Ascoli Piceno, also known as the City of a Hundred Towers, is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Marche region. Its charm may lie in its medieval character or in the elegant, snow-white travertine piazzas. The skyline is shaped by 50 preserved towers and bell towers, giving the city its distinctive silhouette. Among grand churches and ancient palaces, you’ll discover a wealth of art and hidden stories that make Ascoli a true gem of the Marche.
The city also delights with its culinary specialty, olive all’ascolana – olives stuffed with meat, breaded, and deep-fried. Another highlight is the annual medieval tournament, Quintana, which draws visitors with its colorful parades and festive atmosphere.
Top Highlights of Ascoli Piceno
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Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
The Piazza del Popolo is one of the most harmonious Renaissance squares in Italy and has been considered the "living room" of Ascoli Piceno since the 16th century. Covering an area of 2500 m², this rectangular square is entirely paved with polished travertine and is framed by the impressive Palazzo dei Capitani with its medieval tower and the Gothic Church of San Francesco.
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Ascoli Piceno Cathedral
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
The majestic Cattedrale di Sant'Emidio combines impressive Romanesque and Renaissance elements in its architecture, which have developed over centuries into a harmonious work of art. Built from polished travertine, the cathedral has origins dating back to the 5th century and received its current façade between 1529 and 1539 by the architect Cola dell'Amatrice. In the 11th-century crypt, you can find the tomb of Saint Emidius in a repurposed pagan sarcophagus from the 3rd century, while in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, you can admire the famous polyptych by Carlo Crivelli from 1473.
Caffè Meletti
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
In the heart of Ascoli Piceno, the elegant Caffè Meletti has been standing proudly at Piazza del Popolo since 1907 - a historic café in the Liberty style with its distinctive light pink facade. Behind the neoclassical front with its colonnade, you’ll find a stylishly furnished interior featuring original wooden furniture, velvet sofas, and a beautifully painted ceiling dedicated to the house's own anise liqueur by the artist Pio Nardini.
Teatro Ventidio Basso
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
In the heart of Ascoli Piceno, you will find the Teatro Ventidio Basso, the city's most important theater, which was inaugurated in 1846 after six years of construction with works by Giuseppe Verdi and Vincenzo Bellini. The neoclassical building impresses with its grand facade featuring six Ionic columns and offers seating for 842 visitors in its horseshoe-shaped auditorium with four tiers.
Forte Malatesta
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
On the remains of Roman baths stands the Forte Malatesta, an impressive fortress designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger in 1540 on behalf of Pope Paul III. The star-shaped structure, with its three levels of gun emplacements, served as a prison until the 1980s and was reopened as a museum complex in 2010 after ten years of restoration.
Church of Saint Francis
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
The impressive Chiesa di San Francesco in the heart of Ascoli Piceno is one of the most significant examples of Franciscan architecture in Italy and commemorates the visit of Saint Francis in 1215. The construction of the church, which took place from 1258 to 1549, combines Romanesque and Gothic elements and captivates with its distinctive travertine facade featuring three Gothic portals.
Papal Paper Mill Museums
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
In the impressive Cartiera papale, a facility built from massive travertine blocks, you will experience a fascinating piece of industrial history from the early 12th to the 17th century.
Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
In the heart of Ascoli Piceno stands the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, with its medieval tower overlooking the elegant Piazza del Popolo. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, the palace was extensively restored after a fire during a noble uprising in 1535 and served as the seat of the papal governors until 1860.
Piazza Arringo
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
Picture Gallery of Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno, The Marches, Italy
In the magnificent Palazzo dell'Arengo at Piazza Arringo, you will find one of the most significant art collections in Central Italy. The Pinacoteca civica, opened in 1861 by Giorgio Paci and Giulio Gabrielli, showcases impressive artworks from the 14th to the 20th century across 15 exhibition rooms, including pieces by Titian and Carlo Crivelli.
With Destimondo you can easily plan your stops, see travel times, schedule arrival dates, and save all the fabulous attractions you wish to visit.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to travel is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is moderate. Each season has its own charm, and the ideal time really depends on whether you're planning a city trip or a tour through the Marche region with beach days or hikes.
Spring (March to May)
In spring, Ascoli Piceno comes to life. Temperatures rise from 8 °C in March to around 16 °C in May, making May one of the most pleasant months. Blooming gardens and lively squares give the city a special charm. Rainfall stays fairly steady, with about 100 mm in March and 130 mm in May, but it rarely interferes with a visit.
Summer (June to August)
In July, average temperatures reach around 23 °C, and rainfall drops to about 88 mm. Occasional thunderstorms may still occur.
Autumn (September to November)
In September, average temperatures hover around 18 °C, dropping to about 9 °C by November. Rain increases slightly, with 107 mm in September and 92 mm in October. The vibrant autumn colors around Ascoli Piceno make it perfect for long walks.
Winter (December to February)
Winter months are cool to cold, with temperatures around 4 °C in January. Precipitation is relatively low, at about 83 mm in January and 77 mm in February, though occasional snowfall is possible. Festive lights and local events give the city a uniquely charming atmosphere during this time of year.
