Mini Guide to the Ascoli Piceno and Fermo Provinces, Italy

The provinces of Ascoli Piceno and Fermo slope down from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea.
 The provinces' long history is woven into the winding streets and piazzas of its towns including Ascoli Piceno and Fermo and the seaside towns of San Benedetto del Tronto and Grottammare.









Monuments

Roman Cisterns - Fermo
 The cisterns that had supplied Fermo's fountains and drinking water from nearby hill springs are hidden behind a locked door. Medieval monks re-discovered them and used them as for wine production and storage and now they provide an alternative insight into the town's history.

www.fermoturismo.it

Italy's Narrowest Alley - Ripatransone
Ripatransone sits in the hills above Grottammare, a pretty medieval town. One of the alleyways can boast to be the narrowest in Itay, at 43cms wide at the point at which a man's shoulders would pass. Higher up it narrows to 38 cms. A fun reason to visit this town.


Piazza del Popolo - Ascoli Piceno
One of the best proportioned piazzas in the central part of Italy. The piazza took on its rectangular appearance during the 1500s when the porticos were added to keep the artisan shops out of sight. The colonnades, church, Palazzo dei Capitani and Caffe Meletti go to create a wonderful ambience. 


Art

Pinacoteca and Sala de Mappamundo - Fermo

Minatures telling the life-story of Saint Lucy are exquisite and the Rubens worthy of any wall. The Sala de Mappamundo hides behind heavy dark doors with the scent of aging manuscripts and 1713 globe and is a must for any bibliophile.

www.fermoturismo.it

Galleria D'Arte Contemporanea - Ascoli Piceno
The contemporary art in this gallery is predominantly Italian. Ernesto Ercolani is one featured artist and was the curator of the Pinacoteca for twenty years but his work is quite removed from that you would find there. 

Tourist information office: Piazza Arringo, 7 Tel: 0736 298204

Pinacoteca Civica - Ascoli Piceno
The Pinacoteca is home to a number of art works from thirteenth century triptychs to nineteenth century secular pieces as well as sculptures. The sculpture of the Sleeping Shepherd in the Shepherd's Room is incredible. A wonderful collection of Italian art.

Tourist information office: Piazza Arringo, 7 Tel: 0736 298204



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Leisure

Trekking in the Sibillini Mountains
Those who enjoy trekking can hike along the wooded trails and slopes of the Sibillini Mountains and en route to the Sibilla cave, named after the prophetess who reputedly lived there. Nearby is Lake Pilato where, according to legend, Pontius Pilate was dragged beneath its surface by buffaloes.

Acquasanta Terme 
The terme is the ideal location for refreshing the body and soul at a thermal spa used by the Romans. It has been modernised since then.

http://www.termeacquasanta.it/

Caffe Meletti - Ascoli Piceno
One of the top 150 coffee houses in Italy the caffe maintains its Art Nouveau appearance. With a dusky pink exterior it is very noticeable in the Piazza del Popolo. It is worth a visit for its charm and elegance alone.

http://www.caffemeletti.it/


Hotels

Hotel Imperial, San Benedetto del Tronto
A good base from which to explore the province, the Hotel Imperial is only 150 metres from the beach at San Benedetto del Tronto. It is an elegant and stylisjh, modern hotel that is open all year round.
Double rooms start at around €70 per night in low season.

hotelimperial.it

Palazzo Guiderocchi, Ascoli Piceno
Make an aristocratic palace the place in which to rest during an exploration of the province. Situated in the centre of Ascoli the town's sights are all within easy walking distance, with good links to the rest of the area.
Double rooms start at around €70 per night in low season.

http://palazzoguiderocchi.com/

Villa Lattanzi, Torre de Palmo, Fermo

Situated in Fermo, Villa Lattanzi is conveniently connected to the airport and area attractions include Teatro dell'Aquila. This luxury hotel offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas.
Double rooms start at around €130 per night in low season.

villalattanzi.it


Transport

Getting There

The nearest airport is Abruzzo International Airport in Pescara which is serviced by Ryanair, Alitalia, Air France, Air Baltic and KLM.

Once There

Train
Italy has a very effective and reasonably priced rail network and movement around the provinces is an efficient way to travel. 

Bus
Buses connect the provinces to the larger cities such as Rome and the towns within the provinces.