Amaranto99

Immersed in a natural environment at the foot of Gran Sasso, surrounded by 3 National Parks and a Regional Park, L'Aquila is a medieval city full of surprises. The ongoing reconstruction process after the earthquake of April 6, 2009 continues, and every month small corners of this splendid city come to light. The official history of its foundation blends with legends and mysteries, Templar knights and constellations, extraordinary figures like Frederick II and Celestine V. The city was founded by the castles of the surrounding area, and in memory of this event, the Fountain of the Ninety-Nine Spouts was built in 1272. From Piazza Duomo, just 150 meters away, streets and alleys wind their way, some with typical shops and restaurants, while others convey that medieval austerity with imposing palaces and important portals. Costa Masciarelli, right below us, connects the exterior of the ancient city, that is, the current historic center still surrounded by medieval walls, to Piazza Duomo. Just beyond one of the city gates, which still bears the city's coat of arms, you reach the Basilica of Collemaggio. In addition to the numerous signs on the floor that refer to the Templar tradition, this basilica boasts three records: the first Holy Door in history, the only Holy Door in the world that opens every year, and the only church that witnessed the coronation of a pope, Celestine V, outside the Vatican. Then there is the Basilica of San Bernardino, the quintessential example of Aquila's baroque architecture, the Castle, a majestic fortress built in the 16th century by the Spanish to punish the people of L'Aquila, Piazza Palazzo, with one of the oldest bell towers in Italy, and the only other Palazzo Madama in Italy, apart from the one in Rome, which houses the Senate. In addition to its architectural gems, the city offers a wide range of activities and excursions in the surrounding area, including visits to castles and medieval villages, caves and nature reserves, summer and winter mountain walks, ski resorts, canoe trips on Europe's cleanest river, the Wolf Visitor Center, and many events related to music, theater, and art.