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Protected by the natural barrier formed by the pinnacles
of the central Apennines, the Piceno province has been tucked away
between mountains and sea, cradling and preserving its historical
and cultural treasures through the millennia. It is a land rich
in history - from the prehistoric Piceni people to the conquest
by the mighty Romans, to
the mystic intrigue of the Templar Knights, and the cultural wealth
of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, this area has become a splendorous
repository of Italy's past.
Bordered on the east by the glistening coast of the Adriatic Sea,
the Piceno ascends westward to the heights of the Sibilline Mountains,
encompassing gentle valleys, steep hills, fertile vineyards and
fields of grain. Timeless towns spill across nearly every hilltop,
maintaining deep-seated traditions.
The Piceni tribes who occupied this region predate the founding
of Rome. Its strategic location along the via Salaria, an important
road of commerce, and near key port cities made this area valuable.
Subsequent invasions, conquests,  and
reconstructions ensued. While maintaining ancient roots, many of
the towns in this province are solidly medieval in style and tradition.
Our home base is Ascoli Piceno, the provincial capital.
Nestled at the foot of a few mountains, which encompass two national
parks, it has a picturesque valley location
surrounded by hills. Its medieval heart beats proudly and resonantly.
Ascoli contains dozens of pretty churches, some world-class artwork,
stunning architecture (including more towers than San Gimignano)
as well as fantastic dining and classy museums as a grand bonus.
That it offers all this and is still largely unknown is astounding.
Therein lies a beautiful benefit for the traveler willing to cross
the central Appenines to discover this corner of Marche…uncrowded
splendor in a dynamic city, with citizens proud of their heritage
who make the entire centro storico their playground and living room.
Here you'll feel at home, welcomed into an active town while seeing
all the spectacular attributes that Italy has to offer encapsulated
into one province.
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