Pia Fortress

History of the Pia Fortress

Colle dell'Annunziata has been an important place for the defense of the area since pre-Roman times. Perhaps as early as the Picene-Sabine period, the old stronghold stood on the height known as Colle Pelasgico. It was destroyed by Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo and rebuilt in Roman times. Later the citadel was dismantled by the Lombards and rebuilt by the Comune of Ascoli between 1185 and 1195. When Ascoli fell to Frederick II, the fortress was demolished for the third time. In 1349 Galeotto Malatesta, lord of the town, had it restored.

Its present form is due to the work of Pius IV in 1560. Sloping bastions were added on the southern side and the other fronts were rebuilt. The eastern bastions were pushed forward to allow crossfire in defense of the entrance. The work was completed by the Lombard masters Antonio Luchini and Giovanni Angelo di Marco, known as Bonera, while Silvestro Galeotti of Ascoli was commissioned to cast the cannons. The cost fell on the people of Ascoli, who had to contribute three days of labor a year. The building work went on for the following five or six years.

The fortress was linked to the bulwarks of Porta Romana by a walkway built into the double ring of walls. In 1799 it was dismantled by the French and then used as a stone quarry. It was bought by the municipality in 1857.

What to see at the Pia Fortress

The most recognizable feature is the rusticated entrance portal. It is topped by the papal coat of arms and bears an inscription recalling the work of Pius IV. It stands between the two bastions that defended the entrance.

Of the old stronghold, the tower guarding Porta Summa, the western curtain wall and part of the southern one are still clearly visible. To the north the walls run alongside the road that passes through Porta Summa toward the mountains. To the west the fortress joins the town walls, which drop steeply toward the Porta Romana bastion.

The view is another reason to visit: the fortress occupies the highest point in town. Just below is the Torre del Cucco. In recent years the complex has been fitted with new lighting.

How to visit the Pia Fortress

Access to the interior is the point to check. In July 2025 work began on an archaeological walk from Porta Gemina up to the fortress.

The restoration project is worth €5.3 million. It includes restoring the fortress, tourist services inside and a viewpoint on the tower. Once the work is completed, the fortress is expected to reopen, with a museum.

The fortress has already opened on special occasions. During the FAI Spring Days (Giornate FAI di Primavera) of 2022 it welcomed more than 2,000 visitors, with a guided route. Before setting off, it is best to ask the Ascoli Piceno tourist office about openings, events and guided tours.

Where the Pia Fortress is

The Pia Fortress is in Ascoli Piceno, at the top of Colle dell'Annunziata. It can be reached by car or on foot via the Scalinata dell'Annunziata, a stairway that ends in front of the entrance, in a square shaded by trees.

On the way up is the former convent of the Annunziata, a large 15th-16th-century complex with a church and two cloisters. The former refectory holds a large fresco by Cola dell'Amatrice, the Ascent to Calvary, from 1519. The address is in the information box on this page.

Near the Pia Fortress

The hill is partly occupied by the shady Parco della Rimembranza, from which the town and the valley of the Castellano stream can be seen. Just below the square of the Annunziata church are remarkable Roman ruins, known as the Annunziata Caves.

The walls link the fortress to Porta Romana, also known as Porta Gemina, along the route of the archaeological walk now being created. To continue the visit in town, the page about things to do in Ascoli Piceno suggests more stops.