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 Introduction
Arrival Plane
There is a wide variety of daily flight connections to the Avezzano airport, with train and bus connections to L'Aquila from there.
Train
Frequent and regular train connections from Rome and Pescara to L'Aquila's main train terminal are available.
Car
L'Aquila is about a one hour drive from Rome and Pescara via highway A24.
Bus
Bus connections directly to L'Aquila from Rome, Pescara, Avezzano and all larger surrounding cities are available.
History and Culture
Right from the beginning, L'Aquila naturally became the hub of commerce and communications between the towns within the region, in no little part due to the famous via degli Abruzzi road which ran from Florence to Naples by way of L'Aquila. L'Aquila's influence was also strengthened by a federation of villages which was established in the region, each village possessing a small section of the town which was viewed as a small district of their own. L'Aquila became an important market for the surrounding countryside, abundant supplies of food being sold here from the fertile lands throughout the region. This central aspect of L'Aquila has remained essentially the same throughout its long and eventful history up to this very day, the city not only being the capital of the Abruzzo region but also the seat of the province of L'Aquila.
Churches and Museums
The beautiful Renaissance San Bernardino da Siena is truly a worthwhile visit. Built in 1472 by the famous Cola dell'Amatrice, the church houses the monumental tomb of Saint Bernard and an impressive collection of sculptures by Silvestro Ariscola.
The Duomo
Although the city's main cathedral (or Duomo) was destroyed by an earthquake in 1703, it has been lovingly rebuilt with a façade from the Nineteenth Century and is a beautiful and peaceful place to get a feel for L'Aquila's history.
S. Maria die Collemaggio
Another must-see is the beautiful church of S. Maria die Collemaggio. On the outskirts of town, this beautiful Romanesque structure in red and white marble impresses with its simple style and fine rose-window portals. Pope Celestine V lies buried in the mausoleum inside.
Palazzi Dragonetti and Persichetti
There are several palaces in town, the Palazzi Dragonetti and Persichetti being the most interesting and accessible, as well as an interesting museum boasting a fine collection of colourful service books and Roman inscriptions.
Historical buildings and monuments
At the town's highest point, the massive fortress Forte Spagnolo stands watch over the surrounding countryside. Built in 1534 by the Spanish viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo, the fortress houses the National Museum of Abruzzo.
Not far from town are the Roman ruins of Amiternum and a number of ancient monasteries and castles. The best known among them is Rocca Calascio, the highest castle in all of Italy. The nearby ski resorts at Gran Sasso attest to the area's popularity as a winter resort area for city-weary Romans, hiking and skiing in the surrounding mountains here a popular pastime.
Places of Interest
As is so popular throughout the rest of Italy, L'Aquila also has beautiful fountains it can be proud of. Just outside the city gates the Fontana delle novantanove cannelle (or fountain of 99 jets) distributes its refreshing coolness along three stone walls. The Fontana Luminosa (or luminous fountain) is sculpture of women carrying large jars.
Events
Links
City information
Abruzzo Region
Transport
Transport
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L'Aquila Travel Guide
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