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View of Ascoli Piceno from above
Ascoli Piceno and around

Things to do in Ascoli

Museums, travertine lanes, e-bikes and walking trails. You choose, we take care of the rest.

Experiences

A whole town, with the mountains just around the corner

From the Refuge the old town is a fifteen-minute walk, and the Sibillini mountains a short drive. Here is what to see and do: for opening hours, tickets and tailored tips, message us any time.

Experiences with us

What we can arrange for you

On request we arrange bike hire and rides with local guides, and we know the trails around here well: we plan these experiences together, at your pace.

Free to roam, in the saddle

Ascoli by e-bike

Would you like to hire an e-bike to explore the old town at your own pace, ride through the Rue of Ascoli and find its hidden corners? Or climb up to Colle San Marco and reach the "de li Vurg" river pools? On request we arrange the hire, a map, tips and, if you like, a local guide.

On foot, in the mountains

Hikes and walking trails

Would you like to plan a hike to enjoy the countryside and the Sibillini mountains? The Cammino Francescano della Marca, the Cammino dei Cappuccini, or the GABA, the Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani, a loop through the villages around Ascoli? We will help you choose the right stage.

Culture and museums

The best of Ascoli, all within a few steps of the centre. For up-to-date opening hours and tickets, just ask us.

Painting

Pinacoteca Civica

One of the richest art collections in the Marche, in the grand halls of the Palazzo dell'Arengo on Piazza Arringo: masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century.

Fortress and museum

Forte Malatesta

The fortress on the Castellano river redesigned by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger: walkways, views over the water and a museum that tells the story of the town.

Theatre

Teatro Ventidio Basso

One of the most beautiful Italian-style theatres in the Marche, a nineteenth-century jewel of velvet and stucco in the heart of town: take a tour or spend an evening at a show.

Contemporary art

"Licini" Contemporary Art Gallery

Dedicated to the great Marche painter Osvaldo Licini, it holds modern and contemporary works: the twentieth-century face of a travertine town.

Ceramics

Ceramics Museum

Centuries of Piceno ceramics, from antique majolica to modern forms, in a striking building in the old town.

Sacred art

Diocesan Museum

Treasures, paintings and sacred furnishings of the diocese, next to the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio: a journey through the faith and art of Ascoli.

Ascoli's landmarks

The places that make people fall in love with this town. Some, like the Roman bridge, are practically on your doorstep.

On your doorstep

Roman bridge of Solestà

One of the largest single-arch Roman bridges still standing, built across the Tronto two thousand years ago. It's in the quarter right below us: two minutes from the Refuge.

The town's living room

The two squares and Caffè Meletti

Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, and Piazza Arringo, the oldest, with the Cathedral. In between, an anisette at the historic Art Nouveau Caffè Meletti.

On foot

The Rue of Ascoli

The narrow travertine lanes that criss-cross the centre: medieval towers, arches and views at every corner. Made for getting lost on foot, slowly, away from the main streets.

Water and history

Cartiera Papale

The old complex of mills and paper works along the Castellano, with water wheels and a medieval atmosphere: a cool, scenic spot at the foot of the town.

In the woods

Eremo di San Marco

A Romanesque hermitage set into the rock face of Colle San Marco, above the town: you reach it on a lovely walk through chestnut woods, rewarded by a breathtaking view.

The Refuge terrace at sunset
Your concierge

Not sure where to start?

Tell us what kind of day you have in mind (art, cycling, mountains or just a slow stroll) and we'll put together an itinerary for you, with the right timings and the places only locals know.

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Your 3 days in Ascoli: our full English guide →