Hotels L'Aquila, Guesthouses L'Aquila and Residences L'Aquila

L’Aquila, the regional capital of Abruzzo, is the most important artistic and historical city of the region. Laid out within medieval walls on a hill in the wide valley of the river Aterno, it is surrounded by the mountains of Gran Sasso and Velino-Sirente massives, which contribute to give the city umost profusion.

Increasing numbers of tourists flock to local hotels, which are specialized in welcoming the lovers of mountain tourism and also propose affordable all-inclusive packages. 3-star guesthouses and comfortable 4-star hotels welcome both the lovers of winter sports and open-air holidays and those looking for pleasant stays just in the heart of the city centre. The budget hotels and intimate bed and breakfasts of the old town are the ideal accommodation facilities for those interested in L'Aquila's lively cultural life, which regularly promotes theatrical representations, concerts and interesting exhibitions.

The city has a simple chessboard-shaped town layout; the intersection of the two major routes, Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via di San Bernardino, which hosts the beautiful Renaissance Basilica of St. Bernardino, has significantly been dubbed Quattro Cantoni (Four Cantons), since it is the city's main gathering place. A short distance from the crossroads is the thirteenth-century Duomo, which was fully restored in the eighteenth century according to Neoclassical architectural canons. Corso Vittorio Emanuele leads to the Castle, which is surrounded by a lush park featuring breathtaking views over Gran Sasso massif. The castle, which features an impressive sixteenth-century structure, was erected by the Spanish as a defensive bulwark, as evidenced by its massif square plan surrounded by four impressive ramparts and encircled by a deep moat. It is now the seat of the National Museum of Abruzzo, which contains precious collections of archaeological finds, outstanding works of art and local handicrafts.
L’Aquila's old town is characterized by elegant tree-lined avenues and lush parks. Apart from Parco del Castello, not to be missed is Parco del Sole, situated just behind the Basilica of Collemaggio. The thirteenth-century Basilica is the most important monument of the city: this massive Romanesque-Gothic church has a facade of pink and white stone, large rose windows and richly decorated entrance gates. Its interior cherishes an outstanding floor and precious frescos dating back to ‘300 and ‘500.
All year round, L'Aquila's old town is livened up by funny folk festivals and cultural events. Not to be missed is Perdonanza Celestiniana, a religious celebration which takes place every year on August 28 and 29 and offers large numbers of visitors who flock here to attend it the possibility to take part in outstanding shows, concerts, exhibitions, historical recollections and religious ceremonies.