Ascoli Piceno
⭐ Ranked #88 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 25 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The city of Ascoli Piceno is the capital city of the Province of Ascoli Piceno with a population of 48,169 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 154 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 160 km² and lies 123 kilometres south of Ancona, the regional capital of Marche. The main attraction of Ascoli-Piceno is Piazza del Popolo: a Renaissance square which regularly features in lists of finest piazzas in Italy. Piazza Arringo, 3 minutes' walk away, could justifiably find itself on similar lists had it been in any other city. |
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What People Ask About Ascoli Piceno
What is Ascoli Piceno known for?
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Sightseeing Ascoli Piceno: Piazza del Popolo
The areas between and around the two squares mentioned above mark the centre of the city and this is where you'll find the best places to eat, drink and shop. Piazza del Popolo is blessed with a series of bars, restaurants and shops under porticoes, while its most prominent building is called Palazzo dei Capitani.
Originally built in the 12th century, the palace somehow survived in 1535 when a rebellion broke out in the city and the main protagonist holed himself up inside the building. The solution was to "smoke him out", which of course led to most of the building's interior being gutted. Thankfully, enough of it survived to allow a successful refurbish; the rebel wasn't quite so lucky however.
The areas between and around the two squares mentioned above mark the centre of the city and this is where you'll find the best places to eat, drink and shop. Piazza del Popolo is blessed with a series of bars, restaurants and shops under porticoes, while its most prominent building is called Palazzo dei Capitani.
Originally built in the 12th century, the palace somehow survived in 1535 when a rebellion broke out in the city and the main protagonist holed himself up inside the building. The solution was to "smoke him out", which of course led to most of the building's interior being gutted. Thankfully, enough of it survived to allow a successful refurbish; the rebel wasn't quite so lucky however.
Piazza Arringo
Ascoli's cathedral can be found on the other square mentioned above; Piazza Arringo. The Baroque cathedral is flanked by a baptistery and the square is also home to two museums: the Museo Archeologico and the Pinacoteca Civica housing Renaissance art. Two further museums of interest in the city are the Galleria d'Arte Contemporanea (Modern Art Gallery), and the Museo dell'Arte Ceramica.
The Duomo (cathedral), is of course the main religious building in the city but two further churches are of great interest: Chiesa di San Francesco on Piazza del Popolo and Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasia on Piazza Basso.
Olive Ascolane
It's impossible to talk about Ascoli Piceno without mentioning its olives. The recipe known as Olive Ascolane is famous throughout Italy where you can buy them as a snack from street-vendors. The olives are stuffed with meat and fried in breadcrumbs, making a delicious and moreish appetiser.
Ascoli's cathedral can be found on the other square mentioned above; Piazza Arringo. The Baroque cathedral is flanked by a baptistery and the square is also home to two museums: the Museo Archeologico and the Pinacoteca Civica housing Renaissance art. Two further museums of interest in the city are the Galleria d'Arte Contemporanea (Modern Art Gallery), and the Museo dell'Arte Ceramica.
The Duomo (cathedral), is of course the main religious building in the city but two further churches are of great interest: Chiesa di San Francesco on Piazza del Popolo and Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasia on Piazza Basso.
Olive Ascolane
It's impossible to talk about Ascoli Piceno without mentioning its olives. The recipe known as Olive Ascolane is famous throughout Italy where you can buy them as a snack from street-vendors. The olives are stuffed with meat and fried in breadcrumbs, making a delicious and moreish appetiser.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Ascoli Piceno
- Piazza del Popolo is the architectural showpiece of Ascoli Piceno, a wide Renaissance square paved in travertine and surrounded by historic buildings. It is flanked by elegant arcades and features the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, a medieval palace with later additions. The square is a focal point for local life, especially in the evenings.
- Church of San Francesco, adjacent to Piazza del Popolo, is a large Gothic church built between the 13th and 16th centuries. It has an intricately carved main portal and a distinctive travertine façade. Attached is the Loggia dei Mercanti, a Renaissance addition once used by merchants and traders.
- Piazza Arringo, the city’s oldest square, is home to Ascoli Piceno Cathedral and the Palazzo dell’Arengo, which contains the city’s art gallery. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Emidio, the city’s patron, and includes a crypt with early Christian origins. The adjacent fountain features bronze sea creatures and is a popular meeting spot.
- Walking the medieval lanes and Roman remains reveals layers of Ascoli’s past, including the Porta Gemina, Roman bridge of Solestà, and surviving stretches of Roman wall. The streets of the old town retain a unified appearance thanks to the widespread use of travertine stone in both ancient and Renaissance architecture.
- Excursions into the Monti Sibillini or Monti della Laga offer access to natural parks, mountain villages and hiking routes. The Gola dell’Infernaccio and Lago di Pilato are popular for walking and wildlife spotting, while nearby towns like Offida are known for lace-making and traditional Marche cuisine.
Ascoli Piceno Tours and Activities
Comune di Ascoli Piceno
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Province: Ascoli Piceno
Region: Marche Population: 45,483 (in 2024 - source) Total size: 160 km² Elevation: 154 metres Top sights: Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Arringo Close by: Offida, Acquaviva Picena, San Benedetto del Tronto |
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Ascoli Piceno
- Hotel & Residenza 100 Torri Located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, this elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the historic centre, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Marche cuisine. Guests appreciate the central location, excellent service, and the proximity to Ascoli’s main attractions, including the Piazza del Popolo and the Ascoli Piceno Cathedral. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Palazzo Guiderocchi Set in a historic building near the town centre, this charming bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Ascoli Piceno’s historical sites, including the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo and the Forte Malatesta. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Pennile Situated just outside the historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the surrounding hills, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the friendly service, relaxing atmosphere, and the short drive to Ascoli Piceno’s cultural landmarks, including the Piazza Arringo and the Museo Archeologico. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo Casale delle Rose Located a short drive from Ascoli Piceno, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with scenic views of the surrounding countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the rural setting, the authentic Marche experience, and the short drive to both Ascoli’s attractions and nearby nature reserves. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Le Case di Luce Set in a peaceful location near Ascoli Piceno, this bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with scenic views of the hills, a relaxing garden, and a delicious homemade breakfast. Guests enjoy the warm hospitality from the hosts, the quiet environment, and the easy access to Ascoli Piceno’s historical sites and surrounding hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Ascoli Piceno
- Osteria I Porci Comodi: Located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, Osteria I Porci Comodi offers a traditional dining experience with a focus on local, hearty cuisine. Known for its delicious olive ascolane (fried stuffed olives), and a variety of pasta and meat dishes, the restaurant combines authentic flavours with a charming, rustic atmosphere. The friendly service and laid-back setting make it a great choice for enjoying traditional regional dishes. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Caffè Meletti: Situated in a historic building in the centre of Ascoli Piceno, Ristorante Caffè Meletti combines classic Italian cuisine with an elegant atmosphere. The menu features local specialities such as brodetto (fish stew), risotto with mushrooms, and roasted meats. The grand, stylish interior and impeccable service make it ideal for a refined dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria degli Amici: Trattoria degli Amici offers a cosy and family-friendly atmosphere, serving traditional regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes options like pasta alla carbonara, grilled meats, and the famous stuffed olives. With its warm, welcoming environment and emphasis on local flavours, it’s perfect for a casual, authentic meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Ristorante Il Piceno: Known for its sophisticated take on local and Italian cuisine, Ristorante Il Piceno offers a refined dining experience with a menu that includes dishes such as risotto with truffle, braised meats, and fresh seafood. The elegant decor and high-quality ingredients make it a great choice for those seeking an elevated meal in the heart of Ascoli Piceno. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Al 128: Located just outside the city centre, Ristorante Al 128 offers a more contemporary twist on traditional Ascolani dishes. The menu features creative dishes such as handmade pasta with seasonal vegetables, grilled meats, and a variety of desserts. The modern interior, coupled with friendly service, creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying innovative takes on local cuisine. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Ascoli Piceno Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Ascoli Piceno
- San Benedetto del Tronto (approx. 40 km southeast of Ascoli Piceno): A popular coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, San Benedetto del Tronto is known for its long sandy beaches and vibrant promenade. The town is famous for its seafood, particularly the local delicacy, "brodetto" (fish stew), and offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and seaside attractions. Visitors can also enjoy the Museo del Mare, which showcases the region’s maritime heritage.
- Offida (approx. 20 km south of Ascoli Piceno): A charming hilltop town, Offida is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, perched on a hill with stunning views. The town is famous for its traditional lace-making craft, and visitors can explore the Museo del Merletto to learn about this centuries-old art form. Offida’s narrow streets and historic buildings create a lovely setting for a peaceful stroll.
- Castorano (approx. 10 km northeast of Ascoli Piceno): A small town surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, Castorano offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the Marche region. The town is known for its medieval heritage, and visitors can explore the Church of San Lorenzo and the surrounding countryside, which is perfect for hiking and wine-tasting tours.
- Civitanova Marche (approx. 75 km northwest of Ascoli Piceno): A bustling coastal town on the Adriatic, Civitanova Marche is known for its wide sandy beaches and lively seafront. The town offers a mix of modern shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The Piazza XX Settembre and the Church of San Marone are key attractions, and the town is a great base for exploring the nearby Conero Regional Park.
- Fermo (approx. 30 km northwest of Ascoli Piceno): A town with a rich history, Fermo is famous for its medieval architecture, including the Fermo Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. The town is located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Fermo is also known for its beautiful piazzas, including Piazza del Popolo, and its connection to ancient Roman history, with the Museo Archeologico hosting many local artefacts.
Marche Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno Stazione, the city's train station, is situated 1.3 kilometres from Piazza del Popolo, a walk of around 15 minutes. From here you can take trains to San Benedetto del Tronto, a popular seaside town, a journey of 41 minutes. Ascoli's city centre is small enough that you can reach all the main sights on foot but there are local buses available to visit the surrounding towns.
Driving in Ascoli can be tricky at times with narrow streets being a prominent feature. Some of the city centre hotels do offer on-site car parks but you do need to take care to avoid infringing the ZTL (Zona di Traffico Limitato), the areas of the city where driving is restricted at certain times of the day. If you've booked a hotel with parking it's worth speaking to them to get a good understanding of what's required to reach their car park in order to avoid any scrapes, either with the law or with the sides of your car.
At least two airports are within striking of Ascoli Piceno; the closest geographically is Pescara Airport in Abruzzo, an hour and ten minutes (96 km) south of Ascoli. Alternatively, you can use Marche Airport which is situated 130 kilometres north, close to Ancona, just a further 10 minutes drive away compared to Pescara.
Driving in Ascoli can be tricky at times with narrow streets being a prominent feature. Some of the city centre hotels do offer on-site car parks but you do need to take care to avoid infringing the ZTL (Zona di Traffico Limitato), the areas of the city where driving is restricted at certain times of the day. If you've booked a hotel with parking it's worth speaking to them to get a good understanding of what's required to reach their car park in order to avoid any scrapes, either with the law or with the sides of your car.
At least two airports are within striking of Ascoli Piceno; the closest geographically is Pescara Airport in Abruzzo, an hour and ten minutes (96 km) south of Ascoli. Alternatively, you can use Marche Airport which is situated 130 kilometres north, close to Ancona, just a further 10 minutes drive away compared to Pescara.
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Fly to: Pescara Abruzzo Airport - 1 hour 12 mins by car (96 km)
By train: San Benedetto del Tronto - 41 mins, Ancona - 1 hour 45' |
