L'Aquila

Nestled in the Apennine Mountains, L'Aquila is a city of resilience and rebirth, with a rich medieval heritage and a vibrant cultural scene. Its historic centre, still bearing the scars of the 2009 earthquake, is gradually reopening, revealing stunning architecture and a palpable sense of community. This is a place where you can wander through centuries-old piazzas, sample hearty Abruzzo cuisine, and explore the surrounding Gran Sasso National Park.

Highlights & What to See

• Piazza del Duomo: The heart of the city, dominated by the partially restored Cathedral of San Massimo and the surrounding palazzos. It's the perfect spot for a coffee or gelato.
• Forte Spagnolo: A massive 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views over the city and mountains. The courtyard often hosts concerts and events.
• Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio: A stunning Romanesque-Gothic church with a striking pink-and-white façade, symbolising the city's medieval glory. The Porta Santa is opened once a year for the Perdonanza Celestiniana festival.
• Fontana delle 99 Cannelle: A quirky fountain with 99 spouts, each representing a castle of the region. It's a favourite photo spot and a testament to local lore.
• Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo: Housed in the Forte Spagnolo, this museum showcases archaeological finds, medieval sculptures, and contemporary art, offering insights into the region's history.
• Gran Sasso National Park: Just a short drive away, this park offers hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and the highest peaks in the Apennines. The Campo Imperatore plateau is a stunning high-altitude plain.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least two days to explore L'Aquila's historic centre and its main attractions. A third day allows for a full-day excursion into the Gran Sasso National Park or a visit to the charming hilltop villages of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio. If you're short on time, a single day can cover the highlights, but you'll miss the surrounding natural beauty.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Santo Stefano di Sessanio: A beautifully restored medieval village with a unique atmosphere and excellent local cuisine.
• Rocca Calascio: Home to one of Italy's most dramatic hilltop fortresses, used as a filming location for Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose.
• Campo Imperatore: A vast high-altitude plain with hiking trails and a cable car to the summit of Monte Aquila.
• Sulmona: A charming town known for its confetti (sugared almonds) and the birthplace of the poet Ovid.
• Pescara: The coastal capital of Abruzzo, offering beaches and a lively seafront promenade, about 90 minutes away by car.
• Parco Nazionale della Maiella: Another stunning national park with deep gorges, ancient hermitages, and excellent hiking.

Please check official sources for current details.