L'Aquila

L’Aquila, Abruzzo (714 m, 69,000 Inhabitants)

Capital of Abruzzo Region and L’Aquila Provence

It is fitting that the name L’Aquila means “Eagle” as this city is situated in a place where eagles would love to soar, in a high plain amongst the central mountains of Italy. The origins of this city are relatively recent, by Italian standards, having been founded in the 1200’s during the reign of Frederic II.

There is a Spanish cultural stamp on this city as this was a northern stronghold of the powers from Naples. The strongest evidence is the imposing Forte Spagnolo of 1530’s that occupies the highest point in the city. The National Museum of Abruzzo is also housed inside the forte.

The Duomo, San Massimo, is the main feature of the large Piazza del Duomo in the center of town with the current façade from the 19th century. As with many structures in L’Aquila the Duomo was severely damaged in a major earthquake in 1703.

The church of San Bernardino di Siena shows the work of Cola dell'Amatrice and there is a wide staircase in front with views of the mountains to the south.

The church of S. Maria di Colle Maggio is located just outside the town walls and has a very fine Romanesque design in red and white marble, with three finely decorated portals and a rose-window above each. There is a large park area in front of the church where locals gather for picnics and to allow the children to run.

At the lower end of town on the southwestern city walls is the Fontana delle novantanove cannelle, a fountain with ninety-nine jets distributed along three walls, constructed in 1272. This unique structure is made of white and red marble, similar to S. Maria di Colle Maggio.

There is excellent access to L’Aquila via the Autostrada A24/A25 to Rome and Pescara and their airports. The area between the centro storico and the autostrada has been built up with many modern conveniences. Being a capital city there is an abundance of services available and the centro storico is busy each day with merchants, shoppers and business people. There are no shortage of local restaurants, bars and even pubs.