L'Aquila​

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​Any introduction to the capital city of Abruzzo, L'Aquila is incomplete without mention of the huge earthquake it suffered on 6th April 2009.

The earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale destroyed much of the city centre which at the time of writing (2019), still resembles a building site. 

The landscape is one of cranes and construction as the city attempts to recover from its devastation. Progress is slow but gradually there are signs of recovery with the city's main Cathedral now open and one of the principal attractions pre-earthquake, the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle largely unscathed by the disaster. 

The number 99 in the name of the fountain is very relevant. When the city was founded in the 13th century, legend has it that Frederick II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, created the city from 99 surrounding villages. The fountain is partly named to represent those villages but furthermore, upon foundation of the city, each of those villages had its own area in the city complete with a church and a piazza. 

The careful work that continues in l'Aquila is to be admired and is aimed at creating a brighter future for this important city. We all hope that with time, l'Aquila can be restored to its former glories and can once again show off its history to new visitors. ​

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Category: Major Cities and Towns of Abruzzo

Province: L'Aquila

Region: capital of Abruzzo

Population: 69,478

Highlights: Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, L'Aquila Cathedral

Close by: ​​Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park

Recommended accommodation: Hotel L'Aquila

Main train station: ​​Stazione dell'Aquila (1.4 km from centre)

​​Nearest airport: ​​​​​​Pescara Abruzzo International Airport (122 km)

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