It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the Marche region. In fact, its ancient urban fabric, with its remarkably homogeneous structure, stands as one of the most characteristic examples in all of Italy.
This medieval city is dotted with towers and bell towers, bathed in the warm, golden hues of its travertine stone, and embraced on three sides by the Tronto and Castellano rivers, which converge right here. The ancient capital of the Piceni people, conquered by the Romans along with the entire region in 286 BC, Ascoli boasts a history of ancient splendor. Even Alaric the Goth refused to raze it to the ground, captivated by its beauty and aware of its strategic importance.
Today, stunning Renaissance squares open up within the medieval heart of the city, such as Piazza del Popolo with its 16th-century Palazzo dei Capitani. Here, in the cafés and pastry shops under the arcades, aperitifs are perfectly paired with irresistible stuffed olives (olive all’ascolana), the true masterpiece of local gastronomy.
Along its narrow streets -the rue that still follow the ancient Roman layout- the renowned Torneo della Quintana jousting tournament takes place every August. This thrilling event follows a grand parade in 15th-century costumes, featuring the inhabitants of the city’s traditional historical districts (sestieri).