Things to Do in Ascoli Piceno in the Marche Region
We were spending two weeks in Fermo and wanted to explore more of the Marche region. That’s how we headed to Ascoli Piceno.
The town is in the middle of a valley where two small rivers meet. We couldn’t believe it, there were almost no tourists in sight. We felt like we were the only foreigners in town! We decided to stay and spend a couple of nights.
Like everywhere in our beloved Italy, everything in Ascoli Piceno is stunning: charming streets and squares, gorgeous historical architecture, ancient ruins, and fantastic views galore. Though not big, there are plenty of things to do in this fabulous city.
Visit the Cathedral
If you arrive by train, you’ll enter Ascoli Piceno’s Old Town via Ponte Maggiore. Look to your left, and you’ll see the medieval Forte Malatesta and the ancient Ponte di Cecco.
Continue straight, and you’ll soon reach the imposing Piazza Arringo. The Ascoli Piceno Cathedral (Duomo di Sant’Emidio) is the city’s most important church.
The current building dates mostly from the 16th century, though excavations revealed parts dating back to the 5th century AD. Spend some time inside, and don’t forget to visit the crypt and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
Learn History in a Museum
Apart from the Cathedral, three impressive museums dominate Piazza Arringo. The Diocesan Museum, next to the cathedral, showcases the artistic heritage of the Ascoli Piceno diocese.
Next door, the Palazzo dell’Arengo houses the Civic Art Gallery (Pinacoteca Civica). Step inside to explore a fine municipal collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and musical instruments.
Across the street, the Government Archaeological Museum is the 16th-century Palazzo Panichi. Its exhibits include artifacts from the ancient Italic Picentes people and the Roman Empire.
Spend Time on Piazza de Popolo
A couple of minutes walking northwest of Piazza Arringo, you’ll find the magnificent Piazza del Popolo. With its impressive Renaissance appearance, it’s often called il salotto d’Italia (the living room of Italy).
The square takes its name from the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, built in the late 13th century as the meeting place of the municipal council. Parts of the building are open to visitors.
Take your time to photograph the square. From the north, you’ll see the lush Montagna dei Fiori, and from the south, the Church of San Francesco.
Have Coffee in a Historic Café
Before continuing your tour of the Old Town, take a well-deserved break. There’s no better place for that than the historic Caffè Meletti.
Opened in 1907, it’s the oldest café in the city. You’ll find it next to the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, in a building that used to be the post office.
Admire its Art Nouveau interior and order a coffee and a piece of cake. If you don’t mind something stronger, try the local specialty Anisetta con la mosca, an anise-based liqueur served with a coffee bean. We ordered everything and ate like kings!
Visit the San Francesco Church
The Basilica di San Francesco is another important church. Built in the 14th century, it’s a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture.
The Loggia dei Mercanti (Merchant’s Lodge) on its southern side is Ascoli Piceno’s most famous arcade. It’s a 16th-century structure perfect for sheltering from the sun or rain.
Don’t forget to visit the Chiostro Maggiore (Main Cloister), which sometimes hosts the local herb market.
Get Lost in the Streets of San Giacomo
San Giacomo is the city’s most authentic neighborhood. Its north of Corso Giuseppe Mazzini and west of Corso Trento e Trieste. Some of the city’ most impressive historic churches and palaces are here.
Start your walk at San Francesco Church and head north towards Piazza Ventidio Basso, where you’ll find the churches of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio and San Pietro Martire. The former houses a fascinating 6th-century crypt.
Then walk south to Piazza Sant’Agostino. Here you’ll find Palazzo Merli with its 12th-century twin towers, and the Church of Sant’Agostino.
Explore the Roman Ruins
After visiting the churches, walk west along Corso Giuseppe Mazzini until you reach Porta Gemina, dating from the 1st century BC.
Next to the gate, you’ll see remnants of city walls from Roman and pre-Roman times. They extend up the hill to Fortezza Pia. It’s a lovely walk uphill if you have the time.
Don’t miss the nearby Teatro Romano. Built in the 1st century BC, the ancient theater was abandoned for centuries but is occasionally used today for open-air performances.
Enjoy the Views
Two rivers, the Tronto and the Castellano, surround Ascoli Piceno’s Old Town, and you can enjoy scenic walks along their banks. Nights along both rivers are magical.
From Porta Gemina, take Corso di Sotto and turn left onto the narrow Via delle Stelle. After a short walk, the street curves right and runs parallel to the river. Follow it to reach the Roman Ponte di Solestà and its gate.
Cross the bridge and continue to the Cristo Redentore statue (by Antonio Mancini). On the way back, visit the Baroque Tempietto di Sant’Emidio alle Grotte.
Taste the Famous Local Olives
You can’t leave Ascoli Piceno without trying its famous olives, Olive all’Ascolana, which have conquered the world with their unique flavor.
They are traditionally made by hand: first pitted, then stuffed with a mix of pork, beef, chicken, or sometimes fish, coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.
We tried ours at a temporary stand on Piazza Arringo and loved them. If you have time, visit Botega dell’Oliva Ascolana near the Solestà Bridge. They make the best ones in town.
Go on a Day Trip
If you have extra time, consider a day trip. The region offers plenty of options, from historic towns to mountains and beaches.
We highly recommend Fermo for its medieval charm and fascinating sites. Nearby Porto San Giorgio is one of the nicest beach resorts in the region.
Offida and Civitella del Tronto are two other beautiful towns worth visiting. For hikes through nature, head to the nearby Sibillini Mountains National Park. If you’re short on time, a hike to Eremo di San Marco is a pleasant option.
Where to Stay in Ascoli Piceno
In Ascoli Piceno, stay in or near the Old Town.
Palazzo Dei Mercanti – Dimora & Spa
We love historic architecture, so we stayed in this hotel, inside a medieval convent just a block from Piazza del Popolo. The property has classically designed rooms, a spa, and an excellent restaurant.
Palazzo Guiderocchi
Just a short walk from Piazza del Popolo, this 16th-century palace retains its original charm. The suites are spacious and beautifully furnished.
Antico Borgo Piceno
This lovely 13th-century convent overlooks the river, just outside the Old Town, near Solestà Bridge. It features a sun terrace, garden, and open-air jacuzzi. All rooms have kitchens, and those on the upper floors boast fantastic views.
