Ascoli Piceno

This is one impressive town. It is known as the "picolla Siena" because of its blend of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, and also as the "Travertine City" because of the predominant use of travertine stone.

The town probably dates back as far as the 6th Century. With strong Roman roots, the city was at its height of power in the Middle Ages.

The heart of the old medieval Ascoli is the Piazza del Popolo. Along one side is the 13th century Palazzo del Popolo. The Chiesa di San Francesco which dates back to 1262 is along the other side. Right beside that is the Loggia dei Mercanti, built in the 16th Century by the powerful guide of wood merchants. The Piazza del Popolo is a sight. What also impressed us on our visit there was how the piazza was part of the everyday route of the people. The piazza was full of kids and parents on bikes and people just enjoying themselves.