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The City of One Hundred Towers and Ascolane Olives
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Ascoli Piceno, a wonderful Italian city known as the "City of One Hundred Towers". It is located in the southern part of the Marche region and has a population of about 45,688 inhabitants.
The historic center of Ascoli Piceno is one of the most monumental in Italy and, almost entirely built in travertine, is characterized by the presence of several gentilitial and bell towers. In the Middle Ages, the city boasted about two hundred towers, of which Federico II of Swabia destroyed ninety-one in 1242. However, their reduction continued in the successive centuries. Today, the city still preserves numerous examples of towers and bell towers, and this is why it is called the "City of One Hundred Towers".
But it's not just its architecture that makes it famous. Ascoli Piceno is also known for its Ascolane olives, a gastronomic specialty born right here. These giant olives are stuffed with a filling of meat, cheese and various aromas, then breaded and fried. They are known throughout Italy and are considered a delicacy.
Physical Geography
Ascoli Piceno is located in the southern part of the Marche region, 28 km from the Adriatic Sea. The urban center is located at an altitude of 154 meters above sea level, on a confluence area between the Tronto river and the Castellano stream. The city is surrounded on three sides by mountains, including Mount Ascension, San Marco Hill, and Montagna dei Fiori. Its territory is surrounded by two protected natural areas: the Gran Sasso National Park to the south and the Monti Sibillini National Park to the northwest.
Rivers and streams, mountains, and the hill of the Sacred Heart
Near Ascoli Piceno, there are the Tronto and Castellano rivers, as well as the Chiaro stream. The city is also surrounded by mountains, including Mount Ascension and Montagna dei Fiori. Furthermore, a hill stands out in the panorama of the northern area of the city, the hill of the Sacred Heart. Here is a monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and fourteen travertine sculptural works representing the Via Crucis, created by the artist Antonio Mancini.
Climate
The climate of Ascoli is sub-Appenine type since it is close to important mountain chains. However, its geographical location favors a mild and temperate climate, with winters not too cold and breezy summers.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in the Marche region, you cannot miss Ascoli Piceno. You will discover a city rich in history and traditions, with one of the most monumental historic centers in Italy. You can't even miss the Ascolane olives, a gourmet delicacy that will surely leave its mark.
