The one thing you absolutely must do in Ascoli Piceno is stroll through Piazza del Popolo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, entirely paved and clad in travertine, the white limestone that gives the city its unmistakable luminous colour. From here you can explore the Palazzo dei Capitani, the church of San Francesco, the medieval alleys and towers, the Art Nouveau Caffè Meletti with its anisetta, and the Quintana historic joust. But the most authentic way to experience Ascoli is to get hands-on: the city and the Marche region have a strong craft tradition, and a creative workshop with a local master turns a day trip into a memory you take home.
Piazza del Popolo and the travertine city
The heart of Ascoli is Piazza del Popolo, a Renaissance drawing room enclosed by porticoes and dominated by two landmark monuments: the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, with its tower and 16th-century portal, and the church of San Francesco, one of the most imposing Gothic Franciscan churches in the Marche. Every surface tells the same story: travertine quarried locally and worked for centuries by Ascoli's stonecutters, reflecting the light and shifting colour from dawn to dusk.
A short walk away lies Piazza Arringo, the oldest square, with the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, the Baptistery and the palazzi housing the city museums. Between the two squares winds a maze of medieval alleys – called "rue" in the local dialect – dotted with towers that in the Middle Ages numbered over two hundred, earning the city the nickname "city of a hundred towers".
Caffè Meletti, anisetta and the Quintana
Under the porticoes of Piazza del Popolo stands the historic Caffè Meletti, an Art Nouveau (liberty) gem open since the early 1900s and once frequented by artists and writers. Here you taste anisetta, the anise liqueur that is Ascoli's signature aperitif: served "con la mosca", with a coffee bean floating in the glass.
If you visit in summer, don't miss the Quintana, the historic costumed cavalry joust held in July and August: knights from the city's six districts compete by striking the Moor with their lance, amid a historic parade, flag-throwers and over a thousand figures in Renaissance dress. It's one of the most spectacular events in the Marche.
Art and museums: the Civic Art Gallery
For art lovers, the essential stop is the Pinacoteca Civica (Civic Art Gallery), housed in the Palazzo dell'Arengo and one of the richest galleries in the Marche: it holds works by Carlo Crivelli, Titian, Guido Reni and the famous cope of Nicholas IV, a medieval textile of extraordinary value. Visiting the museums is also the best way to understand where the artistic sensibility that still animates the city's workshops comes from.
And this is the natural bridge to the creative workshops: after admiring old master painting in the gallery, learning the basics of drawing or colour with a local master lets you see the city with fresh eyes. Discover the painting workshops and other disciplines available in the area.
Creative workshops: experiencing Ascoli hands-on
Ascoli and the Marche are a land of living craftsmanship: ceramics, painting, metalwork, weaving, lace. Booking a workshop isn't just a way to fill an afternoon, but to connect directly with the know-how that built this travertine city. Here are a few ideas by type of traveller:
- As a couple: a pottery workshop at the wheel is among the most popular experiences – two hands, a lump of clay and a keepsake to take home. Discover the ceramics courses.
- Families with children: look for workshops flagged as kid-friendly, from ceramic decorating to painting, where children safely create their own object.
- Solo or as a gift: a painting or illustration class with a local artist is perfect for slowing down and really noticing the city's details.
- For groups and hen/stag parties: many masters welcome small groups, for a convivial, creative experience away from the usual venues.
What to do in Ascoli when it rains
Weather changing its mind? It's the perfect time for an indoor activity. Beyond the Civic Art Gallery and the museums of Piazza Arringo, a creative workshop is the ideal answer to a rainy day: sheltered, hands busy, and a master guiding you step by step. Ceramics, painting, decorating: these experiences don't depend on the sun and often become the highlight of the trip. If you're wondering exactly what one involves, read what a craft workshop is.
Useful information for your visit
Ascoli Piceno is easily explored on foot: the historic centre is compact and largely pedestrian. For opening hours, events and official information, check the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno website and, for the joust calendar, the Giostra della Quintana. A good historical and cultural overview is also available on the Ascoli Piceno entry on Wikipedia.
Domande frequenti
- What to see in Ascoli Piceno in one day?
- In one day you can see Piazza del Popolo with the Palazzo dei Capitani and the church of San Francesco, Piazza Arringo with the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio and the Civic Art Gallery, a walk through the medieval alleys and an aperitif with anisetta at Caffè Meletti. If you have time left, a short creative workshop is the best way to end the day.
- Why is Ascoli Piceno famous for travertine?
- Ascoli is built almost entirely of travertine, the white limestone quarried locally and worked for centuries by the city's stonecutters. Piazza del Popolo, the palazzi and the churches are clad in this luminous stone, which gives the city its unmistakable colour.
- When does the Quintana take place in Ascoli Piceno?
- The Giostra della Quintana, a historic costumed cavalry joust, is held in July and August, with a historic parade, flag-throwers and knights from the city's six districts. It's one of the most spectacular events in the Marche.
- What to do in Ascoli Piceno on a rainy day or with family?
- In the rain or with children, the best options are indoors: the Civic Art Gallery, the museums of Piazza Arringo and above all a creative workshop with a master craftsperson, from ceramics to painting. Many workshops are also kid-friendly and easy to book online.
