Ascoli Piceno Italy

Piazza Arringo

The square has always represented the center of municipal power. The name derives from the fact that population held there the harangues, the political speeches, in the Middle Ages. A building, known as Arringo of medieval origin, existed on the southern side of the square and was to be used for the assemblies of the People's Council. It was incorporated later upon construction into the Town Hall or Senior House. Throughout the various centuries the square has witnessed the most important events in the political, religious and social history of the city. A tradition wants that here was located the ancient Forum of Asculum, and during the early medieval era there was a giant elm tree, under whose branches those who wanted to discuss about res pubblica would meet. During a night in this square were born the Statuti del Popolo, the best expression of democracy Ascoli had ever had (1335). The square has also been a parade ground of jousts and tournaments for public holidays and feasts, of which the most memorable was Menechina Soderini's (1464).
The perfectly rectangular boundary lines of the square are delimited by Baptistery, Cathedral, Vescovado (bishop's Palace), Town Hall, Panichi Palace now seat of the Archeological Museum, Fonzi Palace and other houses of minor artistic value. In 1882 in the centre of the square was erected a monument dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuele II by Nicola Cantalamessa, then removed after last war and placed in Giardini Pubblici. Now the square is embellished by fountains, made by Jecini with elliptic basins and sculptures by Giorgio Paci (1820-1914).

Go To Virtual Tour di Ascoli Piceno