Things to see in L'Aquila

L'Aquila is the capital of the province of the same name in the region of Abruzzo in Italy and is located in the northern part of the province. It is a small, pleasant city that is surrounded by high mountains. The city was established by the German Emperor Corrado IV in 1254. According to legend, the town gathered the population from 99 local villages into the one city. Each group of villagers in-turn created their own church, resulting in a city of 99 churches and squares.

Churches: There are at least six churches to visit including the Duomo (the city’s main church), located on the Piazza del Duomo, and Santa Maria di Collemaggio (located outside the city walls), a Templar church with beautiful rose windows.. The final confrontation scene in the move Ladyhawke was filmed in this church.

L'Aquila Cathedral. Basilica of San Bernardino. Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Santa Giusta. San Silvestro.

Secular buildings: Other places to see include the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo, which is located in the sixteenth century Castello located in the north end of the city. The castle was designed by the Spanish architect "Don Pirro Aloisio Escriva" and is one of the most impressive castles in central Italy and possibly one of the earliest types of this type constructed. The Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo has several different sections including paintings, Roman finds, but its most famous feature is the skeleton of a mammoth that was found in the local area.

Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. Forte Spagnolo. Castle of Rocca Calascio.

Fountains: Finally, there is the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, which is located outside the western walls.