Ascoli Piceno is the capital city of Italy’s Marche Region. It has a population of just over 50,000 people. The town lies at the confluence of the Tronto River and the Castellano Creek and is surrounded on three sides by mountains. Two natural parks abut the town, one on the north-western flank (Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini) and the other on the south (Parco Nazionale dei Monti della Laga). Ascoli is well connected by railway to the Adriatic coast and the city of San Benedetto del Tronto, by highway to Porto d’Ascoli and by the Italian National Road 4 Salaria to Rome.

Recent industrialization brought to Ascoli several Italian and multinational companies but the bulk of the economy is made up of small and medium sized enterprises and by those providing professional services to the area. The cultivation of wheat, olives, and fruits are important enterprises.

.. The central historical part of the city is built in marble called travertino, a grey-hued stone extracted from the surrounding mountains. There are several alleys with beautiful archways.

. Its central Renaissance square, Piazza del Popolo (“Square of the People”) is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. A famous cafe, Meletti, is a very popular location to have a sip of cafe while meeting with friends. According to traditional accounts, Ascoli Piceno was home to more than two hundred towers in the Middle Ages: today some fifty can still be seen.

.. Important sites in the town include:
* The Cathedral of Sant’Emidio, dedicated to Saint Emygdius, oman amphitheater.
* The Franciscan convent, of which two noteworthy cloisters remain today. It was once a prestigious center of culture, whose students included Pope Sixtus V.
* The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo (“Palace of the People’s Captains”). Built in the 13th century connecting three pre-existing edifices, it was the seat of the podestà, the people’s captains and, later, the Papal governors.

Porta Gemina

Chiostro maggiore di San Francisco

Piazza Arringo

Torri degli Ercolani

Via delle Stelle

Located in the town of Ascoli Piceno are several well known bed and breakfasts and guesthouses. Located to the south of Ascoli Piceno are the towns of Campli, Civitella del Tronto, and Valle San Giovanni. The last of these hosts the guest house Casale.

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