Sant'Emidio Rosso
A small, striking red temple commemorating Ascoli Piceno's patron saint, Sant'Emidio, and the site of his martyrdom.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
A quiet place for reflection
Sant'Emidio Rosso
Best Time
A quiet place for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, striking red temple commemorating Ascoli Piceno's patron saint, Sant'Emidio, and the site of his martyrdom.
"A poignant stop for devotion and reflection on Ascoli's patron saint and his protective legend."
Symbolic Red Hue
The temple's vibrant red color is a powerful reminder of Sant'Emidio's martyrdom. :heart:
Pilgrimage Site
A significant spot for devotees of Sant'Emidio, Ascoli's patron saint. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red Temple
Porta Cappuccina neighborhood
A striking octagonal temple, painted red to symbolize the blood of Sant'Emidio, Ascoli's patron saint.
Martyrdom Stone
Inside the temple, beneath the altar
The preserved stone where Sant'Emidio is traditionally believed to have been beheaded.
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Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse of Devotion
Location and Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Symbolic Red Hue
The temple's vibrant red color is a powerful reminder of Sant'Emidio's martyrdom. :heart:
Pilgrimage Site
A significant spot for devotees of Sant'Emidio, Ascoli's patron saint. :pray:
Historical Context
Learn about Ascoli's history and its patron saint's protection from earthquakes. :earth_americas:
Tips
from all over the internet
Symbolic Red Hue
The temple's vibrant red color is a powerful reminder of Sant'Emidio's martyrdom. :heart:
Pilgrimage Site
A significant spot for devotees of Sant'Emidio, Ascoli's patron saint. :pray:
Historical Context
Learn about Ascoli's history and its patron saint's protection from earthquakes. :earth_americas:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sant'Emidio Rosso to be a small but significant site, deeply tied to the history and devotion of Ascoli Piceno. Its striking red color and the preserved martyrdom stone are points of particular interest, offering a quiet space for reflection on the city's patron saint and his protective legend.
"The small temple was built in 1633 on the site of a small medieval shrine.
The octagonal construction has a travertine base, while the faces of the polyhedron are colored red, in memory of the blood shed by the Martyr. Inside, under the altar, the stone is preserved on which, according to tradition, Sant'Emidio was beheaded on August 5, 309."
Cecilia G.
"The small temple of Sant'Emidio Rosso is located in the Porta Cappuccina neighborhood.
It is small and very well-kept.
It is red because it commemorates the blood shed by the saint.
Inside, under the altar, is the stone on which the saint was beheaded."
Paolo Ulpiani
"This would be the place where they beheaded the Saint according to legend. under the altar the rock used for the decapitation. nice but much better is the sanctuary housed in a cave a few tens of meters from here."
Alessandro Armiento
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sant'Emidio Rosso is located in the Porta Cappuccina neighborhood, a short distance from Ascoli Piceno's historical center. It's easily accessible by foot from the Roman Bridge, making it a pleasant stroll from the main attractions. :walking:
Parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity. It's often best to park in designated areas within Ascoli Piceno's historical center and enjoy a walk to the temple. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sant'Emidio Rosso is a small temple and typically open for visitors without an entrance fee. It's a place of devotion and reflection. :ticket:
As a small devotional site, hours can be variable. It's generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check locally if you have specific timing needs. :clock:
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The temple is painted red to commemorate the blood shed by Sant'Emidio during his martyrdom. It's a powerful visual symbol of his sacrifice. :red_circle:
According to tradition, the stone preserved under the altar is the very one on which Sant'Emidio was beheaded on August 5, 309 AD. :stone:
No, Sant'Emidio Rosso is a small, intimate temple. Its significance lies in its historical and religious importance to Ascoli Piceno and its patron saint. :smallredtriangle:
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always respectful to be mindful of others who may be there for prayer or quiet contemplation. :camera:
🎫 📜 History & Lore
Sant'Emidio is the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno, revered for protecting the city from earthquakes. He was martyred in the 4th century, and this temple marks the traditional site of his beheading. :shield:
The small temple was constructed in 1633, built upon the site of an earlier medieval shrine. :building_construction:
Legend states that Sant'Emidio was beheaded on the stone now preserved within the temple. He is said to have then picked up his head and walked to nearby caves. :legend:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Devout Visitors & History Buffs
Consider visiting in conjunction with other religious sites in Ascoli Piceno to gain a fuller understanding of the region's spiritual heritage. The temple's quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for respectful observation and reflection on the historical events it represents.
Day-Trippers from Ascoli Piceno
Combine your visit with a stroll along the river or explore the Porta Cappuccina neighborhood to experience a less-touristed side of the city. It's a quick but meaningful stop that adds depth to your understanding of Ascoli's patron saint.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Sant'Emidio
The narrative surrounding his martyrdom is particularly striking: it is said that after being beheaded on the stone now housed within the temple, Sant'Emidio miraculously picked up his head and carried it to a nearby cave. This act of resilience and divine intervention has cemented his status as a powerful protector of Ascoli Piceno, with many locals attributing the city's relative survival through numerous earthquakes to his intercession. This deep-rooted faith is palpable when visiting sites dedicated to him.
Visiting Sant'Emidio Rosso offers a tangible connection to this enduring legend. The temple's distinctive red hue is a constant reminder of the saint's sacrifice, and the preserved stone beneath the altar serves as a focal point for reflection and prayer. It's a place where history, faith, and local identity converge, offering a unique insight into the spiritual heart of Ascoli Piceno.
Architectural and Symbolic Significance
Inside, the focal point is the altar, beneath which lies the sacred stone. This stone is not merely a relic; it is the very instrument of Sant'Emidio's martyrdom, according to local tradition. Its presence transforms the temple from a mere building into a sacred space, a direct link to a pivotal moment in the city's history and religious narrative. The simplicity of the interior design emphasizes the solemnity of the site, encouraging contemplation and reverence.
The temple's location in the Porta Cappuccina neighborhood, near the ancient Roman Bridge, also adds to its historical context. While not in the immediate heart of the Renaissance-era Piazza del Popolo, its placement connects it to the older layers of Ascoli Piceno's urban fabric. This positioning allows visitors to experience a different facet of the city, one that is deeply rooted in its patron saint and the legends that surround him.
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