Looking to explore Ascoli Piceno? Here’s all the top tips from where to dine, where to stay and what to see and do!
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
➤ Pinoteca Civica
Piazza Arringo
The Pinoteca Civica, Ascoli Piceno’s principal art gallery, is housed in the grand Palazzo Arringo and has more than 800 works of art. If you would like to see more of the city’s art you can buy yourself a combined ticket, for the Contemporary Art Museum and the Ceramic Museum as well, for €8.
➤ The Papal Paper Mill
Via della Cartiera 1
+39 073 625 2594
www.museicartierapapale.it
The Papal Paper Mill in Ascoli Piceno dates back to the Middle Ages, while official documents bear proof of the use of these mills as far back as the 8th century. Giulio della Rovere, who would become Pope Julius II – the ‘Warrior Pope’ – commissioned refurbishments in 1512 and it was at that time that the Papal Paper Mill acquired the layout that can still be seen today.
➤ Tempietto di Sant’Emidio 
alle Grotte
Via Carso 5
A magnificent example of baroque architecture, this small temple marks the place where it is said that Saint Emidio brought his own decapitated head in order to find a Christian burial. It was built in 1721 as a thanksgiving to the city’s patron saint for having saved Ascoli from the earthquake of 1703. It is situated at the base of the grottoes of the early Christian catacombs.
➤ The Duomo of Saint Emidio
Piazza Arringo
The interior of the Duomo is beautiful with a vast cycle of frescoes and a magnificent polyptych by Carlo Crivelli. Down in the crypt there is an altar surrounded by mosaics. The tradition that gives Saint Emidio special powers against earthquakes is relatively recent. The 1703 earthquake destroyed many central Italian cities, yet Ascoli, miraculously, remained untouched. From this moment Saint Emidio is often represented in the act of supporting the buildings of the city with his arms extended.
➤ Forte Malatesta
Built near the banks of the River Castellano and the Cecco bridge, this fort on the edge of the city is well worth a trip out of town for a visit. Built in 1349 and reconstructed in 1540 it has a varied and interesting history. In 1828 it was restored and used as a prison until 1978. It was restored between 2000 and 2010 and is now a museum.
WHERE TO STAY
➤ Palazzo Guiderocchi
Via Cesare Battisti 3
+39 073 634 3441
www.palazzoguiderocchi.com
This hotel situated in a grand old palazzo is centrally situated near the Piazza del Popolo. Despite its location, however, there is private parking available. The staff are friendly and the surroundings luxurious. The hotel’s restaurant, La Rua de Notari, serves traditional regional dishes along with sophisticated international cuisine.
Double rooms from €89.
➤ Hotel Residenza 100 Torre
Via C. Mazzoni 6
+39 073 625 5123
www.centotorri.com
This central hotel has been developed from the stables of an old palazzo. Fine furniture and curtains, lights and decorative objects, in a pleasant atmosphere of exclusivity. As well as the ‘recreation of inner harmony’, there is also free private parking. Double rooms from €98.
➤ Hotel Palazzo dei Mercanti 
Corso Trento & Trieste 35
+39 073 625 6044
www.palazzodeimercanti.com
This luxurious but great value hotel is centrally placed near both Piazza Arringo and Piazza del Popolo. It has helpful, English speaking staff and contains a restaurant and a wellness centre. It was converted from a medieval convent. Double rooms from €99.
➤ Nascondiglio di Bacco
Contrada Ciafone 97, Offida
+39 073 688 9537
www.nascondigliodibacco.it
If you fancy somewhere that is situated more in the countryside, but still with luxurious surroundings, this place cannot be beaten. A 50-year-old farmhouse set in seven acres of grounds, it has an infinity pool and beautiful views of the Marche countryside. It offers bed and breakfast, and eight rooms all named after a grape variety from the Marche region. Some of the rooms have private terraces and all have air conditioning. Double rooms from £85.
WHERE TO EAT
➤ Il Desco
Via Vidacilio 10
+39 073 625 0757
www.ildescoristorante.it
This restaurant located in the heart of the historical centre of Ascoli Piceono has an elegant décor and friendly, helpful staff. The food is wonderful and the restaurant also has a lovely rear garden offering you the opportunity to eat outside on warm summer evenings.
Price range € €
➤ Caffe Meletti
Piazza del Popolo
+39 073 625 5559
www.caffemeletti.it
Opened in 1907, this place is famous for its Art Deco architecture and the sweet aniseed digestive, Anisetta Meletti, which they use here to flavour ice cream. It is the ideal place to enjoy some good food and indulge in a bit of people watching in the Piazza del Popolo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy.
Price range € €
➤ La Paesana
Vi Giacomo Leopardi 31
Acquaviva Picena
+39 073 576 5251
www.lapaesana.net
La Paesana is an understated family run restaurant which serves the typical food of the Le Marche region, including the famous olive all’ascolana. It was founded in 1970 and is still run by the same people. A local favourite, it offers very good food for a modest price.
Price range € €
➤ Piccolo Teatro
Via Goldoni 2
+39 073 626 1574
www.alpiccoloteatro.it
This restaurant is mainly used by the locals – which is always a good sign – and offers traditional dishes of the region. The service is good and the place has a cosy atmosphere but the other side of that is that it is small, so if you want to eat here do be sure that you book ahead.
Price range € €
➤ Caffe Lorenz
Piazza del Popolo 5
+39 073 625 9959
www.lorenzcafe.it
Situated on Piazza del Popolo, the Caffè Lorenz offers great gelato, tasty snacks and a great location for watching the world go by. As well as being a place to enjoy a drink, however, it also does a fixed menu of four courses for €28.
Price range € €
GETTING THERE
➤ By Plane
There are three main airports you can fly into when visiting Ascoli Piceno. The closest are Ancona in Le Marche and Pescara in Abruzzo, both routes being served by Ryanair from London Stansted. Rome is also an option as it is only two hours drive away.
➤ By Train
Ascoli Piceno is easily accessible by train, especially from Ancona airport, and also from major cities all over Italy. Do bear in mind though that although tickets are a good price the journeys can be slow and have quite a few changes.
➤ By Car
Hiring a car is the best way of seeing the region. To get from either Ancona or Pescara airport to Ascoli Piceno take the A14 Ancona road, then take the exit for Ascoli Piceno/San Benedetto del Tronto.