L’Aquila is the chief town of the region Abruzzo, situated at 721 metres above sea level in a hollow surrounded by the highest mountains of the Apennines: Gran Sasso, Maiella and Velino-Sirente.
L’Aquila is the most important city of Abruzzo, thanks to its historical roots and its monuments still contained within the medieval walls.
The typical chess-boarded structure, with strong differences in height and few level roads, confers the city a picturesque look, enriched with unexpected marvellous panoramic views on the surrounding mountains.
As well as the landscapes, L’Aquila boasts noble cultural traditions too, nourished by theatre, music and art events. Together with the National Museum of Abruzzo, L’Aquila has also the famous “Teatro Stabile”, the Academy of Fine Arts and the “Società Aquilana dei Concerti”, which gives significant concert seasons at the Auditorium in the Spanish Fort.
Territory
The province of L’Aquila, situated in the centre of Italy, covers the innermost territory of the region and includes 108 towns, on a mountain area covered with woods and pastures. The Apennines around it divide in three parallel chains, characterised by the typical Alpine structures: the first one includes the south slopes of the Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and a part of the Maiella; the second one is dominated by the Monti Velino, Sirente and Marsicani; the third one, at last, is formed by the Monti Carseolani and Sibruni.
Nature
The natural reserves on the territory around L’Aquila, from the historical Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo to the most recent parks of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, of Velino-Sirente and of Maiella, are among the most visited places in the region.
For those who look for peace and nature there are big forests with rare and protected animals, unbounded green valleys and magnificent plateaus which can be easily reached and where it’s possible to find accommodations.
The lovers of excursions, trekking and escalades can find the mighty Gran Sasso Massif, mountain of Abruzzo “par excellence”, which touches 2912 metres with the highest peak Corno Grande.
For the lovers of winter sports, the territory around l’Aquila offers modern ski resorts, with a broad range of trails.