Overview

L’Aquila is the capital city of the Abruzzo region, located in the heart of the central Apennines. Founded in the 13th century, it is one of the main historical, cultural, and administrative centers of central Italy. Its historic center is rich in monuments, churches, squares, and palaces from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, reflecting centuries of layered architectural history. L’Aquila has also been strongly marked by seismic events, especially the 2009 earthquake, but in recent years it has undergone extensive reconstruction and urban renewal. Today, the city is an important university and cultural hub, as well as a key reference point for the wider Abruzzo region.