Ascoli Piceno

Ascoli Piceno is a city of Roman origin located in the Marche region, in central-southern Italy, along the Tronto River and nestled between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. With approximately 45,000 inhabitants, the city is renowned for its historic centre entirely built in white travertine—a local stone quarried since Antiquity—crowned by the magnificent Piazza del Popolo, considered one of the most beautiful open-air salons in Europe. Its historical heritage includes the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Cathedral of Sant'Emidio, and notable Roman remains visible in the theatre and the Solestà bridge.

In the sporting arena, Ascoli Piceno was designated European City of Sport 2025 by ACES Europe, an award recognising its comprehensive sports policy, quality facilities, and commitment to sport as a tool for social inclusion and public health. The city boasts a strong tradition in disciplines such as fencing, martial arts, athletics, and football—home to the historic Ascoli Calcio 1898 FC—and hosted in April 2026 the World Congress of Best Practices in Sport, establishing itself as a European reference point for innovative sports policies.