Ascoli Piceno Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ascoli Piceno with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, top-rated accommodations, and tips for a perfect vacation experience.


Introduction to Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is a picturesque medieval town in the Marche region of Central Italy, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. It is a hidden gem, often undiscovered by travelers, boasting a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively cultural scene. The town is known for its exquisite marble architecture, local delicacies, and the renowned Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

List of Places to Visit in Ascoli Piceno

Here is a list of some of the top-rated attractions in Ascoli Piceno that will make your visit enjoyable and unforgettable.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo: A magnificent palace built in the 13th century with a beautiful Gothic-style facade that dominates the stunning Piazza del Popolo. It houses the Civic Museum, featuring a vast collection of art and artifacts, including some rare prehistoric relics.

  • Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio: A stunning Romanesque cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno, St. Emidio. Its interior is adorned with precious frescoes, statues, and paintings.

  • Forte Malatesta: A sturdy fortress built in the 15th century atop a hill overlooking the town. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and countryside, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.

Natural Attractions of Ascoli Piceno: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Ascensione: A scenic mountainous area located about five kilometers from the town, it is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The challenging hiking trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Lago di Scandarello: A picturesque lake surrounded by beautiful hills and countryside. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful paddleboat ride or relax in the shade of the trees on the shore. It’s an ideal picnic spot for families with kids.

  • Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini: A vast national park of pristine wilderness that includes breathtaking scenic drives, mountain ranges, and valleys. It’s a haven for nature enthusiasts who love hiking, cycling, and trekking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers, with plenty of scenic trails and routes for outdoor activities. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes for enthusiastic adventurers:

  • Gran Sasso National Park: A vast park, featuring picturesque hiking trails and rugged mountain ranges, including the highest peak in the Apennine Mountains.

  • Sibillini National Park: A vast park featuring scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, including some challenging routes for experienced adventurers.

  • Montagna dei Fiori: A scenic mountain range with fascinating flora and fauna. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, trekking, and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Ascoli Piceno: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours that you can enjoy in Ascoli Piceno. Here are a few of them:

  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour: Discover local wines and gastronomic specialties on a tour through the charming streets of Ascoli Piceno.

  • City Walking Tours: Explore the historical streets and landmarks of Ascoli Piceno with a local guide.

  • Olive Oil Tasting Tour: Learn about the region’s olive oil production and taste different types of olive oil.

  • Cooking classes: Learn how to cook traditional dishes using local ingredients.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ascoli Piceno

To make the most of your trip to Ascoli Piceno, plan your itinerary for a week-long stay. Here is how you can divide your time:

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Day 2: A walking tour of Ascoli Piceno’s stunning landmarks. Day 3: A visit to the Sibillini National Park and hiking trails. Day 4: Take a day trip to nearby coastal towns, such as San Benedetto del Tronto. Day 5: A day of wine tasting and gastronomic tours. Day 6: A trip to explore nearby medieval towns, such as Grottammare and Offida. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Ascoli Piceno

The food and drink scene of Ascoli Piceno is diverse, featuring local flavors and traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Olives Ascolane: A delicious local specialty made with deep-fried stuffed olives and meat.

  • Le Marche-style Brodetto: A hearty fish soup made with locally caught fish and shellfish.

  • Maccheroncini di Campofilone: A flavorful local pasta made with egg and durum wheat flour, served with a meat or seafood sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Rosso Piceno Superiore: A robust red wine made using the Montepulciano grape in the neighboring countryside.

  • Pecorino: A mouth-watering local white wine made using the Trebbiano and Pecorino grapes.

  • Ratafià: A traditional local liqueur made from sour cherry.

Where to Stay in Ascoli Piceno: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ascoli Piceno has plenty of options for accommodation to choose from. Here are some fantastic places for a comfortable stay:

  • Palazzo Guiderocchi: A luxurious hotel in the center of Ascoli Piceno with a charming garden and elegant rooms.

  • B&B La Meridiana: A cozy guesthouse with a stunning view of the town and a beautiful garden.

  • Dimora del Podesta: A stylish apartment-style accommodation located in a 15th-century building in the town center.

What to Buy in Ascoli Piceno: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ascoli Piceno is famous for its local products and handicrafts. Here are some unique souvenirs one can bring home.

  • Traditional Pottery: Ascoli Piceno boasts the country’s oldest workshop of maiolica ceramics.

  • Olive Oil: Another local product worth bringing home is the excellent olive oil produced in the surrounding countryside.

  • Truffles: The areas around Ascoli Piceno are known for its high-quality truffles, with truffle hunting tours during autumn season.

Local Culture and Customs of Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno has a rich cultural heritage and a proud legacy of traditions. The locals love to celebrate their history and values through various events like:

-La Quintana: The famous medieval jousting festival held every year in August.

  • Fiera di San Francesco: A massive annual fair held in October celebrating the town’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi.

Best Time to Visit Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). Visitors can enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the ripe truffles in autumn season.

## Do’s and Don’ts of Ascoli Piceno

Here are some essential tips to make the most of your visit to Ascoli Piceno.

Do:

  • Respect local traditions and customs, especially in religious sites.
  • Try the local specialties and flavors.
  • Greet locals with a warm smile and polite manners.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites and temples.
  • Spoke loudly or use vulgar language in public.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is known for being a safe city; however, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings. When traveling, do not leave your belongings unattended. Practice common safety measures like locking doors and windows, be careful during evenings or night-time.

Health in Ascoli Piceno

The town has well-equipped clinics and hospitals for visitors if they need medical attention. Doctors and medical staff have received excellent training. Be sure to carry the necessary medical insurance coverage when traveling abroad.

Getting to Ascoli Piceno: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ascoli Piceno

The nearest airport to Ascoli Piceno is Ancona Airport, located about an hour’s drive away. It connects to all major European destinations via various airlines.

Bus Stations Near Ascoli Piceno

The town has well-connected bus stations that connect to all major neighboring cities and towns.

Other Options

Visitors can rent a car to reach their destination or travel by train to Ascoli Piceno. Besides, taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available.

How to Get Around in Ascoli Piceno

The best way to explore the town is on foot. The historic center is small and walkable. Optionally, visitors can rent bicycles and explore the town’s surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Ascoli Piceno: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore around Ascoli Piceno, including:

  • San Benedetto del Tronto: The city is a lovely seaside destination where visitors can relax on the beach.

  • Ancona: A gorgeous coastal city with a rich history and picturesque architecture.

  • Grottammare: A stunning medieval town featuring beautiful, ancient architecture and a scenic town square.

Conclusion

Ascoli Piceno is a hidden gem that offers visitors an authentic Italian experience. With a rich history and culture, scrumptious cuisine & wine, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals, it is worth a visit. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure to Ascoli Piceno for a memorable and remarkable experience!