Abruzzo's mountain capital, founded by legend from ninety-nine castles, still counts its emblems in ninety-nines: the Fountain of the 99 Spouts murmurs through its masked court, while the Basilica of Collemaggio raises its pink-and-white checkerboard facade, patiently rebuilt since the great earthquake.
When to visit L'Aquila
Average highs and lows across the year.
What to see first
Campo Imperatore
The Little Tibet of the Apennines: a vast treeless plateau under the wall of Corno Grande, with a historic hotel.
Read the guide
What to eat, and drink
- The dishRagù di pecoraIn the Marsica area of Abruzzo, ragù di pecora turns mature sheep meat into a slow-cooked sauce.
- The dishChitarra with lamb ragù and fried artichokeFine strands of egg chitarra take on a buttery lamb ragù, while thin fried artichoke adds a crisp finish.
- The wineCerasuolo d'Abruzzo
- The wineMontepulciano
Eating and drinking in L'Aquila
Well-loved everyday tables and Michelin stars, each checked open.
- la corte ristorante braceriaTrattoria
- Carpe Diem "Diversamente Pizza"Pizzeria
- Lo Scalco dell'AquilaTrattoria
- Ristorante Da LincostaTrattoria
- Arrosticini DiviniTrattoria
- Rosticceria Pizzeria da Peppe SpecchioliPizzeria
Sleeping in L'Aquila
Well-reviewed places to stay, each checked open, by town.
- B&B Giuggiolando
- Hotel Castello L'Aquila
- La Compagnia Del Viaggiatore3-star
- La Dimora del Baco4-star
- My Suite Hotel
- Amaranto99
The year in L'Aquila
The rituals, races, and processions the city still keeps.
More of Abruzzo
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