L’Aquila Overivew

As the story goes, in 1254, 99 lords from 99 castles banded together to erect L’Aquila (“The Eagle”; LA-kwee-la; pop. 65,000), Abruzzo’s capital. Some historians claim the city plan mimics that of Jerusalem, perhaps a result of Frederick II’s desire to create a new seat for Catholic Christianity following the decline of Rome. Dubbed the “Salzburg of the South,” this city has rediscovered its charm, echoing its glory days now that over 40,000 students crowd its streets and hikers ascend its nearby mountains.

• Transportation to L'Aquila

The train station (☎ 0862 41 92 90) is on the outskirts of town. (Ticket office ☎ 0862 41 28 08. Open M-Sa 6:15am-8:15pm, Su 7am-2pm.) Trains go to Sulmona (1hr., 11 per day 6:23am-8:47pm, €4 ...more

• Practical Information

Take bus #M11, 5, or 8 from the train station to Via XX Settembre to reach the centro. On foot, follow signs to “Fontana delle 99 Cannelle” to the right and hike 2km uphill. C. Federico II ...more

• Accommodations

Centro Spiritualita Sant’Agostino, V. Tre Spighe 9 (☎ 347 490 5672). From P. Duomo, take C. V. Emanuele to the Fontana Luminosa, and turn left on V. Tre Spighe. The monastery was built in 1375 ...more

• Restaurants

Torrone, a honey and almond nougat, is L’Aquila’s specialty. Find everything from fresh fruit and cured meats to clothes at the busy market in P. del Duomo. (Open M-Sa 8am-noon.) A STANDA ...more

• Sights and Activities

   At the request of Pietro da Marrone (later Pope and Saint Celestine V), L’Aquila began constructing this church in 1287. The pink-and-white checkered facade is the symbol of the Knights ...more

• Daytrips

Gran Sasso D’Italia. The snow-capped Gran Sasso d’Italia (“The Rock of Italy”), the highest mountain ridge within Italy’s borders, looms 12km north of L’Aquila ...more