Ascoli Piceno

Approximately 120 kilometres south of Ancona is the city of Ascoli Piceno, also known as the city of a hundred towers. Historical records show that there were around 200 towers in Ascoli, of which 50 still stand today, like sentinels presiding over an old city. In fact Ascoli Piceno has a very long history, and there’s evidence that its foundation even pre-dates Rome! What is most striking about the city is its historic centre, which is built largely out of the travertine stone extracted from the surrounding mountains. The city’s main squares are flanked by grand buildings that are built with this grey-hued stone, and which gleam brilliantly in the afternoon sun. Piazza Arringo is the oldest monumental square in Ascoli, and several important buildings stand here. The imposing Cathedral of St. Emidio stands in one corner, with the Baptistery of San Giovanni next to it. The impressive Palazzo Fonzi and Palazzo dell’Arengo are also located here. The beautiful Renaissance square, Piazza del Popolo is considered to be the best in Italy. It’s surrounded by buildings with elegant arcades and ornate facades, many of which house cafes and restaurants. This square is literally the ‘living room’ of Ascoli, with many locals spending their evenings here – having a coffee or liqueur with friends, or on their evening passeggiata (stroll). Ascoli Piceno is also a great base if you want to go hiking, biking or on nature trails in the neighbouring Sibilline Mountains or the two natural parks that border the town.