Residenza Cento Torri

Ascoli Piceno

www.centotorri.com

Painting and review are copyrighted work by Ginda Simpson

www.gindasimpson.com

The simple, unadorned stone exterior of this hotel gives little hint of what lies beyond the entrance to this newly restored aristocratic mansion in the heart of Ascoli Piceno, city of a hundred towers, and hence its name.   Owned by the Tassi family, the 18^th century mansion and stables was purchased by Signor Tassi over half a century ago.  At that time, the stables became a workshop for his business and the remainder of the building housed his offices.  An adjoining building, parts of which date back to the 13^th century, was once an Augustinian convent and orphanage.  These were transformed into their private residence.

The Tassi family painstakingly restored the structure, a task that took four years to complete, before opening it as a hotel in 2007.  Upon entering this residenza, three descriptive words come to mind: luminous, serene, elegant – a theme that is carried through without interruption from reception, to breakfast garden, to each bedroom suite.  Light oak parquet flooring and cream-colored walls are enhanced by the generous use of the local travertine marble throughout the structure.  Signora Tassi, who has a deep appreciation for the architectural treasure that this building is, used her artistic flair to blend the ancient and the modern into a most satisfying, harmonious complex, where antique furnishings compliment modern fittings.  I personally have always loved a white on white interior and my room with its shifting tints of white and cream is pleasing to the eye and restful to the spirit.

Signora Tassi shares her tremendous talent for decorating and hospitality by offering a myriad of catering services, from an intimate dinner for two, to a romantic wedding reception in the cloistered garden of the old convent, and every conceivable festive or business event in between.  By personally overseeing hospitality at Cento Torri, she caters to making dreams a reality.  For guests whose dream it is to sojourn in an exclusive suite or apartment in this fabulous historical residence, this too can be arranged.

Breakfast in an enclosed cortile, is filled with the scent of good coffee, sweet pastries and the sweet sound of trickling water coming from a marble basin fountain set amid exotic greenery, giving the space the feel of a garden within a room.  Details are everything here, in the décor and in the faithful attention to comfort and service, and these details are what add to the memories that guests take home with them.

Cento Torri is within walking distance of the extraordinarily beautiful Piazza del Popolo, the famous Café Meletti, and the Duomo, making it an excellent home from which to visit this very lovely city.  Secure, private parking is available.