Regions

L'Aquila

The Eagle of Italy

L’Aquila, meaning “The Eagle,” serves as the capital of the Abruzzo region in central Italy. Formed by several pre-existing villages (99 of them, according to local tradition), the city was a project launched by Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily Frederick II for the purpose of fortification against the papacy. L’Aquila was completed by Frederick’s son, Conrad IV, in 1254.

The city is situated in a unique location, surrounded by the Apennine Mountains. The highest peak of the mountain range is the Gran Sasso d’Italia, which stands at nearly 10,000 feet and can be seen looking to the northeast of the city. Because it is surrounded by mountains, which block out humidity, L’Aquila maintains a particularly cool, dry climate.

Gran Sasso National Park, which was founded in 1991, is Italy’s largest national park and boasts extraordinary wildlife. Several mountains host ski resorts, making L’Aquila an ideal place for outdoor activities year-round— whether it involves hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter.

Because L’Aquila sits on an ancient lake bed that experiences constant seismic activity, the city is susceptible to earthquakes. The most recent earthquakes that affected L’Aquila are the 2016 Central Italy earthquake and the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, which claimed 308 lives.

The highest point of L’Aquila itself is Forte Spagnolo, a massive Spanish fort built in 1534 that now houses the National Museum of Abruzzo. Another well-known landmark is the Basilica of San Bernardino, which was built in 1472 with a Renaissance façade and houses the body of the eponymous saint. The main cathedral in L’Aquila—The Cathedral of San Massimo (also known as L’Aquila Cathedral)—was built back in the 13th century, but was severely damaged by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake after having been destroyed by an earthquake in 1703 and rebuilt.

A port city on the Adriatic Sea, Trieste architecture reflects its history as a part of the Austrian Empire.

Fountain of the 99 Spouts. (marcociannarel)

INTERESTING FACT: Though the Fountain of the 99 Spouts is seven and a half centuries old, its water source remains unknown.

There are also two fountains of note: Fontana Luminosa (Luminous Fountain) and Fontana delle novantanove cannelle (Fountain of the 99 Spouts). Fontana Luminosa, built more recently in the 1930s, is a sculpture of two women holding up large jars. Fontana delle novantanove cannelle, however, was built in 1272, perhaps to represent the 99 villages that came together to form L’Aquila.

As any traveler will see, L’Aquila has a majestic combination of nature and history, much like the animal for which it is named.

Forte Spagnolo. (Mario A. Prado)

L'Aquila

Capital of: Abruzzo Region Province: L’Aquila Population: 70,967 U.S. Sister Cities: Washington, D.C.