About
L'Aquila is a city in the Abruzzo region of Italy, set in the mountains of central Italy. It is known for its medieval architecture, and for its position close to Gran Sasso National Park, which makes it a natural base for visitors who want both town streets and open mountain landscape in the same trip.
What a visit offers
- Medieval architecture. The historic centre is the main reason to walk here, with its old streets, churches and stone buildings reflecting the city's long past.
- Mountain surroundings. The city sits within easy reach of Gran Sasso National Park, so a day outdoors can be combined with time in town.
- A quieter Italian city. L'Aquila suits travellers who prefer slower pace and a sense of the Abruzzese region over the busier cities of the north and centre.
Planning your trip
Because the city's appeal lies in its historic fabric and its mountain setting, it works well as a stop of a day or more, with time to wander on foot and to head into the national park. Check current opening times and transport links before you travel, as these can change, and allow time for the hills, which make walking the streets more demanding than on flat ground.
Visitors interested in Abruzzo's mountains and medieval towns will find L'Aquila a practical and rewarding place to stop, with the national park close enough to make the trip more than a single afternoon.
