The history of Ascoli Piceno is entirely encapsulated in the Renaissance Piazza del Popolo. This is where locals go for a walk, and the site for cultural events such as the Quintana, a historical jousting re-enactment with flag throwers, ladies in waiting, archers and musicians who parade around the piazza before the tournament begins.
The piazza, which is rectangular in shape, stands at the crossroads of Corso Giuseppe Mazzini and Via del Trivio. The space is dominated by the façade of Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, Caffè Meletti, and the Gothic shape of the Church of St. Francis, next to Lazzaro Morelli’s altarpiece. The rest of the perimeter is framed by a loggia with 59 arches and small Renaissance buildings brought to life by covered walkways and crenelations. The piazza is paved with travertine stone slabs which produce a beautiful mirror effect when it rains.
The piazza took on its current architectural design in the early 16th century, when Governor Raniero de' Ranieri made changes with state funding in 1507.When the colonnade was completed in 1509, private citizens were given the opportunity to extend their buildings upwards, but they had to follow certain rules. They could raise their building by just one floor above the colonnade to ensure that the height of the buildings remained uniform; they were to use travertine stone for the windows and red brick for ceilings and houses. The so-called Lombard-style window model, framed windows with round gables and palmette decorations, was designed by Bernardino di Pietro da Carona. The Ghibelline merlons were added later.
Marche Film Commission — Fondazione Marche Cultura
Piazza Cavour 23 — 60121 Ancona
Phone: +39 071 9951 623/624/625
Email: silvia.pincini@fondazionemarchecultura.it
