The best road cycling routes in Ascoli Piceno

Amidst the allure of maritime history and tradition, today the port is not only a hub for commercial fishing but also for nautical tourism, with a vibrant fish market that attracts buyers from across the region. The city celebrates its maritime tradition through the Maritime Museum, which hosts exhibits on the history of local fishing, traditional tools, and accounts of the fishermen's lives. The port continues to be a symbol of the local community, representing the fusion of tradition and modernity.

A true open-air museum of modern art on the tourist pier of San Benedetto del Tronto

Excellent cycle path

Lovely route through beautiful landscape, hilly with beautiful views. Lunch in Ascoli Piceno at Caffé Meletti almost a must.

The Museum of Art on the Sea (MAM), located on the beautiful south pier of the city, is a permanent open-air exhibit of contemporary works of art, with an impressive display of 135 sculptures and 10 wall paintings. The artworks, signed by more than 130 different artists coming from every corner of the country and from all over the world, were created during the past editions of the “Scultura Viva” (Living Sculpture) International Sculpture and Painting Symposium, held in San Benedetto since 1997. Works by Mario Lupo, Marcello Sgattoni, Genti Tavanxhiu and Giuseppe Straccia are also exhibited on the pier. Commissioned by “Circolo dei Sambenedettesi”, a local association for the conservation of the city’s cultural heritage, and completed in year 1986, a monument by Mario Lupo proudly stands as the biggest piece in the exhibition: an eight metres high bronze sculpture dedicated to Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Visiting the Museum of Art on the Sea is a really unique experience, not only because of its exhibit, but also thanks to its beautiful setting: a graceful promenade stretching out into the open sea, for a length of over one kilometre. The first half of the walk is dedicated to sculpture, showcasing bas-reliefs, high reliefs and sculptures in the round, created by the artists who took part in the “Scultura Viva” International Symposium and carved on the travertine stone blocks acting as a breakwater on one side of the pier. On the opposite side, one single and bizarre artwork can be found, the creation of local artist Marcello Sgattoni: a fountain made of concrete and river pebbles representing a girl from whose breasts drinking water flows, a celebration of water as the source of all life. The second half of the walk is dedicated to street art painting. On the huge concrete blocks fringing the final stretch of the pier, 10 wonderful murals were painted by renowned artists from all over the world. The Museum of Art on the Sea is always open and free to visit at any time. (c) https://www.comunesbt.it/museodelmare/Engine/RAServePG.php/P/25241MDM0316/L/1

Place of peace and tranquility, also present a source with fresh water

At the end of the road, quite unexpectedly, there is this church in the middle of the forest. There are a few simple restaurants and several picnic areas with tables, benches and barbecues on the river bank. In summer it is certainly a popular place, but in autumn and winter it is rather quiet and lonely. We did the small circular walk, but be careful, the path is not marked, is partly overgrown and goes jaggedly uphill and then downhill again. Non-slip shoes are recommended.

Even today it is the civil and religious centre of Ascoli, marked by the presence of the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace and the Town Hall known as the Arengo.