Casalena, Ascoli Piceno

History of Casalena in Ascoli Piceno

A tradition traces the founding of Casalena to exiles from Ascoli fleeing the barbarian invasions. The first written record, however, dates from 1302, when the settlement was already part of the territory governed by Ascoli. In medieval land registers Casalena appears with its own statute and coat of arms, under the jurisdiction of the district of Montadamo.

The road to Castel di Croce once passed through here. When the route above the badlands (calanchi) deteriorated, the village emptied out. Later, other houses were built below the walls.

What to see in Casalena

The main point of interest is the castle, with its circuit of walls and the castle gate. Behind the fortified entrance is a covered space from which the village's inner lanes branch off. Inside the walls a few buildings of some historical importance are still standing, mostly along the line of the walls.

The hamlet also has the Church of San Flaviano in Ascoli Piceno and the church of Sant'Antonio Abate. San Flaviano, the parish church, is a small building whose origins go back to the mid-16th century, and it holds frescoes from the same century. In July 2026 the permanent conference for reconstruction approved local strengthening work on the church, as part of the recovery of buildings damaged by the 2016 earthquake.

How to visit Casalena

The most natural route starts from the ramp that circles the remains of the walls and climbs up to the castle gate. From there it continues into the inner lanes. Since much of the village is in ruins, it is wise to move with care.

Where Casalena is

Casalena lies in the northern part of the municipality of Ascoli Piceno. The only road, a small one, starts from Morignano and crosses the steep valley that separates the two villages.

Near Casalena in Ascoli Piceno

To the east, Casalena borders the village of Monsampietro, a hamlet of Venarotta, at 520 m. It still has the old walls of its castle and a 16th-century building, Palazzo Tondi, with fine decorations. Within the territory of Ascoli Piceno you can also visit the Cartofaro Castle. Other destinations in the city are on the page things to do in Ascoli Piceno.