Italian News Headlines 17-05-2025: Italy will host the 38th edition of the America's cup in Naples in 2027 --- Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been chosen as the new pope, taking the name, Pope Leo XIV --- Two floating cranes, one of which is among the most powerful in Europe, have begun the process of lifting the sunken superyacht, the Bayesian, to the surface off the coast of Sicily --- Italian racing driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the F1 Mercedes team's replacement for Lewis Hamilton, became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix --- King Charles III addresses the Italian Parliament in Italian, during his state visit of Italy --- A new discovery at Pompei has uncovered near life-sized frescoes that depict religious practices that were popular in the ancient city before its destruction in AD79 --- Pope Francis has spent a 10th night in hospital having been admitted with pneumonia in both lungs --- The Demoskopika Institute has rated Italy at the top of the European Tourism Reputation Index, above Greece and Spain, for the second year running --- Milan bans smoking in the street from 5th January 2025 --- A museum dedicated to Lord Byron is set to open in a house in Ravenna, where the English poet conducted a love affair with the aristocratic owner's wife

Province of Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno Province
Offida, province of Ascoli Piceno
Rollopack, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tucked into the southeastern corner of the Marche region, the province of Ascoli Piceno is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Framed by the Sibillini Mountains to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east, this historic land blends ancient Roman grandeur, medieval elegance, rich culinary traditions, and stunning natural landscapes into a single irresistible destination. Whether you're a history lover, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authenticity far from the tourist crowds, Ascoli Piceno offers a truly immersive Italian experience.

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Ascoli Piceno ProvinceProvince of Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche

A Timeless City: Ascoli Piceno

The capital city, also named Ascoli Piceno, is an architectural treasure chest. Known as the *City of Travertine*, its historical center is constructed almost entirely from this pale, glowing stone. The heart of the city is Piazza del Popolo, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Flanked by arched porticoes and the majestic Palazzo dei Capitani, the square is a masterpiece of Renaissance harmony.

Just steps away lies Piazza Arringo, another elegant square that hosts the Duomo of Sant’Emidio, a Romanesque cathedral built on the site of a former pagan temple. The interior features splendid frescoes, a crypt, and a peaceful cloister. Ascoli Piceno’s layered past stretches back to Roman times, evidenced by landmarks like the Solestà Bridge and Roman Theater, still visible in the city.

Medieval Beauty and Artisan Tradition

Ascoli Piceno is a city that lives and breathes its history. Walking through its narrow alleys feels like stepping into a different century. Gothic towers pierce the skyline—Ascoli once had over 200 of them—and ornate churches like San Francesco or Sant’Agostino are scattered throughout.

Artisanal traditions are strong here, particularly ceramics, lacework, and goldsmithing, with workshops and boutiques maintaining skills handed down through generations. Visit in July and you can witness the spectacular Quintana festival, a vivid medieval joust and parade that revives 15th-century pageantry with remarkable accuracy and local pride.

Culinary Delights of the South Marche

The province’s cuisine is every bit as rich as its history. The star of the local table is the legendary Oliva Ascolana, large green olives stuffed with a spiced meat filling, breaded and deep-fried until golden. These addictive morsels are best enjoyed with a glass of local Rosso Piceno wine.

But the delights don't end there. Expect to find homemade pasta dishes like vincisgrassi, truffle-scented delicacies from the nearby mountains, and hearty meat dishes such as agnello fritto (fried lamb). The area is also famous for high-quality olive oil, often made from centuries-old trees scattered throughout the hills.

Sweet tooth? Try funghetti di Offida, anise-scented meringue-like cookies from the hill town of Offida, or ciambelline al vino cotto, rustic wine biscuits baked for celebrations.

Hilltowns, Vineyards, and Coastlines

Outside the capital, Ascoli Piceno province reveals a quieter, bucolic charm. Hilltop towns like Offida, Acquaviva Picena, Castignano, and Ripatransone offer cobbled streets, panoramic views, and small-town warmth. Offida, a member of the "Borghi più belli d’Italia" (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages), is known for its lace-making tradition and the enchanting Santa Maria della Rocca church perched dramatically on a cliff.

Wine lovers will rejoice in the Piceno hills, where Rosso Piceno Superiore and Passerina wines are produced. Many local wineries offer tastings and tours, pairing great wine with breathtaking scenery.

Just a short drive east brings you to the Adriatic coast and the charming seaside towns of San Benedetto del Tronto and Grottammare, known for their palm-lined promenades, golden beaches, and seafood cuisine.

Nature, Hiking, and Outdoor Adventures

Nature lovers can explore the Sibillini Mountains, a dramatic national park ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature photography. Legends abound here—the mountains are named after the ancient Sibyls, mythical prophetesses said to dwell in the caves. Trails lead past alpine meadows, deep gorges, and ancient shepherd villages.

To the south, the Monti della Laga and the Tronto Valley offer more hiking opportunities and picturesque drives. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy these landscapes in all their colorful glory.

Festivals, Culture, and Warm Hospitality

Ascoli Piceno doesn’t put on a show for tourists—it lives its culture daily. The Quintana, carnival parades, vintage car rallies, harvest festivals, and olive oil fairs are mostly for the locals, which is exactly why they feel so authentic. The people of Ascoli Piceno are warm, proud, and eager to share their stories and traditions with respectful visitors.

In Summary

Ascoli Piceno is the kind of place that captures hearts quietly but completely. It's not about ticking off landmarks—it's about savoring life at a slower pace, immersing yourself in beauty, and discovering the deep, often unsung soul of Italy.

Whether it’s walking across a Roman bridge at sunset, enjoying a plate of stuffed olives with local wine, or listening to church bells ring in a medieval piazza, every moment here feels meaningful. For those who want more than just a vacation—those who seek connection, tradition, and unforgettable flavor—Ascoli Piceno is a place that delivers, and then some.

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Flag of Le Marche
Flag of Le Marche
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 9,694 km²
      Population: 1.5m
      Density: 159/km²
      Capital: Ancona

      National Parks:
      Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National park
      The Sibillini National Park
Location of Le Marche
Location of Le Marche
Provinces of Le Marche
Provinces of Le marche
  • Comunes of Le Marche
    • Ancona
      • Agugliano
        Ancona
        Arcevia
        Barbara
        Belvedere Ostrense
        Camerano
        Camerata Picena
        Castel Colonna
        Castelbellino
        Castelfidardo
        Castelleone di Suasa
        Castelplanio
        Cerreto d’Esi
        Chiaravalle
        Corinaldo
        Cupramontana
        Fabriano
        Falconara Marittima
        Filottrano
        Genga
        Jesi
        Loreto
        Maiolati Spontini
        Mergo
        Monsano
        Monte Roberto
        Monte San Vito
        Montecarotto
        Montemarciano
        Monterado
        Morro d’Alba
        Numana
        Offagna
        Osimo
        Ostra
        Ostra Vetere
        Poggio San Marcello
        Polverigi
        Ripe
        Rosora
        San Marcello
        San Paolo di Jesi
        Santa Maria Nuova
        Sassoferrato
        Senigallia
        Serra de’ Conti
        Serra San Quirico
        Sirolo
        Staffolo

    • Ascoli Piceno
      • Acquasanta Terme
        Acquaviva Picena
        Appignano del Tronto
        Arquata del Tronto
        Ascoli Piceno
        Carassai
        Castel di Lama
        Castignano
        Castorano
        Colli del Tronto
        Comunanza
        Cossignano
        Cupra Marittima
        Folignano
        Force
        Grottammare
        Maltignano
        Massignano
        Monsampolo del Tronto
        Montalto delle Marche
        Montedinove
        Montefiore dell’Aso
        Montegallo
        Montemonaco
        Monteprandone
        Offida
        Palmiano
        Ripatransone
        Roccafluvione
        Rotella
        San Benedetto del Tronto
        Spinetoli
        Venarotta

    • Fermo
      • Altidona
        Amandola
        Belmonte Piceno
        Campofilone
        Falerone
        Fermo
        Francavilla d’Ete
        Grottazzolina
        Lapedona
        Magliano di Tenna
        Massa Fermana
        Monsampietro Morico
        Montappone
        Monte Giberto
        Monte Rinaldo
        Monte San Pietrangeli
        Monte Urano
        Monte Vidon Combatte
        Monte Vidon Corrado
        Montefalcone Appennino
        Montefortino
        Montegiorgio
        Montegranaro
        Monteleone di Fermo
        Montelparo
        Monterubbiano
        Montottone
        Moresco
        Ortezzano
        Pedaso
        Petritoli
        Ponzano di Fermo
        Porto San Giorgio
        Porto Sant’Elpidio
        Rapagnano
        Santa Vittoria in Matenano
        Sant’Elpidio a Mare
        Servigliano
        Smerillo
        Torre San Patrizio

    • Macerata
      • Acquacanina
        Apiro
        Appignano
        Belforte del Chienti
        Bolognola
        Caldarola
        Camerino
        Camporotondo di Fiastrone
        Castelraimondo
        Castelsantangelo sul Nera
        Cessapalombo
        Cingoli
        Civitanova Marche
        Colmurano
        Corridonia
        Esanatoglia
        Fiastra
        Fiordimonte
        Fiuminata
        Gagliole
        Gualdo
        Loro Piceno
        Macerata
        Matelica
        Mogliano
        Monte Cavallo
        Monte San Giusto
        Monte San Martino
        Montecassiano
        Montecosaro
        Montefano
        Montelupone
        Morrovalle
        Muccia
        Penna San Giovanni
        Petriolo
        Pieve Torina
        Pievebovigliana
        Pioraco
        Poggio San Vicino
        Pollenza
        Porto Recanati
        Potenza Picena
        Recanati
        Ripe San Ginesio
        San Ginesio
        San Severino Marche
        Sant’Angelo in Pontano
        Sarnano
        Sefro
        Serrapetrona
        Serravalle di Chienti
        Tolentino
        Treia
        Urbisaglia
        Ussita
        Visso

    • Pesaro e Urbino
      • Acqualagna
        Apecchio
        Auditore
        Barchi
        Belforte all’Isauro
        Borgo Pace
        Cagli
        Cantiano
        Carpegna
        Cartoceto
        Colbordolo
        Fano
        Fermignano
        Fossombrone
        Fratte Rosa
        Frontino
        Frontone
        Gabicce Mare
        Gradara
        Isola del Piano
        Lunano
        Macerata Feltria
        Mercatello sul Metauro
        Mercatino Conca
        Mombaroccio
        Mondavio
        Mondolfo
        Monte Cerignone
        Monte Grimano Terme
        Monte Porzio
        Montecalvo in Foglia
        Monteciccardo
        Montecopiolo
        Montefelcino
        Montelabbate
        Montemaggiore al Metauro
        Orciano di Pesaro
        Peglio
        Pergola
        Pesaro
        Petriano
        Piagge
        Piandimeleto
        Pietrarubbia
        Piobbico
        Saltara
        San Costanzo
        San Giorgio di Pesaro
        San Lorenzo in Campo
        Sant’Angelo in Lizzola
        Sant’Angelo in Vado
        Sant’Ippolito
        Sassocorvaro
        Sassofeltrio
        Serra Sant’Abbondio
        Serrungarina
        Tavoleto
        Tavullia
        Urbania
        Urbino
Le Marche Airports
Airports of Le Marche
Hotels in Le Marche
Hotels in Le Marche
Le MarcheWEATHER
Le Marche Climate (Ancona)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 15 8 4 63
Feb 15 8 4 52
Mar 17 9 5 43
Apr 19 11 6 31
May 24 15 7 17
Jun 28 18 9 9
Jul 31 22 10 6
Aug 31 22 9 9
Sep 28 19 7 29
Oct 24 16 6 53
Nov 20 12 4 63
Dec 17 10 4 59
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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