The best city hikes and walks in Ponte D'Arli

The Ponte di Cecco is a structure of Roman origin (1st century BC) that crosses the Castellano river. It owes its name to a legend according to which the poet Cecco d'Ascoli built it in a single night with the help of the devil, although historically it was restored in 1349 by Mastro Cecco Aprutino. The small house visible in the middle of the bridge was originally the "toll house": it served as a guard post to collect tolls and housed the hinges of the gate that closed the access to the city.

Located in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, the Giardini dell'Episcopio are an ancient episcopal space recently reopened to the public. The area is now perfectly maintained, with neat paths and lush vegetation offering an oasis of tranquility in the historic center. In the center, we find a monumental circular basin fountain housing goldfish, often referred to simply as the putto (or bambino) fountain due to the travertine sculpture that tops it. At the far end of the gardens, there is also a small structure used for breeding doves.

The Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, located in the monumental Piazza Arringo, is the main place of worship in Ascoli Piceno. The building is a fascinating historical palimpsest that blends remains of a Roman civil basilica with Romanesque structures and a Renaissance facade designed by Nicola Filotesio. The real treasure, however, is hidden in its underground: the Crypt of Sant'Emidio. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the largest in Italy and houses the remains of the Patron Saint within a precious 4th-century Roman sarcophagus. The environment, a suggestive 'forest' of about 60 travertine and marble columns, is enriched by a cycle of modern mosaics that narrate the Saint's protection of the city during World War II. Recent restorations have also brought to light rare medieval frescoes and portions of an ancient 14th-century cemetery.

Piazza del Popolo in Ascoli is often called the 'Living Room of Italy'. It is a Renaissance masterpiece characterized by its travertine paving, which gives it a unique elegance. Its rectangular shape is framed by a loggia of 59 arches and crenellated palazzi. The historic heart of the city, it hosts the Palazzo dei Capitani, the Church of San Francesco, and the historic Caffè Meletti. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

In Piazza del Popolo stands the historic Caffè Meletti; the interiors retain the original Art Nouveau style, with period furnishings and decorations. The establishment is known for Anisetta Meletti, an anise liqueur produced for over a century.

Beautiful bridge, dating back to the Augustan era.

Beautiful Art Nouveau interior. In mid-September, we're the only guests inside, enjoying the ambiance, friendly service, and special ice cream flavors. The toilet, integrated into the vanity, offers glimpses of old foundations.

In the center of Piazza Roma, on a podium formed by two steps, stands the base of overlapping stone ashlars. The central band of the main front of the base bears the dedicatory inscription. Symmetrically, on the opposite side, the coat of arms of the municipality is sculpted, in the center of a garland. Above, on a travertine pedestal decorated with dentils, stands the bronze statue, personification of the Fatherland, dressed in a tunic and armed. The gaze is slightly turned to the right, the right leg in front of the left. The arms stretched along the body hold a club and embrace the shield. The head is uncovered and adorned with a band that holds the hair (c) https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/1100264225