Piazza Arringo (or “Piazza dell’Arengo”) is Ascoli’s oldest square. It is named after the “arringhe” (exhortations) public speakers used to hold out to the people from this square. During the Roman Age, it housed the forum while in the Middle Ages it was the core of both political and civil life. Its rectangular shape is embellished with two elliptic fountains featuring sculptures by Giorgio Paci. Many buildings in various styles face onto the square: the Town Hall (or “Palazzo dell’Arengo”) dates back to XIII century and today is home to the City Council and the Art Gallery, the Bishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Sant’Emidio, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and Palazzo Panichi, the site of the Archeological Museum.