Sprawling between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains, the Province of Ascoli Piceno lies within the Marche region of central Italy. It was originally settled by the Picentes people, who inhabited the banks of the River Tronto before being developed as “Asculum Picenum” under Roman rule.
Things to do in Ascoli Piceno
With its atmospheric cities and sun-drenched coastline, the Province of Ascoli Piceno is a little-known gem.
Sightsee in Ascoli Piceno. Serving as the provincial capital, Ascoli Piceno centres around a bustling Renaissance square, the Piazza del Popolo. Admire the Cathedral of St. Emidio’s beautiful mosaics and visit the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, which was constructed in the 13th century and is topped by an impressive clock tower. At the Civic Picture Gallery, you’ll find paintings by some of Italy’s most well-known masters, together with glass chandeliers from the Venetian island of Murano.
See the Cascata Arena Uscerno. In the west of the Province of Ascoli Piceno is this photogenic cascade, which tumbles over a dam wall along the Fluvione River. It was created to power a local water mill, with the small pool at its base framed by steeply banked walls. For the best views of the cascade and its centuries-old hydraulic works, head to the bridge that spans the narrow gorge.
Explore the museums of San Benedetto del Tronto. The Province of Ascoli Piceno’s most populated city is San Benedetto del Tronto, which is home to the five museums of Polo del Mare. Get up close to native marine species at the Augusto Capriotti Fish Museum and see amphoras from Phoenician and Roman times at the Museum of Amphorae. Don’t miss the open-air Museo d’Arte sul Mare, which features around 200 artworks.
Getting around Ascoli Piceno
Abruzzo Airport is around an hour’s drive from the Province of Ascoli Piceno and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to major towns and villages throughout the province while buses serve smaller destinations. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the Province of Ascoli Piceno.