Top Cosa Fare a L'Aquila, Abruzzo — Complete Guide 2026
Updated June 2026 · 9 min read
L'Aquila is one of Italy's most underrated city destinations. It combines a beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance historic centre with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe — the Gran Sasso massif rises directly behind the city, its 2,912-metre summit visible from Piazza Duomo. Add to that a dynamic university scene, exceptional cuisine, and a compelling story of recovery after the devastating 2009 earthquake, and you have a city that rewards visitors with a genuinely unique experience.
This guide covers the best things to do in and around L'Aquila, from its world-class monuments and museums to outdoor adventures in Gran Sasso National Park and day trips to medieval hilltop villages.
Landmarks and Monuments
Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
L'Aquila's most iconic landmark, this extraordinary church was built in 1288 at the direction of Pope Celestine V. The facade is a masterpiece of Abruzzese Romanesque-Gothic architecture, built in striking white and red stone with a perfectly proportioned rose window. Inside, the tomb of Celestine V rests before the altar, and the church houses the Porta Santa — the oldest Holy Door in existence, opened for the first time in 1294, predating St. Peter's Basilica's Holy Door by centuries. The Basilica was badly damaged in the 2009 earthquake but has been meticulously restored. It is the focal point of the Perdonanza Celestiniana festival every August.
Location: Viale di Collemaggio, 15-minute walk south of the historic centre. Free entry.
Fontana delle 99 Cannelle
L'Aquila's most beloved civic monument, built in 1272. The fountain features 99 stone spouts arranged along a rectangular basin, each with a unique human or animal mask — no two are alike. The 99 spouts symbolise the 99 castles and villages that founded L'Aquila in the 13th century. The fountain sits at the foot of the medieval aqueduct, against the backdrop of the Gran Sasso mountains. It is particularly beautiful in the evening when softly illuminated.
Location: Via Borgo Rivera, northwest edge of the historic centre. Free, accessible 24/7.
Castello Cinquecentesco (Forte Spagnolo)
This immense star-shaped fortress was built by the Spanish viceroys in 1534 to control the city after a revolt. It is one of the finest examples of 16th-century military architecture in Italy, with massive angular bastions, a deep moat, and a monumental entrance gate. Today it houses the National Museum of Abruzzo (MUNDA), which displays archaeological finds from the region — including a complete mammoth skeleton — along with medieval and Renaissance art. The rooftop bastion offers panoramic views of L'Aquila and the Gran Sasso range.
Location: Viale Gran Sasso (10-minute walk north of Piazza Duomo). Entry fee EUR8. Closed Mondays.
Piazza Duomo and St. Maximus Cathedral
L'Aquila's main square is a vast, elegant piazza surrounded by historic palazzos and dominated by the Cathedral of Saints George and Maximus. The cathedral was heavily damaged by the 2009 earthquake and has been completely rebuilt (reopened in 2018). The piazza hosts the lively weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday mornings), summer concerts, and the closing events of the Perdonanza Celestiniana. The surrounding streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings that have made this the social heart of L'Aquila for centuries.
Location: Centre of the historic centre. Free entry to the piazza.
Basilica of San Bernardino
A magnificent Renaissance church built between 1444 and 1472 to house the remains of Saint Bernardino of Siena. The facade by Cola dell'Amatrice is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Abruzzo. Inside, the mausoleum of Saint Bernardino is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Silvestro dell'Aquila. The adjoining cloister offers a peaceful garden retreat.
Location: Piazza San Bernardino, eastern side of the historic centre. Free entry.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park
Italy's largest national park, covering over 150,000 hectares, starts right at L'Aquila's city limits. The park centres on the Gran Sasso massif, the highest mountain range in the Apennines. Summer offers exceptional hiking across alpine meadows and along ancient shepherds' trails. Winter transforms the park into a skiing destination at Campo Imperatore. The park is also home to rare wildlife including Apennine wolves, golden eagles, Marsican brown bears, and chamois.
Campo Imperatore
Known as Italy's Tibet, this vast high-altitude plain at 2,130 metres is accessible by cable car from Fonte Cerreto (30 km from L'Aquila). The plain stretches for kilometres, surrounded by the peaks of the Gran Sasso. In winter, it offers skiing and snowboarding. In summer, it is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking with 360-degree mountain views. The Campo Imperatore Hotel — where Mussolini was held prisoner in 1943 before his dramatic rescue by German paratroopers — is a notable landmark on the plain.
Gran Sasso Hiking Trails
There are trails for every ability level. The Sentiero del Duca (Duke's Trail) is a moderate 6-km hike offering spectacular views. The Via Normale to Corno Grande (the highest peak at 2,912 metres) is a challenging full-day climb for experienced hikers with proper equipment. The easier trails around Campo Imperatore are suitable for families and casual walkers. The Gran Sasso Science Institute offers guided hikes in English during summer.
Cultural Experiences
National Museum of Abruzzo (MUNDA)
Housed in the Castello Cinquecentesco, the MUNDA is Abruzzo's premier museum. Highlights include the complete skeleton of a mammoth found in the region, exquisite Roman and Italic artefacts from the Amiternum excavations, medieval religious art including the monumental polyptych by Andrea De Litio, and temporary exhibitions on contemporary art and archaeology. Allow at least 2 hours for a thorough visit.
Perdonanza Celestiniana Festival
L'Aquila's most famous festival, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event. Held from 23-29 August, it commemorates the Papal Bull of Pardon issued by Celestine V in 1294. The festival includes a solemn procession from the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, concerts, historical re-enactments, fireworks, and the symbolic opening of the Porta Santa. The opening ceremony on 23 August is the highlight, with costumed participants and traditional music.
University of L'Aquila
The Università dell'Aquila (founded 1596) gives the city a vibrant, youthful energy. The university quarter around Piazza del Teatro and Palazzo Camponeschi is full of student bars, affordable trattorias, and cultural events. During the academic year, there are often free concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures open to the public.
Day Trips from L'Aquila
Roman Ruins of Amiternum
Just 8 km north of L'Aquila lies the archaeological site of Amiternum, birthplace of the Roman historian Sallust. The site features a well-preserved 1st-century AD Roman amphitheatre capable of seating several thousand spectators, a theatre with the original stage area still visible, and the remains of Roman baths. The site is free to enter, remarkably uncrowded, and offers atmospheric views of the surrounding mountains. Allow 1-2 hours.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio
Two of Italy's most spectacular medieval hilltop villages, both about 30 minutes' drive from L'Aquila. Santo Stefano is a perfectly preserved stone hamlet with narrow alleyways, archways, and a charming piazza. Rocca Calascio sits at 1,460 metres with the highest fortress in the Apennines — the fortress was used as a filming location for Richard Donner's Ladyhawke (1985) and scenes from The Name of the Rose. The views from the fortress are among the most dramatic in central Italy.
Navelli and the Saffron Plateau
Chi Siamo 30 minutes southeast of L'Aquila, the Navelli plateau is the heart of Italy's saffron production. The Zafferano dell'Aquila DOP is grown here, harvested by hand in late October and early November. Visit the Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso, explore the medieval village of Navelli, and in autumn, attend the saffron festival with tastings and demonstrations.
Sulmona
A historic town 55 km southeast of L'Aquila, famous for its colourful confetti (sugar-coated almonds), the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, and a stunning piazza with a medieval aqueduct. The town is the gateway to Maiella National Park and hosts a famous Giostra della Cavalleria medieval joust in July.
Sample Itineraries
One Day in L'Aquila
Morning: Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, then walk through the historic centre to Piazza Duomo. Midday: explore the Castello Cinquecentesco and the National Museum of Abruzzo. Lunch: arrosticini at a historic centre trattoria. Afternoon: Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, then the Basilica of San Bernardino. Evening: aperitivo on Piazza Duomo, dinner at an osteria near Corso Federico II.
Three Days in L'Aquila
Day 1: City monuments as above plus the university quarter and evening passeggiata. Day 2: Gran Sasso National Park — morning cable car to Campo Imperatore, afternoon hiking on the high-altitude trails. Day 3: Day trip — choose Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the morning, then the Roman ruins of Amiternum in the afternoon. Add a saffron farm visit if you are visiting in autumn.
Domande Frequenti
How many days do I need in L'Aquila?
At least 2-3 full days for the main city attractions. For a relaxed pace including day trips to Gran Sasso, the hilltop villages, and Roman ruins, allow 4-5 days.
Is L'Aquila walkable?
Yes. The historic centre is compact and highly pedestrian-friendly. All major sights — Piazza Duomo, the Basilica of San Bernardino, the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, and the Castello Cinquecentesco — are within walking distance of each other. For day trips to the countryside and Gran Sasso, a car or organised tour is recommended.
What is the best way to get to L'Aquila?
The nearest major airport is Pescara International Airport (90 minutes by car or bus). Regular trains connect L'Aquila to Rome's Tiburtina station (about 2 hours). By car from Rome, take the A24 motorway (approximately 1.5 hours).
Is L'Aquila worth visiting?
Absolutely. L'Aquila offers one of Italy's most compelling urban experiences: a beautifully restored medieval city with world-class monuments, spectacular mountain surroundings, outstanding cuisine, and an authentic atmosphere far less touristy than Rome, Florence, or Venice.
What is the most famous landmark in L'Aquila?
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio (1288) is L'Aquila's most famous landmark. Its striking Romanesque-Gothic facade in red and white stone, the Porta Santa (oldest Holy Door in existence), and the remains of Pope Celestine V make it a major destination for both pilgrims and tourists.
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