Old travertine buildings shape the historic centre of Ascoli Piceno; squares, churches and Roman traces offer further ways to explore the city’s history. Piazza del Popolo acquired its present regular appearance in the early years of the 16th century. Piazza Arringo is the civic and religious centre. Since distances within the city are short, walking tours are a good way to visit Ascoli and tailor your exploration of its different historical themes to your own interests.
Squares, Churches and Architecture
The church of San Francesco recalls St Francis of Assisi’s visit in 1215. Construction lasted from 1258 to 1549; the church is considered an imposing example of Gothic architecture. Right beside it is the Loggia dei Mercanti, a 16th-century building in the Bramante style. The Baptistery of San Giovanni offers a different architectural accent: it is an important example of Romanesque architecture and preserves its original round baptismal font for immersion baptism—that is, baptism by submersion. The different forms and building periods make these sites tangible reference points as you explore Ascoli’s religious and civic history.
Roman Traces and Museums
Even in antiquity, the city of Asculum, now Ascoli Piceno, came into contact with Rome through trade along the route that later became the Via Salaria—before the alliance with the Piceni in 299 BC. The Roman past can also be seen in several structures. The Roman theatre was uncovered between 1932 and 1959; excavations are still ongoing. The Porta Gemina preserves remains of Roman walls built in opus reticulatum. The Ponte Augusteo, a bridge dating from the 1st century BC over the Tronto, can be crossed on foot after restoration work in the 1930s.
The collections at the Museo Archeologico Statale di Ascoli Piceno span prehistory, the Picene culture and the Roman era. The availability of individual sections may vary, so check the current offering before your visit. The museum is in a restricted traffic zone that you cannot enter by private car all the way to the entrance. The nearest paid parking spaces are at Piazza della Viola and Porta Torricella. Check the directions before planning your museum visit.
The Forte Malatesta offers another link between architecture and history: this restored Renaissance fortification is associated with the architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. The fort houses the Museo dell’Alto Medioevo, which 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. These museums cover different themes—from archaeological collections and medieval grave finds to the facilities of a ceramics workshop.
Quintana, Local Specialities and Routes
The Quintana di Ascoli Piceno includes a historic parade and a jousting tournament at the Campo de' Giochi. Its traditional programme includes jousting tournaments in July and August. If you would like to plan your trip around the Quintana, check the specific event dates. Local specialities also tell the story of the city: a meat-filled speciality took on the form known today in the 19th century and became a symbol of conviviality in Ascoli. Anisetta Meletti is a natural liqueur made from aniseed and aromatic spices, produced according to an original recipe from 1870.
For outdoor activities, the Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani starts and ends in Ascoli Piceno; you can cover it on foot or by bicycle. About 80 percent of the route follows historic paths and mule tracks. It connects Ascoli with the varied landscape southwest of the city. Conditions and signage may change, so it is worth checking the current trail conditions before setting out. There are also planned cycling and walking route projects: a municipal path was partially planned through a river landscape of considerable scenic value. Another cycle-route project is intended to connect Ascoli with the coast via the Tronto Valley.
Discover more destinations: Castignano, Castorano, Colli Del Tronto, Montedinove, Montelparo, Monteprandone, Offida, Pedaso, San Benedetto Del Tronto, Amandola, 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, Montemonaco, Cossignano, Rotella, Venagrande, Colle San Marco, Acquasanta Terme, Marsia, Porchia, Balzo, Piane Vecchie, Abetito, Uscerno, Venarotta, Montalto delle Marche, Capradosso, Illice, San Silvestro, Il Palazzo, Appignano del Tronto and Roccafluvione.
For the broader travel overview: Marche.
