Travelcast Piceno - Audio & Video Guide per la Provincia di Ascoli Piceno

From the Monterone, we back-track for a short distance along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, then turn onto Via Cavour near the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery). Following this route, we enter several characteristic streets of Ripatransone, which lead to the vicinity of its school complexes .
Via Cavour ends in front of the Church of San Filippo, which is a beautiful example of late Baroque architecture by the Roman architect, Franceso Massari, a student of Francesco Borromini. The Baroque style of Borromini  influenced the architecture of new churches and oratories constructed by the Order under Filippo Neri, and as many as 27 new buildings were built in this style towards the end of the seventeenth century.

The churches are characterized by the presence of a single nave, with numerous lateral chapels to give movement to their interior space, and which are enlivened by grand paintings and decorative elements in white and polychromatic stucco. In the third chapel to the left, the relics of San Filippo Neri are preserved. Only in Rome can more evidence be found concerning the life of the inventor of oratories.
From its foundation at the end of the seventeenth century until the twentieth century, the Church of San Filippo was further enriched by works of art, with the most recent additions being work by the artist Uno Gera.
After our visit to the Church, we can follow signs for the elementary schools and middle schools, which will lead us outside the city walls of Ripatransone. This offers an external view of the town and brings us to the Complesso delle Fonti (Complex of Fountains), dating back to the  XV and XVII centuries.
This space was clearly used for military purposes and presents the best-preserved portion of the city wall of Ripatransone. Over time, however, the vast courtyard was modified and became a public bathhouse, with tubs that are still operable.
Access to the courtyard is available through the Porta San Domenico (the first to the right) and the Porta Cuprense, from which one exits the historic complex, leading back towards the town Post Office.
The “Teatro all’aperto delle Fonti” (Outdoor Theater of the Fountains), with its wide steps, leading up from the curtyard was created. During the summer, outdoor jazz and rock concerts are organized there, as well as operas. It has proved to be one of the main town attractions, particularly because of its fascinating setting.
In the vicinity of the Porta Cuprense an area has been set up for campers, while along the road leading down from the post office, the Quercus Park (Oak Park) was recently initiated. An adventure park situated in the greenery of the so called “Selva dei Frati” (Woods of the Monks),  contains typical shrubbery from Mediterranean region.
Passing through Porta San Domenico, we begin a climb that, through several of the more characteristic streets of Ripatransone, will lead us to the squares where we first started our walk. Along the flight of steps, we can stop to admire the view of the Fountains from above.
At the bottom of the steps, we end up in front of the convent of the Teresiane nuns, at the base of the Sant’Angelo neighborhood, where we find the Churches of San Michele Arcangelo and of San Pastore.

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