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Top Places to Visit in L’Aquila

Whether you are in town for a few days or you live in L’Aquila, you are bound to find something here that interests you. L’Aquila is the capital of Abruzzo and holds the singular status of being the largest city of this rural region, with a population of 70,000. Located at the base of one of the tallest mountains in Italy, it is bounded by the Apennine Mountains, which extend all the way to the boot of Italy.

10 placesLakes · Caves · CastlesCity & Province

This old town was built during the medieval era, and it was done under the Hohenstaufen dynasty, traditionally linked to Frederick II, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor — a pedigree that lets L’Aquila retain its status as an important part of history. That history is founded on several miles of countryside as well as a special local culture, and there is a whole lot to explore in this unique city. Here are a few of the finest things to seek out.

Places You Should Check Out In L’Aquila

A visit to L’Aquila will reveal unique pleasures — excellent wines and singular scenery among them. There is plenty to see even in a single day: the bright fountain, the Castle of L’Aquila, the Costa Masciarelli and the Cathedral of L’Aquila, with dozens of other delightful corners besides. Here are the places you should consider on your next visit.

01Lake Of Sinizzo

This lake is one of nature’s most distinctive gifts to this beautiful area, fed by two sources of drinking water. The remarkable Lago di Sinizzo measures about 120 metres across and is fringed by willows and weeping oaks. Sitting in San Demetrio ne’ Vestini, it is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to escape the summer heat of the city.

02Stiffe Caves

If you love history and adventure alike, the Stiffe Caves are made for you. With more than half a kilometre of walkways passing through chambers decorated with stalagmites and stalactites, this is a site you should not miss. One practical note: wear closed shoes and bring a windbreaker whatever the season — the caves hold a temperature of 10°C all year long.

03River Tirino

Located in the municipality of Capestrano, this river is reputed to be the most limpid in the whole of Europe, drawing its supply from remarkably pure spring waters. Explore it by canoe and enjoy a total immersion in nature as you go.

04Castel Del Monte

This small village ranks among the most beautiful in all of Italy — which is why it draws such crowds of visitors in summer. It is best known for the famous Night of the Witches, held each year between the 17th and 18th of August; this and other events only add to the already magical atmosphere of the town.

05Rocca Calascio

If you love nature and don’t mind climbing to the highest peaks in your quest for adventure, Rocca Calascio is the perfect destination. This is the highest fortress in all of Italy, set strategically on the Apennines — and it may interest you to know that the cult film Ladyhawke was shot within the fortress and its surroundings. Not far away stands the historic Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pietà, poised between barren mountains and meadows.

06Santo Stefano Sessanio

This village has become a tourist attraction of a rather special kind: a “widespread hotel” that takes its guests back in time. Rooms are fitted with wool mattresses made using techniques from the past, alongside furniture and blankets with origins in days gone by. The village also hosts a centre devoted to the rediscovery and study of its forgotten gastronomic culture.

07Basilica di San Bernardino

With a history reaching back to the 15th century, the Basilica di San Bernardino tells a singular story of the difficulties this city has endured — above all its earthquakes. In 1703 it was remade in the Baroque style after one such quake; in 2009 another struck, collapsing its dome. Yet it stands tall today as a beacon of hope for the city, graced with decorations by Girolamo Cenatiempo and Ferdinando Mosca.

08Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo

Housed in a castle dating to the 16th century — one loaded with a wonderful story of its own — this museum is the top choice for visitors with a deep appreciation of history. Its collections include Roman artifacts as well as other sacred and historical objects.

09Church Santa Giusta

One of the many medieval buildings lining the streets of L’Aquila, the Church Santa Giusta is among the oldest in the city, dating back to 1275. A remnant of the city’s historical roots, it is crowned by an elaborate dome and decorated within by several beautiful and valuable artworks and paintings. For anyone exploring the history and culture of the city, this is one place you must visit.

10Fontana Delle 99 Cannelle

This is, without doubt, one of the structures that has best preserved the city’s distinctive architecture. It is a long fountain composed of 99 spouts, each pouring out cold water — built to stand for the ninety-nine villages that, in the end, combined to form the city of L’Aquila as we know it today.

What are you waiting for? The city is waiting for you to discover her, and everything she has to offer. Take the first step today — and explore L’Aquila!