· IT

L’Aquila

L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy

L'Aquila: A City Rising in the Heart of Italy Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Apennine Mountains in the Abruzzo region lies L'Aquila, a city that captivates with its resilient spirit and timeless charm. More tha…

#L'Aquila#Abruzzo#Italy#Historic city#Earthquake recovery
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into L’Aquila.

Top Hotels in L’Aquila

Top Flights to L’Aquila

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in L’Aquila.

Tours

Historical Walk in L'Aquila

Explore the rich history of L'Aquila by visiting its ancient structures and landmarks.

Shopping

Shopping at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II

Experience the local shopping scene with a variety of stores.

Outdoor

Gran Sasso National Park Adventure

Immerse yourself in nature with hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in L’Aquila.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
Information not available.
Languages
Italian, Italian
Average weather
L’Aquila
Jan
snow
6°-2°
Feb
cold
8°-1°
Mar
rain
12°1°
Apr
cloud
15°4°
May
sun
20°8°
Jun
clear
24°12°
Jul
hot
28°15°
Aug
hot
28°15°
Sep
clear
23°12°
Oct
cloud
17°8°
Nov
rain
11°3°
Dec
snow
7°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on L’Aquila.

What people love

L’Aquila, located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, offers a variety of reasons to visit. Some of the pros of traveling to L’Aquila include:

  1. Rich history and culture: L’Aquila is a city with a long history dating back to the medieval times. Visitors can explore its historic sites such as the 13th-century L’Aquila Cathedral, the Fountain of 99 Spouts, and the Spanish Fort.

  2. Stunning architecture: The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including Renaissance and Baroque buildings that line its streets. The Basilica of San Bernardino and the Church of Santa Maria di Collemaggio are must-see examples of the city’s architectural heritage.

  3. Natural beauty: L’Aquila is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Abruzzo region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the nearby national parks.

  4. Culinary delights: Abruzzo is known for its delicious cuisine, and L’Aquila is no exception. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as arrosticini (skewered lamb), pasta alla chitarra, and local cheeses and wines.

  5. Local festivals and events: L’Aquila hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the local traditions and customs firsthand.

Overall, L’Aquila offers a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore a lesser-known part of Italy.

What to know

L'Aquila, located in the Abruzzo region of Italy, is a beautiful destination with a rich history and stunning architecture. However, there are a few cons to consider when traveling to L'Aquila:

  1. Earthquake risk: L'Aquila is known for being the site of a devastating earthquake in 2009, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. While efforts have been made to rebuild and restore the city, there is still a risk of earthquakes in the region.

  2. Limited transportation options: L'Aquila is not as well-connected by public transportation as other cities in Italy. This can make it more difficult to travel to and around the city, especially for those who rely on public transportation.

  3. Limited tourist infrastructure: Compared to more popular tourist destinations in Italy, L'Aquila may have fewer tourist amenities and services available. This could impact your overall travel experience, especially if you are used to a high level of tourist infrastructure.

  4. Seasonal weather extremes: L'Aquila experiences hot summers and cold winters, with potential for snowfall in the winter months. Depending on your preferences, you may find the weather conditions in L'Aquila to be challenging during certain times of the year.

Overall, while L'Aquila is a charming and historic city, travelers should be aware of these potential cons when planning a trip to the area.

L’Aquila is a city in central Italy, serving as the capital of both the Abruzzo region and the province of L'Aquila. It has a rich history marked by significant events, notable historical figures, and important landmarks.

Early History:

  • Founding: L’Aquila was officially founded in 1254 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, although the area was inhabited during Roman times. The city was established by uniting several small villages, known as "castelli," in the area.

Medieval to Renaissance Period:

  • 13th Century: The city quickly grew in importance due to its strategic location and fertile surroundings, which facilitated agriculture and trade.
  • 15th Century: During the Renaissance, L’Aquila became a major center for wool and saffron trade. It also became known for its artistic and architectural developments.

Notable Historical Figures:

  • Celestine V: One of the most notable figures associated with L’Aquila is Pope Celestine V, who was crowned in the city in 1294. He is remembered for issuing the decree of the "Perdonanza Celestiniana," an annual religious rite granting plenary indulgence, still celebrated today.

Earthquakes and Reconstruction:

  • 1703 Earthquake: L’Aquila suffered severe damage from an earthquake in 1703, leading to extensive reconstruction in the Baroque style.
  • 2009 Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck the city on April 6, 2009, causing significant loss of life and structural damage. This event spurred a massive recovery and rebuilding effort, which continues today.

Important Landmarks:

  • Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio: This is one of L’Aquila’s most famous religious sites, known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It is the site of the annual Perdonanza.
  • Forte Spagnolo (Spanish Fort): A massive fortress built in the 16th century by the Spanish to control the city and the surrounding area.
  • Fountain of the 99 Spouts (Fontana delle 99 Cannelle): A historic fountain built in 1272, symbolizing the 99 villages that contributed to the founding of L’Aquila.
  • Palazzo dell'Emiciclo: This parliamentary building is a symbol of regional governance and was restored after the 2009 earthquake.

Modern Era:

  • L’Aquila is known for its university and cultural life. Post-earthquake reconstruction efforts have focused on restoring its historic center while modernizing infrastructure.

L’Aquila remains a city of resilience, with a rich blend of history, culture, and ongoing revitalization efforts. Despite the challenges posed by natural disasters, it continues to be a vital cultural and administrative center in Italy.