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.

Property services in the Piceno area

Italy Property Preview offers unique services for those who are searching for a property to purchase in Marche or Abruzzo. Since we are not an agent we will give you an unbiased and detailed report with photographs of the property that you are interested in.

For those who have purchased a property and are looking for someone to oversee their restoration work or to check on their home during periods when it is unoccupied then we also offer these services through Piceno Home Services. We will be your eyes and ears in your absence and will provide detailed reports and photographs to show you the status of your restoration. We can also offer periodic checks of your home and after major storms to insure it is secure.

If you will be in southern Marche to look for a house or just to enjoy all the region has to offer we also work closely with Vinci Properties and the management of their vacation rentals.

For pre-purchase services: Italy Property Preview

For post-purchase services: Piceno Home Services

For vacation home rentals: Vinci Properties

Ortezzano, Marche

Ortezzano (300 m, 840 inhabitants)

Ascoli Piceno Provincia, Marche

Ortezzano is a small hill town perched above the Fiume Aso valley. The rolling hillsides in this area are covered with olive trees, vines and fruit trees that yield an abundance of produce for the region. The town itself is small and is marked by a stand alone tower; which you might gain access to if you inquire at the Municipio. There are still remnants of the medieval walls and gateways that you can see while wandering the steep streets.

While there are signs of recent restoration work in several buildings, there are several that still need to be restored. You will find a few vendersi signs as you explore this town built of brick that is nestled in the southwestern portion of Marche.

In the centro storico there are two delightful restaurants and you will find a bar, alimentari and a few other shops along the main street leading into town from the valley. There are also several agriturismi in the area and are well signed along the roadways. The SS433 traverses the valley and provides good access to the Sibillini Mountains to the west and the autostrada A14 exit on the Adriatic Coast at Pedaso.