09:30

Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio

Start with the basilica, famous for its façade in pale and pink stone and its connection to Celestine V. Allow about an hour for the visit and check opening hours for the interior spaces on site; admission may be free or subject to specific conditions.

Reachable on foot from the center in about 15–20 minutes.

11:00

Parco del Sole

Cross the adjacent park for a peaceful break and to see the Collemaggio complex from a wider perspective. The walk is unrestricted and takes about 30–45 minutes.

Bring water, especially in the warmer months.

12:00

Lunch in the historic center

Head back toward the center and choose a trattoria to sample L’Aquila dishes such as legume soups, handmade pasta, or arrosticini. Budget approximately €15–30 per person, with drinks either excluded or included depending on the restaurant.

Booking ahead is useful on weekends.

14:00

Piazza Duomo and Cathedral of Saints Maximus and George

Explore the main square, a focal point of city life, then check whether the cathedral can be visited. Allow about an hour for the area, keeping in mind that access to the interior may depend on religious services and restoration work.

Entry to churches is generally free; dress respectfully.

16:00

Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio

Reach the church in the square, known for its dome and its role in the memory of the 1703 earthquake. The visit takes about 30–45 minutes; round out the afternoon with a stroll through the alleyways and reopened streets of the historic center.

Check the opening hours before planning an interior visit.

09:30

Basilica of San Bernardino

Visit the basilica and admire the Renaissance façade, the portal and the interior features, if accessible. Allow about an hour, and keep in mind that the church may close during services.

The visit is normally free, but opening hours and access may vary.

11:00

Palazzo Margherita

Walk past the historic palace overlooking the center, home to the city government and an important symbol of urban reconstruction. Interior access is not guaranteed: plan for an external visit of 20–30 minutes and check for any openings or events.

Do not confuse the exterior visit with entering the offices.

11:45

MAXXI L'Aquila

Spend about 90 minutes at the exhibitions hosted in Palazzo Ardinghelli, where contemporary art, architecture and the history of the place come into dialogue. Tickets are roughly €5–15, with possible discounts and variations.

Check the current exhibition, closing day and prices on the official website.

14:00

Lunch break and a walk in San Silvestro

Have lunch downtown, budgeting around €15–30 per person, then head to the Church of San Silvestro to admire its exterior and check whether it is open. Between the walk and the stop, about 90 minutes is enough.

Distances in the city center are short, but some streets are uphill.

16:30

Luminous Fountain

End the day at the fountain, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and take in the link between the historic center and the Castle area. The visit is free and takes about 20–30 minutes; you can continue with a coffee nearby.

In the evening, the fountain is especially atmospheric.

08:30

99 Spouts Fountain

Start with the medieval monument and take note of the carved little masks and the composition of the three walls. A 30–40 minute stop is enough; access to the area is generally free.

The ground may be damp: choose shoes with good grip.

09:30

MUNDA National Museum of Abruzzo

Spend about 90 minutes exploring the collections, which tell the artistic and archaeological story of the region. The ticket is roughly €5–10, with possible discounts; the location and opening hours may change, so check before your visit.

Make sure the exhibition venue is open on the day you choose.

11:30

Spanish Fortress and Auditorium del Parco

Reach the Spanish Fort for an exterior visit and check whether the indoor spaces are open, then continue to the Auditorium del Parco, designed by Renzo Piano. Allow about an hour and a half in total; admission to exhibitions or events may have varying costs.

Internal visits to the Fort depend on activities and opening conditions.

13:15

Transfer and lunch toward Campo Imperatore

Drive to Fonte Cerreto and continue, depending on the season, by road, cable car, or a combination of the two. The trip to the plateau usually takes about 40–60 minutes, but it can take longer due to traffic or weather conditions; budget €15–30 for lunch.

Check road access, the cable car, and road conditions in advance.

15:00

Campo Imperatore and the Astronomical Observatory

Allow at least two hours for the views over the plateau and a short walk on trails suited to your fitness level. The Observatory can only be visited on certain occasions or under conditions to be verified: do not plan to enter without a reservation and official confirmation.

Bring warm clothing and sun protection even in summer; the weather changes quickly.

08:30

Departure from L'Aquila

Drive to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, allowing roughly 50–70 minutes depending on the route and traffic. There is no frequent public transport connection that makes this day easy without planning.

Refuel and bring water before leaving the city.

09:45

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Walk through the village’s alleys, arches, towers, and stone houses, allowing around two hours to explore at a leisurely pace. The streets are cobbled and uphill; visits to shops and indoor spaces depend on the opening hours of each business.

Park in the designated areas at the entrance and continue on foot.

12:00

Lunch in the village

Choose a trattoria to try local lentils, cheeses, and other plateau products. Budget roughly €20–35 per person; during busy periods, it’s wise to book ahead.

Ask whether the menu features seasonal products and dishes.

14:00

Rocca Calascio

Continue by car to the parking area and make the walk to the fortress, with an uphill section and uneven ground. Allow at least 90–120 minutes for the round trip, visit, and return; the route is free, but conditions and accessibility may vary.

Light trekking shoes and be aware of wind, even on sunny days.

17:00

Return with a scenic stop

Head back toward L’Aquila along the main roads, allowing about an hour or more of driving. A short scenic stop is only possible in safe and designated areas; avoid stopping on the roadway.

Leave with some margin before sunset, especially in winter.

08:30

Departure for Bominaco

Reach Bominaco by car, allowing about 45–60 minutes depending on the route. Visits to the religious sites may require arrangements or specific openings: check how to gain access before setting off.

Bring cash for any donations or local services.

09:45

Abbey of Saint John the Baptist

Visit the abbey complex and admire the façade, the architectural layout, and the isolated setting on the plateau. Allow 30–45 minutes; access to the interior and opening hours are not always continuous.

Respect any instructions from the parish or the caretakers.

10:45

Oratory of Saint Pellegrino

Take time to appreciate the medieval frescoes, among the most important in the area, and the details of the interior painted cycle. Visits may be limited or subject to local opening hours; allow for an indicative contribution of a few euros.

Do not use flash and check the visitor rules on site.

12:30

Lunch between Bominaco and Navelli

Stop at a local place in the area for a simple lunch based on Abruzzese products, with an estimated budget of €15–30 per person. Alternatively, bring a snack bought earlier, as open businesses may be limited.

On weekdays, some businesses may keep reduced hours.

15:00

Church of Santa Maria ad Cryptas

Head to Fossa and visit the church, known for its medieval frescoes and striking setting. Allow 45–60 minutes, checking the opening arrangements first; the drive from Bominaco takes about 30–40 minutes by car.

Plan your visit in advance: access may be by request.

09:00

Transfer to San Vittorino

Reach the Amiternum area by car in about 15–25 minutes from the center, heading northwest. Public transport connections can be impractical for a full visit, so consider a taxi or a rental car.

Check the signage to distinguish the archaeological area from nearby sites.

09:30

Amiternum archaeological area

Explore the remains of the ancient Roman city, taking time to see the preserved theatrical structures and public spaces. Allow about 90 minutes; access, maintenance, and the possibility of an interior visit may vary, so check the latest conditions.

Bring water and a hat: part of the route is exposed to the sun.

11:30

Stop in San Vittorino

Set aside a short break for the landscape and the village center, without forcing visits to buildings that may not be open. If you find an open bar or local business, budget €3–8 for a coffee break or snack.

Keep the plan flexible in case of unscheduled openings.

13:00

Lunch and transfer to Coppito

Head back toward the city and have lunch in the area, with an estimated cost of €15–30 per person. Then continue by car to the Coppito university area, checking access to the botanical garden in advance.

Driving time depends on urban traffic and on the site that is actually accessible.

15:00

Botanical Garden of the University of L'Aquila

Walk among the plant collections and green spaces of the campus, if they are open to the public on the day of your visit. Allow about an hour and a half; admission may be free or subject to arrangements set by the university.

Check the calendar, opening hours, and access arrangements before heading to the campus.

09:30

Experimental Contemporary Art Museum

Check that the museum is open and set aside about an hour for the exhibitions or scheduled activities. Admission and programming may vary: contact the venue or check the latest information before you travel.

This visit is especially worthwhile if you’re interested in the local contemporary art scene.

11:00

Walk between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the streets of the center

Head back into the heart of the city to take in palaces, restoration works, and reopened businesses at an unhurried pace. The walk is self-guided; allow 60–90 minutes and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled sections.

For shopping, look for businesses that are actually open: offerings vary depending on the day.

12:30

Lunch and Aquilan flavors

Spend the break enjoying dishes from the local cuisine and, if available, typical products such as cheeses, legumes, and traditional sweets. The estimated cost is €15–35 per person, depending on the menu and the type of venue.

Ask about any daily specials.

14:30

Stop among the squares and fountains of the center

Take your time revisiting the central squares and fountains you saw in the first few days, stopping for photos and a coffee break. Allow about an hour; there are no costs for this walk.

Keep in mind the time needed to collect your luggage or get to the station.

16:00

Free time and departure

Set aside the last part of the afternoon for a purchase, a missed visit, or the transfer to the station or car park. For taxis and local transport, the cost depends on the route and time of day; ask for the fare before getting in.

If you are leaving by train, check in advance the connection from the city to the station used.