Mini Guide on What to do and see in L’Aquila, Art, Culture, Museums, Events, Nightlife, Having Fun, Walking, Nightlife, Shopping, Natural Attractions, Suggestive Villages, Events, Special Attractions, Typical Dishes…</ p>
WALKING IN L’AQUILA
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the main streets of L’Aquila, it is a pedestrian street popular for walking and shopping, with shops, bars and restaurants. It is one of the central arteries of the city, connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Santa Maria di Collemaggio.
Viale XX Settembre
Another important pedestrian street, Viale XX Settembre is characterized by shops, cafes and restaurants. It connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Palazzo.
Via Roma
Located in the historic center, Via Roma is one of the streets that leads to the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio. It is flanked by historic buildings and shops.
Piazza Duomo (Market Square)
The heart of the city between two churches and the historic market. The social and cultural center of the city, home to the main city events. In the square there are the two fountains that make up the group of “Fontana, the church of Santa Maria del Suffragio
Via Sassa
This street runs through the historic center and is known for its traditional architecture. Along Via Sassa, you can find several shops, pubs and craft workshops.
Via Fortebraccio
This street leads to Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo Margherita, seat of the Prefecture. It is one of the most important roads to reach the heart of the historic center.
Historical Center
Full of characteristic shops, restaurants and cafes. You will be able to find a wide choice of places where you can taste typical dishes of the Abruzzo and Italian tradition, as well as sip a good coffee or savor delicious desserts. The historic center offers a charming and welcoming atmosphere to spend pleasant culinary moments.
Castle Park 
The Castle of L’Aquila Park, the true green lung of the city around the Spanish Fort. All routes are accessible with adequate paving ensuring free and independent movement, there is also a nature trail created for people with visual disabilities.
Parco del Sole
The Parco del Sole is located in the southern part of Collemaggio, just outside the walls of L’Aquila. It is in an area of great naturalistic value, surrounded by the gardens of the Villa Comunale, the Collemaggio Park and the Botanical Garden of the University of L’Aquila. The Amphisculpture, or Amphisculpture, is an open-air theater-monument located in the Sole all’Aquila park.
ART, CULTURE AND MUSEUMS IN L’AQUILA
Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and Porta Santa
One of the symbols of the city of L’Aquila, characterized by the double white and pink color of the Genzano marble of Sassa, the majestic central rose window with two smaller lateral rose windows, dating back to the 13th century, with a Gothic façade and a fascinating interior.
The well-known Holy Door which is opened once a year on the occasion of Celestinian Forgiveness, on the evening of August 28th and closed twenty-four hours after the evening of the 29th. For believers, crossing the Holy Door confers Plenary Indulgence and the remission of sins.
All Inside the Basilica there are frescoes from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Next to the altar there is a precious marble temple rich in decorations which houses the remains of Pope Celestine V.
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National Museum of Abruzzo – MuNDA
The MuNDA hosts a selection of artistic works ranging from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age, from the artefacts of civilizations that flourished in the area in the archaic age up to baroque paintings of the seventeenth century in Abruzzo.
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Fountain of the 99 spouts (or Rivera)
The best-known mediaeval monument in the city of L’Aquila. The fountain was originally the place designated as a public wash house. A visit to this monument is unmissable for tourists who want to admire the wonders of L’Aquila.
The name: Legend has it that the city was founded by 99 castles in the surrounding area and for this reason there would be 99 squares, 99 churches and 99 fountains.
Basilica of San Bernardino da Siena
The majestic Church of San Bernardino, developed starting from the 15th century to accommodate the body of San Bernardino of Siena constitutes a very precious architectural treasure chest with its highest examples of sacred art from Abruzzo.
The visitor is given the opportunity to live a unique experience by approaching the great art treasures in it preserved, in the awareness that beauty derives from the One who created everything and to whom everything returns through contemplation, prayer and religious amazement.
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Spanish Fort
The Spanish Fort (Spanish Castle), designed by Pirro Luis Escriba from Valencia, Spanish military architect, was built on the highest point of the city in 1534. It is one of the most photographed places in the city, with the backdrop of the Gran Sasso behind it.
Also commonly called the “Sixteenth-century Castle” or “Castello de L’Aquila”, it is actually a fort, a war machine of disproportionate size and capacity, designed on the basis of mathematical calculations and geometric inspired by Aristotelian cosmology.
Renzo Piano Auditorium
The Auditorium del Parco, located on Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro inside the Castle Park, has quickly become a point of reference for the city and a place where events of various kinds take place, not just concerts. The scenography of the room, red in colour, recalls the spruce with which part of the structure was built.
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Luminosa Fountain
The Luminosa Fountain is one of the most iconic attractions in L’Aquila. Located in Piazza Duomo, this fountain was created in 1934 by Nicola Cantalamessa. Its peculiarity lies in the colored lights that illuminate the water during the evening hours, creating an evocative and fascinating spectacle.
The fountain consists of a stone structure adorned with a circular basin and three sculpted figures representing stylized female figures. The most distinctive element is the fountain’s ability to change color thanks to a lighting system installed underwater.
It is an evocative place to visit, especially in the evenings when its lighting creates a spectacle of light and colour.
Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio
Commonly known as the “Church of Suffragio” or also “Church of the Holy Souls”, it is a significant stop for those visiting L’Aquila. The church is located in Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the historic center of the city. The church is considered one of the most significant examples of Baroque architecture in the region.
The facade of the church is richly decorated with Baroque elements, including columns, statues and ornamental reliefs. The interior of the church has a single nave with Rococo style decorations.
The bell tower contributes to the characteristic profile of the city.
The walls of the church are adorned with frescoes and decorations that narrate sacred stories and artistic representations . The decorative elements contribute to creating a sumptuous and spiritual atmosphere.
– Fountain of Neptune
Famous fountain located in the city of L’Aquila in Piazza Regina Margherita. The fountain is decorated with statues of marine creatures such as dolphins and newts, which make the environment very suggestive. It is a very visited place by tourists and residents of the city, especially during the summer months when temperatures are higher. The Neptune Fountain is an important symbol for the city of L’Aquila and also represents its history and culture.
Palazzo Ardinghelli – MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Arts)
The MAXXI L’Aquila is a museum dedicated to contemporary art and culture. It hosts many interesting exhibitions of famous artists and modern works of art. Paintings, sculptures, photographs and much more. Furthermore, MAXXI L’Aquila also organizes special events such as creative workshops and workshops for children. It’s a great place to visit if you’re passionate about art or want to learn something new about the world of contemporary art.
Church of San Silvestro
Very ancient and important church for the local community. Its construction dates back to many centuries ago and has a fascinating architectural style.
Inside the church you can admire beautiful frescoes and paintings that tell biblical stories.
Palazzo dell’Emiciclo (Exhibition Palace)
Historic building with a particular semicircle shape. Famous because it hosts important cultural and political events. Theater shows, concerts and conferences take place inside. If you find yourself visiting L’Aquila, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the Hemicycle. It is a fascinating place that tells the story of the city and offers an important space for culture and politics.
Ancient city of Amiternum
Amiternum was an ancient Italic city founded by the Sabines, whose ruins are located near San Vittorino and Preturo, about 11 km north of L’Aquila . Today it is only possible to see a theatre, an amphitheater and the plan of a domus, which constitute the main archaeological site from the Roman era, but other important testimonies, including a Roman villa, have recently been found in the surrounding area, near Coppito and Pizzoli.
Experimental Museum of Contemporary Art “Muspac”
A special place where you can discover and appreciate modern art. The Experimental Museum of Contemporary Art, also known by the acronym MuSpAC, is a museum in L’Aquila founded in 1993. It has a permanent collection of works by international artists from the sixties and seventies
Special Events
– 28 August, Perdonanza with the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Collemaggio and historical procession in period costume
– Early September “Jazz in L’Aquila”
Nature
Lake Scanno, Path of the Heart
Villages and evocative places
Villalago, Scanno, Aielli (colourful village – Torre delle Stelle for panoramic views), Pettorano sul Gizio, Opi, Caramanico Terme