The historic center of Ascoli Piceno is built almost entirely in travertine and is one of the most admired in the Marche region and central Italy due to its artistic and architectural richness. It preserves several noble towers and bell towers, earning it the nickname "The City of a Hundred Towers."
The heart of the city is the Renaissance Piazza del Popolo, where several important buildings are located, including the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo (dating back to the 13th century and now home to the Town Hall), the historic Liberty-style Caffè Meletti, and the Church of San Francesco, next to which stands the elegant Loggia dei Mercanti built in 1513.
Another elegant urban space is Piazza Arringo, the oldest square in Ascoli, where there are several fascinating buildings: the medieval Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio (which houses the crypt dedicated to the patron saint and the large polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, signed and dated 1473), the Bishop's Palace, and the Palazzo dell'Arengo, which houses the Civic Art Gallery and several municipal offices.
On the opposite side of the square is the 17th-century façade of Palazzo Panichi, home to the State Archaeological Museum.
The city of Ascoli Piceno is also known for its culinary tradition. The dishes that most represent local cuisine are the olive all'ascolana del Piceno DOP (stuffed and fried olives) and fritto all'ascolana (a type of fried dish).
The most famous alcoholic beverage is anisetta, an anise-flavored liqueur named after the plant that gives it its flavor.
