Ascoli Satriano
A lovely town among the hills
Ascoli Satriano is a picturesque town of just under 6,000 inhabitants located in the beautiful province of Foggia, in Puglia. The territory is characterized by a hill formed by three hills of the Subappennino dauno, which dominate the Carapelle valley. The atmosphere is that of an authentic, quiet town full of life and activity, supported by a warm and welcoming population that makes Ascoli Satriano a perfect destination for spending quality time.
Lush nature and favorable climate
The surrounding area of the town is characterized by clayey terrain, thanks to which the slopes of the hills have been reforested with evergreen trees, a unique feature of the Puglia landscape. The climate of the area is Mediterranean continental, with mild temperatures during the intermediate seasons. During the summer, temperatures can easily exceed 35-40°C, while in winter temperatures can drop below zero, with occasional snowfall. Rainfall is moderate, with the highest concentration in October and November.
The roots of Ascoli Satriano
The name of the town has ancient roots: it was known in Roman times as "Ausculum" or "Asculum," often with the addition of the epithet "Apulum" (referring to the ancient "Apulia") to avoid confusion with the current Ascoli Piceno. In Medieval Latin it became known as "Asculum Satrianum." Despite various theories about its etymology, the origins of the name remain uncertain.
A millenary history
Ascoli Satriano has a rich and ancient history. The city was founded by the inhabitants of the Dauni, populations of Indo-European origin who arrived by sea from the Illyrian shores in the 11th century BC. From the ancient Romans it was called "Ausculum Apulum." In 279 BC occurred the battle between the Romans and Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, which was called the "Pyrrhic victory" because of the number of casualties it cost the Epirot army. Ascoli Satriano became definitively part of the Roman influence without ever losing the right to mint coins in its name.
During the Second Punic War, the city held firm alliance with Rome against Hannibal. During the Social War, Lucius Cornelius Sulla founded a military colony assigning it to the veterans of the Legio Firma in a strategic position for the control of the territory.
Cultural beauty
The historic center of Ascoli Satriano has been declared of national interest thanks to the presence of numerous monuments and works of art, including the church of San Francesco d'Assisi, which dates back to the 18th century and is adjacent to the convent of the Minor Friars. Also worth a visit are the cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta, the Ducal Palace (14th century). The town is also famous for its towers: the clock tower and the tower of the Satriano, which stands alone on the hill of the town.
Food and Wine
Ascoli Satriano also stands out for its excellent traditional cuisine. Not to be missed is the famous Ascolan lamb, buttermilk, ricotta, and the red wine "Il Mirabile" produced with locally grown grapes. In the numerous oil mills present in the area, it is possible to purchase the precious olive oil of the area.
In conclusion, Ascoli Satriano is a city with a millenary history, a lush landscape, and a warm welcome from its inhabitants, a visit that is worth making if you want to discover the authentic Area of Foggia.
