Ascoli Piceno: The City of a Hundred Towers Between Art and History

In the heart of the Marche region, where rolling hills meet the Sibillini Mountains, rises one of Italy's most fascinating cities: Ascoli Piceno, known as the "City of a Hundred Towers". This nickname, which immediately evokes medieval atmospheres and breathtaking skylines, tells only part of the charm of this extraordinary historic center, where every stone narrates centuries of history, art and tradition.

Walking through the streets of Ascoli Piceno means embarking on a journey through time, where the local travertine - the famous white stone that characterizes much of the city's architecture - creates a unique chromatic harmony that dazzles under the Marche sun. The city, nestled at the confluence of the Tronto and Castellano rivers, has preserved its artistic and architectural heritage intact, offering visitors an authentic experience among Renaissance palaces, Romanesque churches and, naturally, its famous medieval towers.

But Ascoli Piceno is not just an open-air museum: it's a living city, pulsating with culinary traditions that have made its stuffed olives famous worldwide, and cultural events that throughout the year animate its historic squares. Every corner tells a story, every palace hides artistic treasures, every tower reveals unforgettable panoramas over the Tronto valley.

A Dive into History: from Picene Origins to the Middle Ages

The history of Ascoli Piceno has its roots in the most remote antiquity. Founded by the Picene people, who gave it its name, the city subsequently became an important Roman municipality with the name Asculum. Traces of this glorious past are still visible in the urban fabric, where remains of Roman monuments blend harmoniously with medieval and Renaissance architecture.

During the Middle Ages, Ascoli Piceno experienced its period of maximum splendor. It was in this era that the famous towers were born that earned it the nickname "City of a Hundred Towers". These structures, built by patrician families as symbols of power and prestige, characterized the city skyline creating a unique panorama. Today about fifty remain, silent witnesses of a past rich in splendor and noble rivalries.

The historic center, perfectly preserved, represents one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the Marche region. Every stone of local travertine tells episodes of Italian history, from communal struggles to papal dominations, up to the unification of the Kingdom of Italy.

Piazza del Popolo: The City's Living Room

One cannot speak of Ascoli Piceno without dedicating ample space to its Piazza del Popolo, unanimously considered one of Italy's most beautiful squares. This extraordinary urban space, completely paved in travertine, represents the beating heart of the city and a masterpiece of architectural harmony.

The square is dominated by the majestic Church of San Francesco, a jewel of Italian Gothic architecture begun in 1258 and completed over the following centuries. Its facade, austere and elegant at the same time, features a central portal decorated with sculptures of great artistic value. The interior houses precious frescoes and artworks that testify to the city's cultural richness.

The Palace of the Captains of the People

On the opposite side of the square stands the Palace of the Captains of the People, symbol of Ascoli Piceno's civic power. This building, constructed in the 13th century and subsequently expanded, presents an imposing facade characterized by an elegant loggia and the famous statue of Pope Paul III. Inside, the frescoed halls now host temporary exhibitions and prestigious cultural events.

The square is completed by the Renaissance porticoes that surround it, creating an intimate yet grandiose environment. Under these porticoes historic cafes, boutiques and artisan shops follow one another, where you can taste local specialties or purchase typical Marche products.

Medieval Towers: Guardians of History

The towers of Ascoli Piceno are much more than simple architectural structures: they are the living symbols of an era when power was also measured in height and magnificence. Built mainly between the 12th and 14th centuries, these towers served as fortified residences for noble families and as symbols of social status.

Ercolani Tower

Among the most famous towers stands the Ercolani Tower, located in Piazza Ventidio Basso. This imposing structure, about 40 meters high, represents one of the best-preserved examples of Ascoli medieval architecture. Its square base and construction in local travertine make it immediately recognizable in the city panorama.

Guiderocchi Tower

Another significant example is the Guiderocchi Tower, which rises near the Cathedral. This tower, characterized by particular architectural elegance, testifies to the refinement achieved by local craftsmen in the art of medieval construction.

Many of these towers have been incorporated over the centuries into more recent buildings or transformed for new uses, but they maintain their original charm intact and continue to characterize Ascoli Piceno's urban profile, making it unique in the panorama of Italian cities.

Artistic and Religious Treasures

Ascoli Piceno's artistic heritage reveals itself in all its richness through the numerous churches, palaces and museums that dot the historic center. Every religious building houses artworks of inestimable value, testimony to the cultural vitality that has always characterized this city.

The Cathedral of Sant'Emidio

The Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, dedicated to the city's patron saint, represents one of the most important examples of religious architecture in the Marche region. The facade, rebuilt in the 18th century, conceals an interior rich in artworks, among which stands out Carlo Crivelli's polyptych, one of the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance painting. The crypt houses the relics of Saint Emidio, destination of pilgrimages from all over Europe.

San Vincenzo e Anastasio

The church of San Vincenzo e Anastasio is considered a jewel of Romanesque architecture. Its facade, decorated with a central rose window and sculpted portals, represents one of the purest examples of Romanesque style in the Marche region. The interior, with three naves, preserves medieval frescoes of great artistic value.

Civic Art Gallery

For art lovers, the Civic Art Gallery represents a mandatory stop. Housed in the Palazzo dell'Arengo, the collection includes works by local and national artists, with particular attention to the Marche painting school of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Culinary Traditions: The Art of Taste

Speaking of Ascoli Piceno inevitably means speaking of its stuffed olives, perhaps the most famous Marche gastronomic product in the world. These delicious stuffed, breaded and fried olives represent much more than a simple appetizer: they are the symbol of a culinary tradition that has its roots in the city's history.

The original recipe for Ascoli stuffed olives, jealously guarded by Ascoli families, includes a filling of mixed meats (veal, pork and chicken) finely chopped and flavored with spices and Parmesan cheese. The result is a bite that encapsulates all the flavors of Marche tradition.

Other Typical Dishes

But Ascoli cuisine offers much more than the famous olives. Vincisgrassi, typical Marche lasagna prepared with chicken and giblet ragù, represents a first course with a long tradition. Maccheroncini di Campofilone, ultra-thin egg pasta, pairs perfectly with Adriatic fish sauces.

Among desserts, Christmas frustingo, prepared with dried fruit and honey, and Easter ciambella represent the excellences of local pastry, often accompanied by a glass of Rosso Piceno, DOC wine produced in the surrounding hills.

Events and Festivals: The City in Celebration

Ascoli Piceno intensely lives its traditions through events and festivals that throughout the year animate the historic center streets. Among these, the Quintana stands out, a knightly tournament held on the first weekend of August, when the city transforms into a medieval stage.

During the Quintana, the six city districts compete in a ring joust, preceded by a historical procession involving hundreds of participants in period costumes. The event, which attracts thousands of visitors, represents a moment of great social cohesion and civic pride.

Other noteworthy events are the Adriatic Mediterranean Festival, an international-level musical festival, and Ascoliva Festival, a festival entirely dedicated to stuffed olives and local typical products.

Exploring the Surroundings: Nature and Villages

The strategic position of Ascoli Piceno, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains and a short distance from the Adriatic coast, makes it the ideal starting point for excursions in the unspoiled nature of southern Marche. The Sibillini Mountains National Park offers hiking trails for all levels, from the simplest to the most challenging, all characterized by breathtaking panoramas and unique flora and fauna.

Around the city also rise medieval villages of great charm like Offida, famous for its bobbin lace, and Ripatransone, known as the "Balcony of Piceno" for its panoramas over the Tronto valley and the Adriatic.

For sea lovers, the beaches of San Benedetto del Tronto are just 25 kilometers away, offering the possibility to combine culture and seaside relaxation in a single vacation.

"Ascoli Piceno is a city that knows how to surprise at every corner. Every stone of its travertine tells a story, every tower reveals a secret, every square invites contemplation. It's a place where time seems to have stopped, allowing visitors to savor the true essence of Italian art and culture."

Visiting Ascoli Piceno means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, where artistic beauty blends with Marche hospitality and culinary traditions create an unforgettable experience. The city of a hundred towers awaits you to reveal its hidden treasures and give you emotions that will remain forever in your heart. Plan your trip to this pearl of the Marche region and let yourself be conquered by its timeless charm.