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L'Aquila

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City
—°8
L'Aquila (Italy)
ℹ️

Practical info — L'Aquila

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The city sits at over 700 meters altitude; evenings can be quite chilly even in summer, so bring a light jacket.
  • Many historical buildings are still beautifully undergoing restoration from the 2009 earthquake; please respect fenced construction zones.
  • The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a must-see masterpiece of Abruzzese Romanesque architecture.
  • Parking in the historic center is heavily restricted; use the mega-parking terminal at Lorenzo Natali and take the free elevator up.
  • Stroll under the porticoes of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which offer shelter from sun and rain while exploring.

🍽 Food

🍽
Arrosticini

Classic Abruzzo mutton skewers, served freshly grilled in the local osterias.

🍽
Zafferano dell'Aquila

The famous local saffron enhances many traditional risotto and pasta dishes in the city.

🍽
Ferratelle (Pizzelle)

Traditional, waffle-like cookies that pair perfectly with a morning coffee in a café.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Piazza Duomo Market

A lively market in the main square, offering fresh regional produce and specialties.

🛍
Botteghe del Centro

In the small boutiques around the center, you can find authentic saffron and local handicrafts.

🧘
Parco del Castello

The park surrounding the 16th-century Spanish Fort invites for a peaceful stroll.

🧘
Fontana delle 99 Cannelle

This historic fountain area is a calming spot, accompanied by the constant sound of running water.

L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region, is a city with a rich medieval history, positioned in a valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Apennine Mountains. The city is famous for its symbolic '99', reflected in its 99 squares, 99 churches, and 99 fountains, founded, according to legend, from 99 surrounding castles. Notable landmarks include the Spanish Fort, the Basilica of San Bernardino, and the Fountain of 99 Spouts (Fontana delle 99 Cannelle). L'Aquila is in a continuous process of rebirth after the devastating 2009 earthquake, and a visit supports the local community and witnesses their incredible resilience. The Abruzzese cuisine is rustic and delicious. Sample arrosticini (grilled mutton skewers), maccheroni alla chitarra (a type of egg pasta), and local cheeses like pecorino. The region is also known for its saffron and truffles. The Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano wines pair perfectly with the local dishes. L'Aquila is about 120 km northeast of Rome and is best reached by car or bus, offering a scenic drive through the mountains. The city is a year-round destination: winter has skiing in the nearby Gran Sasso, while spring and summer are handy for hiking in the Abruzzo National Parks and strolling the city's historic streets. Autumn captivates with the animated foliage colours in the surrounding mountains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4471115202323181495
Rain mm827568595846343267749084

Live webcam – L'Aquila

See what it looks like near L'Aquila right now.

L'Aquila: Piazza San Sisto · 0.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
33,691
Coordinates
42.35401, 13.39199

Facts

  • Capital of the Abruzzo region
  • Surrounded by the Gran Sasso massif
  • Famous for the legend of the '99'
  • Home to the Basilica of San Bernardino
  • Historic Spanish Fortress
  • Rebuilding after the 2009 earthquake
  • Gateway to the Gran Sasso National Park
  • Known for arrosticini and saffron

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town L'Aquila (8)

Palazzo Pascali🏰 castle

Palazzo Pascali, a castle in L'Aquila.

🕒 Tu, Th 16:00-18:00

Palazzo dell'ex GIL🏰 castle

Rationalist building built in 1929, formerly a Fascist youth center.

Porta Barete🛡️ fortress

Porta Barete is one of the historic city gates of L'Aquila.

Eremo del Beato Vincenzo⛪ religious

A secluded hermitage dedicated to the Blessed Vincenzo, in a valley near L'Aquila.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in L'Aquila?
Two days are plenty to explore the historical town center and the nearby Gran Sasso mountains.
What is the best time to visit L'Aquila?
May through September gives the most pleasant weather for hiking and sightseeing.
What is the best way to get to L'Aquila?
Traveling by bus from Rome is convenient and takes about 90 minutes through the mountains.
What are the local specialties in L'Aquila?
Be sure to try saffron risotto, as L'Aquila is famous for its high-quality saffron.
Is L'Aquila a family-friendly destination?
Yes, the town is quiet and features many parks and easy hiking trails in the surrounding area.
L'Aquila: where is it located?
L'Aquila is located in Italy.
L'Aquila: what is there to see?
Highlights include MUNDA - Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Palazzo Persichetti, Palazzo Pascali.
L'Aquila: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
L'Aquila: why is it worth visiting?
L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region, is a city with a rich medieval history, positioned in a valley surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Apennine Mountains.
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