Ascoli Piceno - The City of Travertine
Ascoli Piceno, the provincial capital and architectural gem of the Marche region, stands majestically just 30 km from Radici Luxury B&B.
The City of One Hundred Towers
A journey into the medieval heart of the Marche, between millennia of history, art, and culinary traditions.
Known as "the city of travertine" for the elegant white stone that covers buildings, churches, and monuments, Ascoli boasts one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval historic centers in Italy.
Founded centuries before Rome, the city has passed through various historical eras while preserving its identity and enriching itself with extraordinary artistic and architectural treasures that today make it an unmissable destination for those staying in the Piceno area. Visiting Ascoli Piceno during your stay at Radici Luxury B&B will be like taking a journey through history, between elegance and authenticity.
The Treasures of the Historic Center
Piazza Arringo - The Oldest Square
Piazza Arringo, the oldest square in Ascoli, is home to buildings of extraordinary importance:
- The Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, dedicated to the city's patron saint, which houses priceless works of art, including the polyptych by Carlo Crivelli
- The Bishop's Palace, with its imposing Renaissance façade
- The State Archaeological Museum, which collects relics from ancient Asculum
- The Civic Art Gallery, with a rich collection of paintings from the 14th to the 19th century
Piazza del Popolo - The Living Room of Italy
The beating heart of the city, Piazza del Popolo is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, a perfect Renaissance-style living room entirely paved with travertine and surrounded by buildings of great architectural value. Here, you can admire:
- The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, a majestic building dating back to the 13th century, which dominates the eastern side of the square
- The Church of San Francesco, a Gothic masterpiece with its finely decorated portal
- The Historic Cafés, where you can enjoy the traditional anisette coffee while sitting at outdoor tables
Walking through these places, just a few kilometers from Radici Luxury B&B, will be an exciting dive into history and art.
The Monumental Complex of San Francesco
This extraordinary complex includes the church, the larger and smaller cloisters, and represents one of the most important examples of Franciscan architecture in the Marche. Inside, you can admire medieval frescoes of great value and an atmosphere of deep spirituality.
The Ventidio Basso Theatre
An authentic 19th-century gem, the city's theatre is a miniature La Scala, with its elegant horseshoe-shaped auditorium and four levels of richly decorated boxes. If possible, do not miss the chance to attend a performance in this treasure of beauty and perfect acoustics.
Traditions and Flavors
Ascolana Olives
Ambassadors of Ascolana cuisine around the world, Ascolana olives represent a culinary excellence worth traveling for. These large green olives of the "tenera ascolana" variety, pitted and filled with a sophisticated mixture of mixed meats, cheese, eggs, and spices, are then breaded and fried until they achieve a crispy golden crust that encases a soft and flavorful interior.
The Quintana
Every summer, Ascoli relives its medieval past with the Quintana, a spectacular historical reenactment that includes a knightly tournament, parades in period costumes, and performances involving the entire citizenry. The six city districts compete in a jousting contest that attracts thousands of visitors.
The Surrounding Area
Frasassi Caves
About an hour's drive away, the spectacular Frasassi Caves are one of the most grandiose and accessible karst complexes in Europe, with giant chambers, ancient stalactites, and stalagmites that create fairy-tale-like scenes in the heart of the mountain.
Antiques and Handicrafts
Ascoli is renowned for its travertine, ceramic, and lacework craftsmanship. In the small artisan workshops in the historic center, you can purchase unique pieces made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
How to Reach Ascoli Piceno from Radici Luxury B&B
Ascoli Piceno is located about 30 km from Radici Luxury B&B and is easily reachable:
- By car: Taking the Ascoli-Mare expressway (highway junction 11) towards the west, the journey takes about 25-30 minutes
- By bike: For the more athletic, the Tronto Cycle Path offers a scenic route that follows the river (suitable for experienced cyclists)