Venarotta

Discovering Ascoli Piceno

Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a beautiful city in the Marche region, Ascoli Piceno. With its 45,688 inhabitants, it is the capital of its province and boasts a monumental historic center built in travertine. One of the most fascinating places is certainly Piazza del Popolo, which dates back to the Renaissance and will leave you breathless.

The City of a Hundred Towers

During the Middle Ages, Ascoli Piceno was characterized by the presence of about two hundred towers, which were reduced today due to demolitions and various interventions. Tradition has it that Federico II of Swabia destroyed ninety-one towers in 1242. Despite this, the city still preserves several examples of gentilitial and bell towers, so much so that it is known as the "City of a Hundred Towers". A spectacular sight that you cannot miss if you are in the area.

Discover Ascoli Piceno: City of One Hundred Towers and Ascolane Olives.

Olive Ascolane, the gastronomic specialty

Ascoli Piceno is also famous for a particular dish: Olive Ascolane. They are olives stuffed with minced meat and then fried. They are an exquisite appetizer, but they are increasingly being offered as a full meal. If you are in the area, you cannot miss them!

Physical geography

The city is located in the southern part of the Marche region, 28 kilometers from the Adriatic Sea. The urban center is located at an altitude of 154 meters above sea level, in the area where the Tronto River and the Castellano stream meet. Three sides of the city are surrounded by mountains, including Monte Ascension, San Marco hill, and Montagna dei Fiori. The surrounding area of Ascoli Piceno is surrounded by two protected natural areas: the Sibillini Mountains National Park and the Gran Sasso National Park.

Rivers, streams, and mountains

Ascoli Piceno is surrounded by the Castellano and Chiaro streams, as well as the Tronto River. While to the north of the city, there are Monte Ascension, Montagna dei Fiori, Colle del Sacro Cuore, and many other mountains. Colle del Sacro Cuore is a modest relief that dominates the Campo Parignano neighborhood.

Climate

Ascoli Piceno has a sub-Apennine climate that can be influenced by winds coming from the Adriatic Sea. During the summer, the climate can be hot and humid, while during the winter, very low temperatures may occur.

We have come to the end of this brief journey through the beautiful city of Ascoli Piceno. A city rich in history, culture, and culinary traditions that will enchant you. If you are in the area, I strongly recommend that you go and visit it!

Andrea Giordano
Updated Sunday, Aug 14, 2022