On the spur of the moment, having to go to Norcia for other reasons, we decided to make a day out of it and go on to Ascoli through the new tunnel which greatly reduces the driving time. We ignored the dismal weather prediction, confident (or bolstered by wishful thinking!) that, as so often happens in this area, that it was wrong! After our business in Norcia and after a PLEASANT stop to buy all the specialties for home AND for a picnic later, we continued on to Ascoli.
Picnic fare
When we first arrived, energized by a ray of bright sun, we left jackets and umbrellas in the car. Soon after, when we were a good distance away from the car, it began to rain, actually to downpour. We spent our entire time dashing in the rain from one sight to another, taking refuge here and there, knowing that the distance to the car made it unfeasible to try to go and fetch both!
The main square - the Piazza del Popolo BEFORE the rain!
Ducking the rain under ominous and threatening black skies AND the mud of the prevalent construction sites, we visited a dark San Francesco and San Pietro Martire on our way to the church we most wanted to see: Ss. Vincenzo and Anastasio from the XI century, an excellent example of Romanesque architecture with its slightly later Gothic portal and campanile, its three-naved interior, its outstanding VI century crypt and some significant remnants of XIV century frescoes.
After a wet walk, we excitedly approached only to find that it is NOT visitable. We scurried around to close-by convents and to priests of other churches to determine who had the keys and who could open the church for a visit...but to no avail. What a disappointment!
the campanile of Ss. Vicenzo e Anastasio
the exquisite portal
a detail of the stunning portal with its Romanesque sculptures
We made our way back through medieval streets and buildings to the Piazza del Popolo, by now, drenched. We decided to seek respite AND to try the typical Ascolana mixed fried platter, Il Frittissimo, for lunch at the inviting Meletti Bar on the Piazza del Popolo
a delightful lunch of typical Frittissimo at the historic, atmospheric Liberty style Meletti bar on the Piazza del Popolo with a glass of white wine, some strong coffee and some time to dry off
Even finding our way out of town back to the highway, very unusual for my expert Maurizio, presented a problem. Not the day we had envisioned or hoped for...a day which prompted us, however, to say: "We will have to come back!"
Comments (1)
What a lovely piazza and the portal is really dramatic. I don't know very much about Ascoli Piceno but it looks like a really striking town!
Posted by sandrac | May 28, 2008 4:13 PM
Posted on May 28, 2008 16:13