L'aquila

Introducing L'aquila

Overshadowed by the Gran Sasso d’Italia, Abruzzo’s regional capital is a city of grey stone and biting winters. It’s not an especially attractive or exciting place but it’s not without its charms – the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio is one of the region’s most impressive buildings, it’s got a mean castle and the magnificent Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is just down the road.

Legend has it that the city was founded by the Swabian King Frederick II and completed by his son Conrad IV in 1254. Its original citizens were drawn from 99 villages, each of which was required to build its own piazza, church and fountain. Earthquakes have destroyed most of the original churches and piazzas but a fountain, the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, survives along with the townhall bell, which chimes 99 times every evening.

For much of its history, L’Aquila was governed by the Spanish as part of the Kingdom of Naples. It rose against Spanish rule twice in the 16th and 17th centuries but both times the city was crushed. Then, in 1703 an earthquake destroyed it. L’Aquila was made regional capital in 1860.

Last updated: Oct 26, 2009