L'Aquila is the capital of the Abruzzo region, and is an important historic and artistic centre. It is in a beautiful setting surrounded by the highest mountains of the Apennines.

The centre of L'Aquila is characterised by small piazzas, little courtyards, beautiful gardens and arcades (portici).

The castle is one of the most impressive Italian castles of the Renaissance period, and consists of four bastions connected by walls 60 meters long. It was erected by Don Pedro of Toledo in 1532, following an uprising of the city against the Spaniards. Various Cultural activities take place here, and the National Museum of Abruzzo is located within the castle.

The Fontana delle 99 Cannelle commemorates the 99 castles which, according to local lore, Frederick II succeeded in uniting in order to found L’Aquila. On the wall are tiles in a pink and white pattern and there are 99 spouts, most of which are from the mouths of gargoyles. It is said that there are no two gargoyles with the same features.

S. Maria di Collemaggio, a large medieval church built in the thirteenth century, is a Romanesque style masterpiece with its magnificent white and pink facade.

A well-known city landmark is the Fontana Luminosa, a sculpture of two women bearing large jars, built in the 1930s.

There are Roman ruins at Amiternum at San Vittorino just outside the city. There is a theatre on the right as you head away from L'Aquila. At the centre of the stage area you get a very bizarre amplified effect when you speak!

Further along the road there is a left turn that will take you to a large Roman amphitheatre. There are also catacombs below the Romanesque church of San Michele Arcangelo at San Vittorino.

L'Aquila is definitely worth a visit, but due to the earthquake in 2009, some of the interesting buildings may still be closed for repair. Villa Mandorla is only 25 minutes from the autostrada and so L'Aquila is a very easy drive away.