With a continuous history dating from the Sabine tribe in the 9th century BC, Ascoli Piceno is one of Le Marche’s most refined and attractive towns. Its historic centre, mercifully flat after so many steeply stacked hillside towns, is a charming pocket of medieval streets punctuated by grand churches and photogenic piazzas. There’s a sense of grandeur here too, especially on its central squares: Piazza Arringo and Piazza del Popolo. Foodies are in for a treat: Ascoli is the birthplace of Italy’s much-loved olive all'ascolana (meat-stuffed fried olives) and wherever you go in town you’re never far from a tempting takeaway or trendy bar.