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

One of the city's most evocative spots; here the sea is scented with art, history, and tradition.

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.

Castellana Valley Entrance

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 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

Beautifully situated church, just outside the hamlet of Colle, in the hills above Ascoli Piceno. There is a spacious picnic area. Next to it is a beautifully restored 'caciara', a (shelter) hut built from loose stones, where cheeses could also be stored temporarily.

One of the most beautiful asphalt climbs in the area, the one towards Colle San Giacomo was also tackled by the Giro d'Italia: the last time in 2021, when Gino Mader won here. Here you are at about 1,100 meters, near the ski resort of Monte Piselli.