Spinetoli
Ascoli Piceno: the city of a hundred towers
Ascoli Piceno is an Italian municipality with a population of 45,688 located in the homonymous province in the Marche region. The historical center of the city, built in travertine, is one of the most monumental in Italy. The Renaissance Piazza del Popolo, located in the center of the city, is one of the main attractions. During the medieval period, the city was characterized by the presence of around 200 towers, whose construction began immediately after the year 1000. However, several towers still remain today, and that is why Ascoli Piceno is also known as the "City of a hundred towers."
In this article, we will discover the physical geography of Ascoli Piceno with its rivers and streams, mountains and climate. We will also talk about the city's most famous culinary specialty: Olive Ascolane.
Physical geography
Ascoli Piceno is located in the southern part of the Marche region and is 28 km away from the Adriatic Sea. The urban center is located at an altitude of 154 meters above sea level, in the confluence area between the Tronto river and the Castellano stream, surrounded on three sides by mountains, among which are Monte Ascensione, the San Marco hill and the mountain of flowers. The territory of Ascoli Piceno is situated in the Valle del Tronto. To the north, it borders with the municipalities of Venarotta, Rotella and Castignano, to the east with Appignano del Tronto, Castel di Lama, Castorano and Colli del Tronto, to the south with Folignano, Maltignano and with the Abruzzi municipalities of Ancarano, Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata, Civitella del Tronto, and Valle Castellana, to the west with Acquasanta Terme and Roccafluvione.
The territory of Ascoli Piceno is also surrounded by two protected natural areas: the Gran Sasso National Park to the south and the Monti Sibillini National Park to the northwest. In the Italian seismic classification of civil protection, it is identified as "Zone 2", that is a medium seismicity area, while in the climatic classification of Italian municipalities, it is marked as "Zone D."
In addition, Ascoli Piceno has an exclave (Piana della Forcella, 0.5 square km) included between the municipality of Acquasanta Terme, that of Roccafluvione and an exclave of the latter (Forcella).
Rivers and streams
Ascoli Piceno is located near several natural sources, including the Tronto river and the Castellano stream. In the municipal territory, there are also other small watercourses, such as the Chiaro stream.
Mountains
Ascoli Piceno is surrounded by spectacular mountains, including Monte Ascensione, Montagna dei Fiori, and Collina del Sacro Cuore. The latter stands out in the northern panorama of the city and dominates the Campo Parignano neighborhood. On the hill's area, located along Via Monte Ascensione, there are also fourteen travertine sculptural works, created by the artist Antonio Mancini, dedicated to the passion of Christ and depicting the themes of the Stations of the Cross.
Climate
Ascoli Piceno has a sub-Apennine climate, being located near important mountain chains. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are often cold and humid. The average temperature in summer is 26°C, but it can reach 30°C on the hottest days. In winter, the average temperature is around 6°C.
Olive Ascolane
But Ascoli Piceno is also known for its culinary specialty: Olive Ascolane. These are green, large, and fleshy olives that undergo a long processing before being fried. The preparation of Olive Ascolane is long and complex. The olives are first pitted, then filled with a veal meat filling and wrapped in breadcrumbs. Finally, they are fried in vegetable oil until crispy.
Olive Ascolane are so famous and considered exquisite that real festivals dedicated to this dish have been established throughout Italy. One of the most famous takes place every year in Ascoli Piceno, during the Feast of Saint Joseph, on March 19. On this occasion, the streets of the historical center come alive with stalls, and each restaurateur seeks to offer their version of Olive Ascolane.
Conclusion
Ascoli Piceno is a fascinating city that offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and culture of the Marche region. The historic center, with its monumental architecture and a hundred towers, is a real gem. Also, the city is surrounded by spectacular mountains and offers the possibility of various nature hikes. Finally, Olive Ascolane is a gastronomic delight that will make your stay in this city even more unforgettable.
