Castorano
Discover Ascoli Piceno: history, art, and gastronomy
Hello! I want to talk to you about Ascoli Piceno, a beautiful city in the Marche region, a historic and cultural center of the area. With its 45,688 inhabitants, Ascoli Piceno is an ancient city rich in history and monuments, but also a gastronomic destination thanks to its specialty, the Olive all'Ascolana (Ascoli-style stuffed olives).
Physical geography
Ascoli Piceno is located in the southern part of the Marche region, inland, 28 km from the Adriatic Sea. The city is situated in a valley where the Tronto River and the Castellano stream converge, surrounded by mountains such as Monte Ascensione, Colle San Marco, and Montagna dei Fiori. The city's territory is delimited by two national parks, the Gran Sasso National Park to the south and the Monti Sibillini National Park to the northwest. Ascoli Piceno has also been classified as a medium seismicity zone.
History and monuments
The historic center of Ascoli Piceno is one of the most impressive and monumental in Italy. Built almost entirely in travertine, the city was characterized in medieval times by the presence of about two hundred towers, several of which still remain, such as the gentilizie and campanarie towers. Even today, Ascoli Piceno is known as the city of a hundred towers. Piazza del Popolo, one of the symbols of the city, is an example of Renaissance architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
Olive all'Ascolana
Ascoli Piceno is famous worldwide for its gastronomic specialty, the Olive all'Ascolana. These tender green Ascolana-type olives are stuffed with veal, chicken, ham, cheese, and herbs, then breaded and fried. They are a unique taste experience that you must try. Besides the Olive all'Ascolana, in Ascoli Piceno, you can taste other traditional local dishes such as farro soup, tripe, and rabbit with vinegar.
Rivers and mountains
The territory of Ascoli Piceno is crossed by the Tronto River and the Castellano and Chiaro streams. The city is also surrounded by mountains such as Monte Ascensione, Montagna dei Fiori, and Colle del Sacro Cuore, where there is a monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Moreover, along the road that leads to the top of the hill, you can admire fourteen travertine sculptures dedicated to the passion of Christ.
The climate of Ascoli Piceno
The climate of Ascoli Piceno is sub-Apennine type, with average temperatures around 15 degrees in winter and 25 degrees in summer. Thanks to its location in the territory, the city enjoys a pleasant breeze that makes the climate extremely agreeable.
In conclusion, if you want to discover authentic Italy, I recommend visiting Ascoli Piceno, a city rich in history, monuments, and gastronomic delights. You won't be able to resist falling in love with its unique beauty and the welcoming and friendly people who live in this splendid city.
