The historical center of Ascoli Piceno mostly dates back to the middle ages. Especially the area close to the river and around the Piazza del Popolo is full of mansions that used to belong to the main notables of the city.
Historic Buildings Ascoli Piceno
Palazzetto Longobardo
The Palazzetto Longobardo is a two floor medieval building located next to the Torre degli Ercolani. It was built in the 13th century, which means that, despite its name, it has nothing to do with the Longobards, since they had already invaded the city in the 6th century. Until recently, it used to be the seat of the city’s youth hostel.
Palazzo Bonaparte
The Palazzo Bonaparte was also built in the early 13th century. The name has nothing to do with the French emperor, but refers to a local family of aristocrats that in the 14th century ended up moving to Ascoli. As can be read on the frieze of the main entrance, the façade of the Palazzo Bonaparte dates from the year 1507.
Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo
The Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo is probably a 13th century amalgamation of three pre-existing buildings and a tower converted into a campanile. Ascoli Piceno had justbecome independent and written a kind of constitution. At the head of the city was the Capitano del Popolo and, of course, he had to have his own palace.
Palazzo dell’Arengo
The Palazzo dell’Arengo built as the city’s town hall and today part of it serves as the seat of the Pinacoteca Civica. It was built toward the end of the 12th century, when it was felt that the increasingly powerful Ascoli could no longer hold its public meetings in an open-air square.
Palazzo Malaspina
The Palazzo Malaspina was built in the second half of the 16th century, probably by uniting some pre-existing buildings from the 14th century. The architect in all probability was Cola d’Amatrice. The most striking feature of the facade is the loggia supported by imitation tree trunks.