- The city was founded in the 13th century as a confederation of several surrounding castles, each of which was required to build a piazza and a church in the new city center.
- L'Aquila is one of the highest provincial capitals in Italy, sitting at an elevation of approximately 714 meters above sea level.
- The city hosts the Perdonanza Celestiniana, a historic jubilee event recognized by UNESCO, which dates back to 1294.
- Local tradition dictates that the city is divided into quarters, each with its own historic identity and communal duties dating back to the medieval foundation.
- L'Aquila has been a focal point for seismic engineering and restoration studies globally due to its complex recovery process following the 2009 earthquake.
About L'Aquila
L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region, is defined by its unique urban layout of squares and crossroads established in the 13th century. It sits nestled within a high-altitude basin surrounded by the Gran Sasso and Sirente-Velino mountain ranges. The city is renowned for its resilience and architectural heritage, anchored by landmarks like the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio and the imposing Forte Spagnolo. Visitors navigate a restored historic center that features historic intersections like the Quattro Cantoni and the iconic Fontana delle 99 Cannelle.
Highlights of L'Aquila
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Admire the 99 unique stone masks that decorate this historic fountain, a symbol of the city's medieval founding.
Temples
Visit the site where Pope Celestine V established the first holy door of the Jubilee in 1294.
Museums
Explore this massive 16th-century fortress that now serves as the permanent home for regional historical collections.
Historical places
Stand at the intersection of the four quarters that historically divided the city's medieval administrative life.
Temples
View the ornate facade of this baroque church, which stands as a significant landmark in the central plaza.
Temples
Appreciate the artistic significance of this church housing the remains of Saint Bernardino of Siena.
Places of interest
Experience the natural spring source of the Vera River, providing a quiet retreat into the regional landscape.
Temples
Discover rare medieval frescoes preserved inside this historical temple complex.
Top things to do in L'Aquila
The 130 highest-rated places in L'Aquila, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is a 13th-century fountain complex constructed from alternating blocks of white and pink s...
2
Parks
Stiffe Caves are a resurgent karst cave system located in the Sirente-Velino Regional Park in the Abruzzo region. The ca...
3
Museums
4
Temples
5
Temples
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Temples
7
Natural attractions
8
Museums
9
Natural attractions
10
Museums
11
Historical places
12
Amusement parks
13
Historical places
14
Historical places
15
Places of interest
16
Historical places
17
Temples
18
Historical places
19
Temples
20
Natural attractions
21
Places of interest
22
Temples
23
Places of interest
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Temples
25
Places of interest
26
Historical places
27
Historical places
28
Temples
29
Venues
30
Historical places
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L'Aquila on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to L'Aquila
Late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September) offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring the mountain-rimmed historic center and nearby nature reserves.
2-3 days to explore the historic city center, museums, and take a day trip to the surrounding Gran Sasso National Park.
The historic center is compact and largely walkable, while regional buses connect the outer districts and nearby mountain areas.
Staying within or immediately adjacent to the historic center provides the best access to major monuments and the pedestrian-friendly core.
Generally a mid-range destination where accommodation and dining prices are moderate compared to major Italian tourist hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 130 curated attractions in and around L'Aquila, ranked by traveller ratings.
Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is the highest-rated place to visit in L'Aquila right now.
The largest category is temples, with 59 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
