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Ascoli
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Football Italia City Guide
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| Ascoli Piceno is located between the Sybilline mountains and the Adriatic sea, in the southern part of the beautiful region of Marche, which is frequently referred to as the New Tuscany. The number of visitors and second-home owners from the UK is growing quickly, but there is still much to be discovered in the area and Ascoli is a great place to start. Legend has it that the city was founded thanks to a woodpecker and in fact you’ll see the symbol, and the word picchio – woodpecker – rather a lot. The beautiful, craggy Sybilline mountains nearby are full of plenty of similarly weird and wonderful legends. The local seaside resort of San Benedetto del Tronto, called the Palm Tree Riviera thanks to the amazing abundance of beautifully lush and well-tended palm trees is, on the other hand, about as upfront and modern as you can get. |
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 Stadio: Cino e Lillo Del Duca
Inaugurated in 1962 with a match between amateur sides representing England and Italy, the Del Duca Stadium was later named after two of Ascoli’s former club Presidents and has a capacity of 20,000 today. The pitch itself got a facelift this Christmas, as President Roberto Benigni kept his promise to lay better quality turf in time for the New Year. Situated nearly 2km out of the centre, the best way to get there is by taking the special shuttle bus that runs from the station on match days. |
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 Match Tickets
You can buy tickets online through www.listicket.it/ascoli_calcio or get them in Ascoli from various authorised lottery paypoints around town. The most convenient one in the centre is at Corso Mazzini 223.
Tickets are also sold at Ascoli Point, the club’s merchandising store in the Oasi shopping centre, on the outskirts of town.
Football Italia Ticket Info |
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Out & About
> Piazza del Popolo is Ascoli’s attractive main square. Often referred to as the town’s drawing room, it really does have a distinguished and decorative atmosphere. The imposing Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo dominates the portico-lined square which buzzes with activity, especially at early evening passeggiata time.
> Ascoli’s cathedral is in the town’s other major square, Piazza Arringo. The highly decorated interior includes chandeliers, coloured murals with oriental designs and glowing mosaics. The most important work on display is an impressive polyptych by Crivelli. Don’t miss the atmospheric crypt, where you can see the remains of a Roman temple in one corner. The curious octagonal baptistery next door to the cathedral is currently closed for renovation.
> The Roman amphitheatre, just inside the Porta Gemina Roman city gate, isn’t one of Italy’s best preserved, but it is fascinating all the same. The information boards tell you all you need to know to imagine how it once was.
> Walk along the city walls – a great way to stretch your legs and get some good views. The path starts at Porta Gemina, the ancient gate marking the start of the road to Rome.
> Among Ascoli’s many churches, San Vincenzo & Anastasio is one certainly worth visiting. Go down into the crypt to see where leprosy sufferers used to bathe in supposedly miraculous spring waters. The facade has an unusual check design and ancient frescoes remain in the simple but attractive interior.
> There’s a fascinating double sundial about halfway along Corso Mazzini called the San Cristoforo Meridiana. The info-board explains how the French and Italian hour systems used to work.
> For some fresh air, walk up the Annunziata steps to Parco della Rimembranza. You’ll get great views on a clear day.
> Take the train to the coast. San Benedetto del Tronto and its Palm Tree Riviera are just 40 minutes away and trains run hourly.
> To visit the Monti Sibilline mountains you’ll have to take a bus – just over an hour – or drive. Montemonaco is one of the best places to head for with great walking trails.
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Food & Drink
Ascoli’s main claim to gastronomic fame is Olive all’Ascolana – deep-fried stuffed olives. They usually have a meaty filling, but you’ll also find fish or cheese variations. Another delicious local speciality to be found on most menus is fried mixed vegetables. A glass or two of the local Rosso Piceno red wine makes an ideal accompaniment. |
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Restaurants
> La Locandiera – Via Goldoni 2, Tel. 0039 0736 262509. Just let the waiter know the extent of your appetite and he’ll keep the dishes coming – plate after plate of local culinary delights.
> Antica Caffè Meletti – Piazza della Repubblica, 0039 0736 259626. Don’t miss this atmospheric café on the beautiful Piazza della Repubblica – it’s part of the local history. Come for coffee, at aperitivo time, or after dinner to try Meletti’s famous aniseed liqueur, Anisetta.
> Pizzeria Bella Napoli – Piazza della Viola, Tel. 0039 0736 257030. The pizzas are delicious in this simple, family run pizzeria, with brick-vaulted ceilings and pleasant décor.
> Trattoria Laliva – Piazza della Viola, Tel. 0039 0736 259358. A cosy trattoria on the same square as the pizzeria above. Specialities of the house are the Ascolana olives and traditional fried mixed vegetables.
> Birreria Boccaccio – Via Castellana 5, Tel. 0039 0736 250055. One of several places in Ascoli combining pizzeria, restaurant and pub sections in a lively atmosphere. The full traditional menu at just 13 Euros is a good one to try.
> Kuursal – Via Luigi Mercantini 66, Tel. 0039 0736 253140. One of Ascoli’s more upmarket restaurants. The same management also runs a shop next door selling local wines and foods. Temptingly tasty as souvenirs.
> La Taverna degli Artisti – Via XX Settembre 19, Tel. 0039 0736 262591. A relaxed and comfortable place with lively yellow décor and good local food.
> Pizzeria Il Menestrello – Via Pretoriana 32, Tel. 0039 0736 259396. A good place to enjoy a pizza, halfway up the charming Via Pretoriana, that’s dotted with ceramics workshops.
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Accomodation
> B&B Language and Art – Via dei Soderini 16, Tel. 0039 347 5312280, www.bb-languageandart.com. A really comfortable and cosy centrally located B&B, also running short courses in arts and crafts. You are free to get your own breakfast together in the well-stocked kitchen.
> Hotel Palazzo Guiderocchi – Via Cesare Battisti 3, Tel. 0039 0736 244011, www.palazzoguiderocchi.com. This former home of a local tyrant is luxuriously decorated in keeping with the style of the ancient Palazzo and incorporates original frescoes.
> Hotel La Cantina dell’Arte – Rua della Lupa 8, Tel. 0039 0736 255620, www.paginegialle.it/cantinadellarte. A pleasant place to stay, offering clean, simply furnished rooms in a tiny road in the old part of town.
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Getting there...
Ryanair - www.ryanair.com - flies to both Ancona and Pescara airports from Stansted. It is possible to reach Ascoli from the airports with public transport, but due to the town’s inland position the journeys can be a bit long-winded, involving at least one change. Hiring a car at the airport will cut down your journey time and give you a lot more flexibility. Coming from central Rome, an efficient bus service takes you to Ascoli in just over two hours. See www.startspa.it for timetables. |
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Local lingo
"Vorrei un’altra porzione di olive all’Ascolana, per favore" – "Another portion of Ascolana olives, please."
"Scusi, a che ora parte l’autobus per Roma?" – "Excuse me, what time does the bus to Rome leave?"
"Secondo me l’Ascoli ce la fa a salvarsi!" – "I think Ascoli will manage to stay up!"
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Compiled by: Sarah Lane
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