Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is a city and comune in the Marche region of Italy, serving as the capital of the province of the same name. Its population is around 49,500 but the urban area of the city has more than 100,000.

History

Ascoli Piceno was founded by an ancient Italic population (Piceni) several centuries before Rome's founding on the important Via Salaria, the salt road that connected Latium with the salt production areas on the Adriatic coast. In 268 BC it became a civitas foederata, a "federated" city with nominal independence from Rome. In 91 BC, together with other cities in central Italy, it revolted against Rome but in 89 BC was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo. Its inhabitants acquired Roman citizenship, following the developments and the eventual fall of the Roman Republic.

Geography

Ascoli Piceno is located on the eastern coast of Italy, with the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennine Mountains to the west. The city is nestled in the valley of the Tronto River.

Culture

Ascoli Piceno is known for its architecture, which includes several gothic-style churches and palaces; the Piazza del Popolo, a square with a Renaissance style; and the Forte Malatesta, a 14th-century fortress. The city is also famous for its traditional dish, Olive all'ascolana, stuffed olives that are a staple of the Marche region's cuisine.

Economy

The economy of Ascoli Piceno is based on a mix of agriculture, industry, and services. The city is known for its olive production, as well as its manufacturing sector, which includes textiles, furniture, and machinery.

See also

• Marche
• Province of Ascoli Piceno
• Olive all'ascolana

External links

• Official website (in Italian)