Colli del Tronto
Ascoli Piceno: the city of a hundred towers
If you're looking for a city with a monumental historic center, Ascoli Piceno may be the right destination for you. With its approximately 45,000 inhabitants, the capital of the province of Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region is known as the "City of a hundred towers". In this article, we'll tell you a little more about its history and natural beauty.
Physical geography
Ascoli Piceno is located in the southern part of the Marche region, about 28 km from the Adriatic Sea. The urban center stands at an altitude of 154 meters above sea level, in the confluence area between the Tronto river and the Castellano stream. The territory of Ascoli Piceno is surrounded by two protected natural areas: the Gran Sasso National Park to the south and the Monti Sibillini National Park to the northwest.
The territory of Ascoli Piceno is located in the Tronto Valley and borders the municipalities of Venarotta, Rotella, Castignano, Appignano del Tronto, Castel di Lama, Castorano, Colli del Tronto, Folignano, Maltignano, Ancarano, Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata, Civitella del Tronto, Valle Castellana, Acquasanta Terme, and Roccafluvione.
The history of the city
The historic center of Ascoli Piceno, almost entirely built in travertine, is among the most monumental in Italy. In the Middle Ages, the city had about two hundred towers, whose construction began soon after the year one thousand. According to tradition, Frederick II of Swabia destroyed ninety-one of them in 1242, and their reduction continued in the following centuries. Despite this, the city still preserves several examples of gentilitial and bell towers. It is thanks to this historical heritage that Ascoli Piceno is known as the "City of a hundred towers".
Ascolane Olives
The city is also famous for its Ascolane Olives, a gastronomic specialty born in Ascoli Piceno. The olives are pitted and stuffed with a meat and cheese paste, then breaded and fried. Their shape is roundish, and their taste resembles that of fried food. Ascolane Olives have become very popular both in Italy and abroad.
Rivers and streams
Near the Papal Paper Mill, you can admire the beauty of the Tronto river. Close to the historic center, instead, there is the Ponte Maggiore, which offers a panoramic view of the Castellano stream. Among the other watercourses present in the territory of Ascoli Piceno, we find the Chiaro stream.
The mountains
Ascoli Piceno is surrounded by mountains, including Monte Ascensione, Montagna dei Fiori, and Collina del Sacro Cuore. The latter stands out in the panorama of the northern area of the city and is dominated by the monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the area of the hill, located along the Monte Ascensione road, there are also fourteen travertine sculpted works, made by the artist Antonio Mancini, dedicated to the passion of Christ and depicting the themes of the Stations of the Cross.
The climate
Ascoli Piceno has a sub-Apennine climate thanks to its proximity to important mountain ranges. Thanks to this climate, the city is known for the production of high-quality wines such as Rosso Piceno and Falerio dei Colli Ascolani.
In conclusion, Ascoli Piceno is a city full of natural beauty and history, which fascinates visitors with its monumental historic center and culinary delights. It could be the perfect destination for those seeking a vacation among sea and mountains, culture, and gastronomy.
