L’Aquila: Discover Churches, Art and Landscapes

For a stay in L’Aquila, you can combine culture, sacred history, nature and active experiences with different focuses. Churches and archaeological sites lead from antiquity to the modern era. At the same time, mountains, a small lake where grey herons breed, a bike rental system and various sports activities shape the options for your days on site. This makes it possible to get to know the city in a particularly varied way without limiting your stay to a single area of interest.

Churches, History and Contemporary Art

The Basilica di San Bernardino was built in the second half of the 15th century to preserve and honor the remains of Saint Bernardino, who died in L’Aquila in 1444. Its Renaissance façade was designed by Nicola Filotesio, also known as Cola dell’Amatrice, and completed in 1542. In the central nave, a carved and gilded wooden ceiling spans the space. It was completed in 1724 and supplemented with three paintings in 1732–1733.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio also commemorates a momentous event: it was built after the 1703 earthquake in memory of its victims. During restoration after the earthquake, several frescoes were uncovered in the Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, including a large early 15th-century fresco of the Crucifixion.

The Area archeologica di San Vittorino is a multilayered archaeological site with thirteen centuries of history. Its periods and architectural remains include imperial-era domus, early Christian baptisteries, a large Lombard cathedral and the Swabian period. MAXXI L’Aquila in the Palazzo Ardinghelli provides a contemporary accent. This laboratory dedicated to artistic and cultural production combines MAXXI collections of art, architecture and photography with temporary exhibitions, in-depth programs and educational projects.

The courtyard of the Palazzo Ardinghelli serves as a public space available to the city. At the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo, a significant part of the collections has returned to its former location with a modern design. The Museo del Legno is an interactive museum about the forest, traditional crafts and wood; it also covers the former production of charcoal.

Special Visitor Experiences and Practical Information

The Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is open to visitors at all times. The interior of the Forte Spagnolo is currently closed due to reconstruction. However, visitors can walk around the outside and view the architecture from the exterior. The red concert hall of the Auditorium del Parco seats approximately 250 people.

The Perdonanza Celestiniana was introduced in 1294 by Pope Celestine V. Visitors can take part in and experience it on August 28 and 29. During the Perdonanza, the Holy Door of the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio is opened every year in the evening of August 28 and closed again 24 hours later, in the evening of August 29.

Mountains, Nature and Active Days

The Gran Sasso can be reached from L’Aquila by car or bus. If you want to combine urban culture with an excursion into the mountain landscape, this accessibility is an important factor when planning your accommodation and daily activities. In L’Aquila, a bike rental system with electrically assisted bicycles is also available at several strategic points.

The Santuario della Madonna d’Appari was built between the 13th and 14th centuries between rocks and the Raiale stream. Outdoor climbing walls used for free climbing are located in the immediate vicinity. In the Riserva naturale del Vetoio, the Vetoio River forms a small lake where grey herons breed. San Donato Golf offers lessons from certified instructors both to experienced golfers and to people who are starting out in the sport.

Palaces and Mountains in the Surrounding Area

Several buildings referred to as palaces are located in the immediate vicinity of L’Aquila: Villa Silvestrella, Palazzo Pascali, Palazzo Branconio and Palazzo Farinosi Branconi. Monte Luco, a mountain, is also located nearby. Monte Pettino is likewise in the immediate vicinity of L’Aquila and is a mountain. Monte Stabiata and Monte Manicola, which are also mountains, are located in the surrounding area.

The different focuses help you choose accommodation according to the character of your trip. The churches and museums of L’Aquila may be the main focus, as may its archaeological history, the Perdonanza Celestiniana, or nature and sports experiences around the city. For your personal planning, these themes can be combined with places in the wider surrounding area:

Castel Del Monte, Camarda, Scanzano, Capitignano, Pescocostanzo, Avezzano, Monticchio, Collepietro, Sassa, Villalago, Tempera, Roccaraso, Tagliacozzo, Gioia Dei Marsi, Rocca Di Mezzo, Barisciano, Barrea, Ovindoli, Balsorano, Scanno, Preturo, Ortona dei Marsi, Bagno, Pettorano Sul Gizio, Campotosto, Scurcola Marsicana, Fontecchio, Cappadocia, Barete, Pratola Peligna, Pacentro, Santo Stefano Di Sessanio, Rocca Pia, Roccacasale, Pescasseroli, Meta, Celano, Castel Di Sangro, Rivisondoli, San Benedetto In Perillis, Opi, Foce, Lucoli Alto, Alfedena, Cansano, Pescina, Calascio, Aielli, Rocca Di Cambio, Gagliano Aterno, Introdacqua, Ateleta, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Poggio Picenze, Magliano De' Marsi, Bisegna, Civitella Alfedena, Lecce Nei Marsi, Trasacco, Villavallelonga, Montereale, San Pio delle Camere, San Giovanni Valle Roveto Superiore, L’Aquila, Stiffe, Cerchio, Assergi, Vittorito, Carapelle Calvisio, Campo Di Giove, Prezza, Castelvecchio Subequo, Mascioni, Capistrello, Raiano, Ofena, Civita D'antino, Cagnano Amiterno, Navelli, San Demetrio Ne' Vestini, Villetta Barrea, Pagliare, Lucoli, Rovere, Sant'Eusanio Forconese, Collarmele, Santi, Scontrone, Cocullo, Casentino, Corfinio, Paganica, Sulmona, Coppito, Colle Farelli, Anversa degli Abruzzi, Morino, Verrecchie, Collettara, Spineta, Capestrano, Massa D'albe, Sant'Elia, Pietransieri, Carsoli, Balsorano Nuovo, Collebrincioni, Pianelle.

For the broader travel overview: Abruzzo.