Things to Do in L'Aquila

The main square of L'Aquila, dominated by the unfinished cathedral facade and lined with cafes. Site of the weekly market and evening passeggiata.

🕐 Always open

💡 On Saturday mornings the square fills with food stalls—try the local arrosticini (skewered lamb) from a street vendor for €3.

A medieval fountain with 99 mask spouts, each unique. Local legend says the 100th was never finished to keep the city's founding number.

🕐 Always open

💡 Take a small bottle to taste the water—locals still collect it. Best visited on a quiet weekday morning when you can hear each spout.

The main regional museum, housed in a former castle. Displays archaeology, medieval sculpture, and 20th-century art. Free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

🕐 Tue–Sun 08:30–19:30; closed Mon. Free first Sunday of month.

💡 Don't miss the wooden 'Christ of the Earthquake' from 1341—it survived the 2009 quake. The rooftop terrace gives a great view of the city.

A striking 13th-century church with a distinctive pink-and-white stone facade. Site of the first papal jubilee, declared by Celestine V in 1294.

🕐 Daily 07:30–12:30 and 15:30–19:00

💡 Visit late afternoon when the sun hits the rose window; the interior is simple but the crypt often has temporary art exhibits.

Massive national park with hiking trails, meadows, and the highest peak in the Apennines. Entry to the park is free, and several trails start just outside L'Aquila.

🕐 Open 24 hours; visitor centres vary, typically 09:00–17:00

💡 The 'Sentiero del Cuore' trail near Campo Imperatore is a 2-hour loop with panoramic views and no crowds. Pack a picnic and water.