L'Aquila: Gran Sasso, Culture and Ski Hotels

Gran Sasso is accessible from L’Aquila by car or bus. Monte Luco and Monte Pettino, both mountains, are also located nearby. Monte Stabiata and Monte Manicola, likewise mountains, are situated in the area around L’Aquila.

Mountains and Nature

The Santuario della Madonna d’Appari was built between the 13th and 14th centuries among rocks and the Raiale stream. In the immediate vicinity of the Santuario della Madonna d’Appari there are outdoor climbing walls used for free climbing. In the Riserva naturale del Vetoio, the Vetoio River forms a small lake where grey herons breed.

Culture and History

The Area archeologica di San Vittorino is a multilayered archaeological site with thirteen centuries of history. It includes imperial-era domus and early Christian baptisteries, a large Lombard cathedral, as well as evidence dating up to the Swabian period. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio was built after the 1703 earthquake to commemorate the victims of the earthquake.

The Perdonanza Celestiniana was introduced by Pope Celestine V in 1294; visitors can take part in and experience it on 28 and 29 August. During the Perdonanza Celestiniana, the Holy Door of the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio is opened every year on the evening of 28 August and closed again 24 hours later, on the evening of 29 August.

The Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is open to visitors at all times. The Forte Spagnolo is currently closed due to reconstruction; visitors can nevertheless walk around its exterior and view the architecture from outside.

The Basilica di San Bernardino was built in the second half of the 15th century to preserve and honour the body of Saint Bernardino, who died in L’Aquila in 1444. Its Renaissance façade was created by Nicola Filotesio, known as Cola dell’Amatrice, and completed in 1542. The central nave is covered by a carved and gilded wooden ceiling, completed in 1724 and supplemented with three paintings in 1732–1733.

During restoration work after the earthquake, several frescoes were uncovered in the Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, including a large early 15th-century Crucifixion fresco. At the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo, a significant part of the collections returned to their former location with a modern design.

Art and Public Spaces

The Palazzo Ardinghelli houses MAXXI L’Aquila, a laboratory dedicated to artistic and cultural production. MAXXI collections of art, architecture and photography are combined there with temporary exhibitions, in-depth programmes and educational projects. The courtyard of the Palazzo Ardinghelli serves as a public space available to the city.

The red concert hall of the Auditorium del Parco accommodates approximately 250 seated people. The Museo del Legno is an interactive museum about the forest, traditional crafts and wood; the former production of charcoal is also documented there.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

Villa Silvestrella, Palazzo Pascali, Palazzo Branconio and Palazzo Farinosi Branconi are located near L’Aquila; all four are palaces.

Activities

A bicycle rental system with electrically assisted bicycles is available at several strategic points in L’Aquila. San Donato Golf offers lessons from certified instructors both to experienced golfers and to people who are starting out in the sport.

More destination pages: Casentino, Sulmona, Scanzano, Rocca Pia, Pescasseroli, Meta, Celano, Castel Di Sangro, Rivisondoli, Roccaraso, Rocca Di Mezzo, Ovindoli, Scanno, Pettorano Sul Gizio, Barrea, Pescocostanzo, Cappadocia, Fontecchio, Pacentro, Opi, Cansano, Aielli, Rocca Di Cambio, Ateleta.

To the main travel overview: Abruzzo.