ASCOLI PICENO | MARCHES

Discover Ascoli Piceno

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Ascoli Piceno contains Roman ruins and medieval monuments of great importance from an artistic standpoint. Ascoli Piceno can be discovered on foot, stopping in the historical centre of the city to admire Piazza del Popolo with its beautiful crenellated Renaissance palaces, the Palazzo del Popolo itself and the Gothic church of S. Francesco. Further on is Piazza Arringo where the Cathedral and Town Hall are located. One delicacy known since Roman times are olives all'ascolana.

Not to be missed in the province of Ascoli is Acquaviva Picena. Due to its strategic position between the rival cities of Ascoli and Fermo, it became Fermo’s defensive bulwark at the end of the fifteenth century. The fortress belongs to this period, designed by the famous Florentine architect Baccio Pontelli.
The whole village of Acquaviva Picena is worth visiting, paying special attention to the church of S. Nicolò, the Rossi Panelli house with its Art Nouveau style decorations, the Clock Tower, the churches of S. Francesco and S. Rocco, and the Town Hall.
On Wednesdays in July and August you can browse and buy various things at the craft market, including the famous pajarole baskets and containers made from woven straw.
The village of Grottammare lies among orange groves, pine forests and palms. The old part is on the hillside and the new part by the sea. En route to the oldest central part of Grottammare is Villa Azzolino, the former property of Cardinal Decio Azzolino, the Church of S. Augustine and the Torrione della Battaglia. In the centre itself, the Clock Tower and the churches of S. Giovanni Battista and S. Lucia can be admired. On descending from the ancient village to the new, you can take a walk along the promenade. In Via Colombo are buildings in floral style, such as the Matricardi-Cola palace.

Offida has been famous for its wines, bobbin lace and carnival festivities since ancient times The piazzas in Offida are worth visiting for the renowned beauty of their fountains: particularly important is the Goddess Flora fountain.
The Suffragio church contains a unique wooden sculpture from the seventeenth century depicting a skeleton.
A special feature of the Piceno area are the so-called calanchi: deep, narrow gullies formed by the effects of rain on the clay soil. Their unusual appearance creates beautiful contrasts with the colours of the surrounding countryside. The Offida area is ideal for excursions and tours on foot or by mountain bike.