The best traffic-free bike rides around Monte dell'Ascensione

Il Tempietto di Sant’Emidio alle Grotte was built in a secluded, slightly hilly location, but still very close to the urban area of Ascoli Piceno. It was by popular demand that it was decided to entrust the project to the sculptor and architect Giuseppe Giosafatti, who convinced everyone with a very original design, definable in Baroque style, but which goes beyond canonical descriptions. Some define the work, completed and consecrated in 1720, as "little Petra", for the beautiful shape of the facade, but also and above all for its integration into the tuff wall, just as the rock-hewn facades that make up the archaeological site of Petra in Jordan are. The interior, substantially unchanged over the centuries, consists of ancient caves dug into the tuff rock. So, everything starts from the caves. What is known is that, as early as the year 250, there were interconnected caves. The story, partly with legendary aspects, has it that the remains of the current Patron Saint of Ascoli Piceno, Sant’Emidio, were kept in those caves for seven centuries (currently the saint's remains are in the crypt of the city's cathedral). It goes without saying that the place, as it was in its simplicity, with only the addition of a small altar in the main cave, became a place of pilgrimage and an oratory for worship and prayer. Then there was the great earthquake of L'Aquila in 1703, which produced seismic swarms for entire months that also troubled the citizens of Ascoli, albeit without victims. For this reason, due to the conviction that the saint had protected the city, the idea of creating an ex-voto in the burial place, in that tuff oratory, developed. The rest is history.

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.

The medieval village is perched on a travertine cliff overlooking the Castellano River valley below. From the belvedere garden and the village streets, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, including the dam and the Talvacchia Lake basin.

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.

The Lombards settled on this easily defended rocky ridge high above the Castellano river. The necropolis left by the Germans is truly special and is one of the greatest finds of the early Middle Ages. Later, the monastery played an important role and gave the economy a new boost, until it came under the administration of the city of Ascoli between the 12th and 14th centuries. The high rocky ridge gives the place a special character. The village is accessed through the only remaining gate and is characterized by a series of narrow streets that connect the various squares until they meet at the church of San Lorenzo with its bell tower. Every space has been skilfully used by the various houses that have arisen over the centuries. They are anchored in the rocks and lean against each other. This has created several breathtaking views in the few gaps between the houses, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding panorama.

The evocative and unique Sanctuary Tempietto di Sant'Emidio alle Grotte represents a splendid example of Baroque religious art in the Marche. It is defined as "alle grotte" because it is built against the caves of the ancient Christian necropolis. It is secluded from the urban context, in a place rich in vegetation and silence. Here it is said that the decapitated Saint miraculously brought his own head to be buried. This place of Emidian worship was rediscovered in 1721 when the people of Ascoli wanted to thank their Patron Saint for the protection granted in the earthquake of 1703. The most renowned local architect of the time, Giuseppe Giosafatti, created his project for this purpose: he brought the early Christian caves to light by crumbling the rocky part which was then covered with a delicately sculpted travertine facade. (c) https://letsmarche.it/-/santuario-di-s.-emidio-alle-grotte-2