A Pastel Jewel

Posted by Valerie Schneider, Panorama Italy

Ascoli Piceno is a monumental city, made that way first by the Romans and then by the “captains of the people,” the power brokers who ruled the province during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period.  Public buildings were constructed to impress and to display the city’s prominence.  Private palaces and churches were also designed to be imposing.  The entire city center was built using stately travertine quarried from nearby hills, furthering the impression of noble importance.

 The use of cream-colored travertine gives Ascoli Piceno an air of solidity and classic splendor.  The marble-like stone is carved into decorative embellishments while immense blocks of it are used for the public structures.  

With such grand, commanding edifices around town, it is refreshing to set eyes upon the graceful Caffe Meletti.  The inviting rose-hued building with delicate-looking tables and arched porch helps bring the city back down to a human scale.

Situated on Ascoli Piceno’s much beloved Piazza del Popolo, the Caffe Meletti is the grand dame of the city’s meeting places – a place to linger over drinks or throw back a quick cappuccino.  The historic hang-out has been featured in a number of films and has played a starring role in the daily life of the Ascolani for a century.

The pink Neoclassic building boasts a frescoed portico, elegant arches, and pastel seating on the piazza, giving it a front-row seat to the people parade and daily activity of the town.  Inside it is marked by marble-topped tables, warm woods, towering mirrors and a graceful spiral staircase, all original fixtures. The entire place oozes charm and speaks of sophistication.  The Meletti has been designated on the roster as one of Italy’s 150 historic caffes.

Built in 1884 to house the post office, it was transformed into a cafè and distillery by Silvio Meletti, who began producing his now-famous anisette. It was immediately heralded as rich and refined, and quickly become the town’s favorite meeting point, watering hole, and elegant indulgence- a place where even a simple coffee seems special.

In the morning, the draw is the pasticceria, where buttery croissants and fruit-filled pastries are washed down with well-crafted cappuccini.  At lunchtime, daily specials are served piazza-side.  Pre-dinner drinks are served with flourish and a nice sampling of nibbles.  For the after-dinner crowd, decadent anisette-infused desserts are offered. 

One century after its debut, it is still serving the illustrious, the infamous, and the average joes, and giving a pastel personal touch to a monumental town.

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Valerie Schneider is a travel professional turned freelance writer and tour guide who moved to Ascoli Piceno in the beautiful region of Le Marche in 2006. She and her husband Bryan operate Panorama Italy, planning personalized journeys so travelers can experience the colors and flavors of a little known corner of Italy. Walking tours, winery visits, and genealogy trips are just a few of their offerings. Visit Panorama Italy for more information on this beautiful place and how Valerie and Bryan can help you experience it personally