L’Aquila: Art, History and Routes to Gran Sasso

Art, History and Landscapes around L’Aquila

L’Aquila combines impressive buildings, art and archaeological history with excursions into the Gran Sasso landscape.

From Contemporary Art to Antiquity

MAXXI L’Aquila is housed in Palazzo Ardinghelli. The rooms of the palazzo house works from the MAXXI collection as well as changing exhibitions on art, architecture and photography. The MuNDA covers a different historical span, housing a selection of works from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The museum also offers engaging guided tours and discovery activities for children. You can therefore plan your visit according to your interest in modern art, architecture, photography or broader historical developments.

Educational activities for families and school groups are available in the Archaeological Park of Amiternum. The history of the site goes back a long way: the theatre was first built in the second half of the 1st century BC. Later, toward the end of the 1st century AD, the Roman amphitheatre followed; there were also temples and other richly decorated buildings. The combination of archaeological evidence and educational activities gives families and groups a tangible way to engage with the past.

Basilicas and Living Cultural Heritage

The Basilica di Collemaggio is characterised by the double white and pink colouring of marble from Genzano di Sassa. According to tradition, Pope Celestine V was crowned there in 1294. The basilica is also located at the arrival and departure point of the Tratturo Magno between L’Aquila and Foggia. The celebration The Celestinian Forgiveness is also included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Visitors can attend and take part in the Perdonanza Celestiniana on 28 and 29 August.

The Basilica di San Bernardino was reopened to the public in 2015 after being damaged by the 2009 earthquake. Access to the Forte Spagnolo, by contrast, remains restricted: it is still closed due to reconstruction. Visitors can, however, walk around the exterior and view the architecture from outside.

Route to Gran Sasso and Nature in the Surrounding Area

The Destinazione Gran Sasso route begins in L’Aquila city centre or at the exit of the A/24 motorway. Outside the city walls, it covers around 30 km in total and can be travelled by car and, in part, on foot. Gran Sasso can be reached from L’Aquila by car or bus. If you are planning a hotel in L’Aquila as the base for your days away, you can combine cultural destinations in the city with this route and an excursion into the mountain landscape, without limiting the trip to just one type of experience.

The Riserva naturale del Vetoio is also located nearby, where the Vetoio River forms a small lake. L’Aquila therefore appeals not only to travellers who want to visit museums and basilicas, but also to you if you want to include paths, a waterside landscape and Gran Sasso in your plans during your stay.

More Destinations

Poggio Picenze, Rovere, Collepietro, Gagliano Aterno, Tempera, Lucoli Alto, Balsorano, Civita D'antino

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