Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
Famous for its beautiful white and pink stone façade, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Every year, it hosts the Perdonanza Celestiniana, recognized by UNESCO.
Europe / Italy · TRAVEL GUIDE
L'AquilaAbruzzo · Italy
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
© Ra Boe / Wikipedia Create the proper attribution for your usage by clicking on · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
In the heart of Abruzzo, L’Aquila captivates with its historic heritage, monumental architecture, and the evocative mountain landscape that surrounds it. Between basilicas, fountains, and squares, the city reveals a vivid beauty and a story of resilience.
6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL L'AQUILA
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
99 Spouts Fountain
This monumental fountain features ninety-nine masks from which water flows, in a richly symbolic and detailed composition. It is one of the most atmospheric and beloved places in L’Aquila.
Ra Boe · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Basilica of San Bernardino
The basilica houses the remains of San Bernardino of Siena and stands out for its elegant Renaissance façade. Inside, the saint’s mausoleum is one of the city’s most remarkable works of art.
LIAP · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
At the heart of city life, this large square is surrounded by historic buildings and enlivened by cafés and markets. It is home to the Cathedral of Saints Maximus and George and the Old Fountain.
LIAP · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Spanish Fort
Also known as the Spanish Fortress, this imposing 16th-century stronghold features angular bastions. It houses the National Museum of Abruzzo and offers an interesting glimpse into the region’s history.
Giorgio Galeotti · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Luminous Fountain
At the entrance to the historic center, two bronze female figures hold up the fountain’s distinctive basin. In the evening, the lighting highlights its striking scenic presence.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
A route through the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the splendor of Collemaggio to the Baroque beauty of San Bernardino.
- 1Fountain of the 99 Spouts
- 2Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
- 3Basilica of San Bernardino
- 4Piazza Duomo
Three days to delve into the historic center’s artistic heritage and discover the area’s Roman roots.
- 1Fontana of the 99 Spouts
- 2Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
- 3Spanish Fortress (Castle Park)
- 4Basilica of San Bernardino
- 5Piazza Duomo
- 6MAXXI L'Aquila (Palazzo Ardinghelli)
- 7Amiternum Archaeological Area
- 8Church of San Michele Arcangelo (San Vittorino)
An all-round trip that combines the city's treasures with medieval villages and the wild nature of Gran Sasso.
- 1Fontana delle 99 Cannelle
- 2Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
- 3Spanish Fortress and Mammut
- 4Basilica of San Bernardino
- 5Piazza Duomo
- 6MAXXI L'Aquila
- 7Palazzo Fibbioni
- 8Amiternum Archaeological Area
- 9Stiffe Caves
- 10Rocca Calascio
- 11Santo Stefano di Sessanio
- 12Campo Imperatore (Gran Sasso)
- 13Castel del Monte
- 14Peltuinum (Ancient Vestin city)
- 15Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco
- 16Lake Campotosto
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
How to get around
The historic center is easy to explore on foot, although some streets are uphill and the distances between neighborhoods can be considerable. To get to the outlying areas, you can use the city buses: check timetables and routes, which may change on public holidays. A car is useful for exploring the villages and landscapes nearby, but in the historic center pay attention to restricted traffic zones. If you arrive by car, find out in advance about parking areas and available lots.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are pleasant seasons for strolling through the city and visiting the surroundings. Summer offers long days, but evenings can be cool because of the altitude. In winter the climate is cold and it may snow. At the end of August, the Perdonanza Celestiniana brings the city to life with celebrations and events: if you travel then, book well in advance.
Where to eat
To sample the local cuisine, look for trattorias and restaurants serving Abruzzese dishes, such as arrosticini, soups, and local cheeses. Products worth trying include L'Aquila saffron and the lentils of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, typical of the surrounding area. Seasonal menus may also feature mushrooms and truffles. Ask which ingredients are local and check restaurant opening hours, especially on public holidays.
Quick tips
- 01Bring comfortable shoes: the center is explored on foot and some streets are steep.
- 02Dress in layers: even on summer days, temperatures can drop in the evening.
- 03Check bus schedules, monument opening hours, and possible traffic restrictions in advance.
- 04For the Perdonanza Celestiniana, book accommodation and restaurants in advance.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · L'Aquila
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 12 distinct hotels, 11 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 11 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
B&B Culla Dell'Aquila
Via Rocco Carabba 25B, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$79
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
Hotel Federico II
Via Strinella, 6, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$104
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Canadian Hotel
Strada Statale 17 (SS. 17 km 32.462), LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$121
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Camaga
22 Strada Statale 80 22, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$92
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Magione Papale Relais
Via Porta Napoli 67, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$108
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Palazzo dei Pavoni, Relais di Charme
18 Via Paganica, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$156
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel 99 Cannelle
Via Borgo Rivera 21-23, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$143
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Porta Rivera
P.le Caduti 8 dicembre 1943, 27, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$92
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
B&B Charme Celestino V°
Via Paganica 66, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$154
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
La Palummara
Via Mastrilli 2, San Panfilo dʼOcre
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$106
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel La Compagnia Del Viaggiatore
Strada Statale 80 Km 6, 159, LʼAquila
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$100
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Your next story starts here.