Asiago

The unique orographic configuration of the Asiago Plateau favoured the development of more than 500 kilometres of cross-country ski runs. Asiago is situated at a short distance from Asiago Airport and it can be easily reached from all the main European cities. Thanks to the artificial snow making-machines, it is possible to go skiing even when snowfalls are scarce. Ski instructors are at your disposal. You can also relax in one of the many local baite (chalets), bars and restaurants situated near the slopes providing skiers with refreshments and snacks. In addition to skiing, Altopiano di Asiago offers a wide range of other outdoor activities, including: horseback riding in the snow, dog-sledding competitions and ice-skating. Are you ready for a very exciting holiday? Ascoli Piceno is a town in the Marche region, capital of the homonymous province. The town lays between Tronto River and the Apennines at about 25 km far from the Adriatic Coast. The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, commerce and industry. Other important resources are those enterprises providing various services to the surrounding upland municipalities. The whole area was inhabited since the remote past. The town was originally a Picean area and in the III century B.C. it became a Roman centre. It was ravaged by many barbarian invasions including the Lombards. Afterwards it became part of the Duchy of Spoleto, and ultimately it was the Roman Catholic Church Bishops to gain influence and power inside the city even when Ascoli Piceno became a free commune. The main architectural and cultural attractions are the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo (Palace of the People's Captains) built in the 13th century, the superb Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo ed Anastasio, the wonderful Fortezza Pia (fortress), the Palazzotto longobardo (Lombard Palace) in proto-Romanesque style, the grand Forte Malatesta (Malatesta fortress). Other important sites are the famous Torre degli Ercolani (Ercolani Tower), the characteristic square Piazza del Popolo, the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre, the old Ponte di Cecco (Cecco bridge) and the Chiesa di San Francesco in Gothic style. Other important cultural sites are the prestigious Galleria d’Arte contemporanea (Contemporary Art Gallery), the interesting Pinacoteca civica (Municipal Picture Gallery), the great Museo diocesano (Diocesan Museum), the Museo di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum) and the impressive Museo archeologico statale (National Archeological Museum). Among the main folkloristic events there are the celebrations in honour of the patron saint Sant'Emidio and the annual Torneo cavalleresco della Quintana (Quintana Tournament).