic Church of St. Francesco.

There are many other attractions in the area such as the Loggia dei Mercanti, the Romanesque Church of St Vincenzo e St. Anastasio, the Gothic Church Chiesa of St. Pietro Martire, the Ercolani Tower, Palazzotto Longobardo, the State Archeological Museum, the Diocesan Museum, the Gallery of Contemporary Art.

To complete your cultural discovery you may wish to visit during one of the local festivities and experience the Knights' tournament, della Quintana, or the Sagra della Polenta. The cuisine of Ascoli Piceno is divine and includes specialties such as stuffed olives, festino Christmas cake, Caciuni, which may be accompanied by fine wines wines such as the Piceno Red and the white, Falerio dei Colli Ascolani.