Holiday apartment in Ascoli Piceno: history, gastronomy and city views

Holiday apartment in Ascoli Piceno between culture and urban history

A striking starting point is Piazza del Popolo. The square acquired its regular present-day appearance in the early years of the 16th century through a Renaissance colonnade with differently designed arches. The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo reveals another layer of urban development: it was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by merging three small buildings.

The Chiostro Maggiore di San Francesco adds a Gothic portico from the 14th century to this tour. Twenty round-arched arcades, Corinthian columns and an octagonal Gothic fountain define its architectural details. At the Museo Archeologico Statale, the historical span extends from prehistory through the Picenian culture to the Roman era.

The Forte Malatesta is also one of the city’s notable cultural sites. The Renaissance fortress bears the design or signature of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and was permanently reopened in November 2010. The Museo dell’Alto Medioevo in the fort displays Lombard grave goods from the necropolis of Castel Trosino, including the intact graves of a woman and a horseman.

Roman traces, walking tours and panoramic views

The Teatro Romano di Ascoli Piceno dates from the 1st century BC and preserves remains of the cavea and orchestra. At the Area Archeologica del Palazzo dei Capitani, you can see excavated remains on a suspended walkway with information panels and finds from the site. This makes it possible to explore the city’s history across different locations and formats.

A tour through Ascoli Piceno passes historic squares with travertine, Romanesque church façades, Renaissance architecture and museums. For another view over the city, Annunziata Park is located on the summit of the ancient Pelasgian Hill. It offers a panoramic view over the city and preserves the Fortezza Pia as well as Roman caves. These differences can help you consider the desired focus between urban history, architecture and views when choosing your accommodation.

Local specialities and established traditions

Ravioli incaciati originate from Ascoli Piceno and are traditionally prepared for Carnival. Another speciality is Anisetta Meletti: the anise liqueur is distilled from anise seeds and aromatic spices according to an original recipe from 1870; the tradition is preserved by the Meletti family.

In July and August, the Quintana di Ascoli Piceno includes a historic parade and a jousting tournament. Alongside its buildings, the city therefore offers a well-established cultural highlight for planning a trip. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether your stay should be shaped more by museums and architecture, walks, culinary discoveries or the event period.

Practical information for your stay

The Museo Archeologico Statale is located in a restricted-traffic zone. For orientation around the museum, Piazza della Viola and Porta Torricella are designated as the nearest paid car parks. The Musei della Cartiera Papale are housed in a medieval complex with mills and a paper mill powered by the water of the Castellano River. The Musei della Cartiera Papale are currently closed to visitors due to adaptation work.

More destinations for your planning

For further orientation, you can also explore Appignano del Tronto, Monteprandone, San Silvestro, Roccafluvione, Campolungo, Monsampolo Del Tronto, Venarotta and Lisciano.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.