L'Aquila
A resilient mountain capital rebuilding its Renaissance splendour in the heart of the Apennines.
About L'Aquila
L'Aquila sits at 720 metres in a high basin ringed by the Gran Sasso massif, the highest peaks in the Apennines. The devastating 2009 earthquake shattered the city, but its rebirth has been extraordinary—cranes and scaffolding now reveal freshly restored baroque churches and Renaissance palazzi that gleam brighter than they have in centuries. The city's famous 99 fountains, 99 churches, and 99 piazzas reflect its medieval founding legend. L'Aquila is also the gateway to Campo Imperatore, the 'Little Tibet' plateau where Mussolini was imprisoned and where today you'll find wild horses, wolves, and some of Italy's best skiing.
Best Time to Visit
June to September for hiking Gran Sasso and the high plateaus. January to March for skiing at Campo Imperatore and Roccaraso. October brings the famous saffron harvest on the Navelli plateau.
Local Tips
- See the rebirth firsthand.
The earthquake reconstruction is one of Europe's largest restoration projects. A local can walk you through the historic centre, showing which palazzi have been restored and sharing the stories of resilience behind each facade.
- Drive up to 'Little Tibet.'
Campo Imperatore is a vast high-altitude plateau that looks like Mongolia dropped into central Italy. A local knows the best trails for spotting Apennine wolves and where to eat at the mountain rifugi.
- Harvest saffron in October.
The Navelli plateau produces some of the world's finest saffron. A local can arrange a dawn harvest where you pick the purple crocus flowers by hand—an experience unique to this corner of Abruzzo.