Sarnano's medieval centre sprawls up the hillside in a tangle of steep cobbled lanes and attractive red-brick houses. Climb to the top and you'll come to Piazza Alta, a lovely pint-sized square framed by historic buildings: Palazzo del Popolo, home of a 19th-century theatre; Palazzo dei Priori; and, most impressively, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Piazza Alta, a robust brick church with a splendid Gothic portal. All around are stirring views out to the brooding Monti Sibillini.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Musei Civici di Palazzo Buonaccorsi
19.87 MILES
Deep in the historic centre, the 17th-century Palazzo Buonaccorsi houses three of Macerata's best museums. The Museo delle Carozza boasts an extensive…
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18.7 MILES
This harmonious piazza has been Ascoli's salotto (drawing room) since Roman times. The elegant rectangular space is flanked by the Chiesa di San Francesco…
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18.82 MILES
Set around a tree-shaded courtyard, the second-largest art gallery in Le Marche sits inside the 17th-century Palazzo Comunale. The palace's aristocratic…
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18.87 MILES
Topped by a pair of mismatched towers, Ascoli's cathedral was built in the 16th century and dedicated to St Emidio, the city's patron saint. Its most…
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8.02 MILES
There's fine walking to be had in the spectacular mountain country near the village of Montefortino. A stunning, and relatively accessible route, leads…
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18.67 MILES
This monumental church, its southern flank edging onto Piazza del Popolo, is named after St Francis, who is said to have visited Ascoli in 1215. It was…
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19.87 MILES
Centred on a statue of St Benedict, Norcia's most famous son, this small piazza is flanked by the town's most impressive medieval buildings, many of which…
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19.79 MILES
Conceived as early as 1492 but not completed until 1653, Macerata's 64m-tall civic tower looms over Piazza della Libertà. It's most obvious feature is its…
Nearby Le Marche attractions
8.02 MILES
There's fine walking to be had in the spectacular mountain country near the village of Montefortino. A stunning, and relatively accessible route, leads…
18.42 MILES
This 40m-high tower is closed to the public but is the tallest of the town's medieval towers. Abutting it is the Palazzetto Longobardo, a 12th-century…
18.49 MILES
The Museo dell'Arte Ceramica traces the development of ceramic production in Ascoli and displays works from Italy's famous pottery towns, including Deruta…
4. Chiesa di San Pietro Martire
18.5 MILES
The 14th-century Chiesa di San Pietro Martire is dedicated to St Peter of Verona, the 13th-century saint who founded the Dominican community at Ascoli…
5. Galleria d'Arte Contemporanea Osvaldo Licini
18.55 MILES
Housed in an ex-convent, this gallery has a small collection of Italian contemporary art, including a number of graphic works. There are works by several…
18.67 MILES
This monumental church, its southern flank edging onto Piazza del Popolo, is named after St Francis, who is said to have visited Ascoli in 1215. It was…
18.7 MILES
This harmonious piazza has been Ascoli's salotto (drawing room) since Roman times. The elegant rectangular space is flanked by the Chiesa di San Francesco…
18.82 MILES
Ascoli's archaeological museum holds a small collection of artefacts from the Piceni and other European peoples dating back to the first centuries AD, as…