Ascoli Piceno, capital of the province of the same name, lies in the southern part of the coastal region of the Marches, in Central Italy, at the confluence of the rivers Castellano and Tronto.
Along with its breathtaking main square, it has other outstanding sights that manage to leave their mark on even the most blasé of tourists.
Ascoli was founded by an Italic population ( Sabini ) several centuries before Rome on the important Via Salaria (Salaria Road) which connected Latium with the salt production area on the Adriatic coast.
In 268 BC it became a civitas foederata , with nominal Independence from Rome.
In 91 BC it revolted against Rome together with other cities in central Italy but in 89 BC was conquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo .
It acquired anyway the Roman citizenship, following the developments and the eventual fall of the Roman Empire .
Start at the Piazza del Popolo, the traffic-free, travertine-paved main square.
This beautifully proportioned outdoor meeting place must be one of the most elegant provincial squares in all Italy.
To one side of the square stands the Palazzo del Popolo, a splendid 13thC building guarded over by a monumental statue of Pope Paul III.
Look inside to see the arcaded Renaissance courtyard.
Closing off one end of the piazza is the great Gothic church of San Francesco, a sober but pleasing building both inside and out.
The other main square, Piazza Arringo, is almost as impressive as its big sister and is flanked by the Duomo, or cathedral, and the town hall, or palazzo Comunale.
Inside here you will find the Pinacoteca Civica, Ascoli's art gallery, a carpet-bag collection of minor works by major artists and major works by minor artists.
Best of all is the 13thC cope (piviale) of Pope Nicholas IV, a dazzling piece of embroidery work made in England.

Ascoli Piceno will be a very unique location for your Wedding !