Italy Panorama

Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno Province, Marche
Population: 55,000
Elevation: 154 meters

The city of “Cento Torri”.

Ascoli Piceno, known by locals as “the City of 100 Towers”, is truly a gem that is undiscovered by most tourists, especially non-Italians. This city has a history that locals are proud to tell you predates the founding of Roma, perhaps with ancient Greek roots and has a vibrant centro storico. The traditional Italian flow of the day is still very evident here with riposo and la passeggiata occurring daily.

Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo dei Capitani

In the centro storico you will find Roman ruins, medieval piazze, grand palazzi as well as baroque touches. Piazza del Popolo has to be one of the “Top Ten” piazze in all of Italy with its travertine pavement and porticos while being dominated by the historic Palazzo dei Capitani. There are over twenty historical churches, several museums, forts, remnants of one hundred towers, stone bridges and all of this is framed by lush river valleys and mountains.

Piazza Arringo and Cattedrale Sant' Emidio

The centro provides all that is needed for daily living with a wide assortment of coffee bars, pasticeria, alimentari, clothing stores and several unique local eateries. Since this provincial capital is still mostly undiscovered by tourists you will find that souvenir stands are not the norm yet the city center still has a vibrant life with a mercato twice a week, a large antique market once a month and various social events occurring almost weekly.