SPREAD YOUR WINGS

A maze of narrow streets, lined with Baroque and Renaissance buildings, opens up to reveal pretty piazzas, against a background of snow-capped peaks. Protected by medieval walls and surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Abruzzo’s majestic mountains, L’Aquila appeared as enchanting as ever until a devastating earthquake struck the region in 2009. In just a handful of minutes eight hundred years of history crumbled causing a tragic loss of lives and the destruction of many of the town’s treasures.

But L’Aquila, meaning the “eagle”, is slowly regaining strength and spreading its wings again. After a thirteen-year long renovation programme, the town is proud to share with visitors a portion of its newly restored historic sites. A guided tour will allow you a moving glimpse of L’Aquila’s former grandeur and extraordinarily rich artistic heritage, as well as the force of human resilience in the wake of this natural disaster.

Meet your private chauffeur outside your accommodation and relax on the ride to L’Aquila. Your guide will be waiting by the Fountain of the 99 Spouts, ready to lead you on an exploration of the city’s famous landmarks while regaling you with tales of its glorious past. You will be intrigued by the story of L’Aquila’s legendary founding and the town’s close affinity with the number ninety-nine. You will discover how L’Aquila reached the height of its splendour between the 13th and 15th centuries, owing to lucrative textile trading activities and handicraft workshops, and also get a feel for the contemporary vibe of today’s lively university hub.

Your guide will certainly show you around the 13th century Basilica of Collemaggio, the pride of the town and a true masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The unforgettably beautiful facade in red and white marble features three skilfully carved portals and an intricate rose window above each. According to tradition, the church’s founding is linked to a miraculous event. In 1274 the hermit Pietro da Morrone, who went on to become Pope Celestino V, on his return from a trip to Lyons, decided to stop in L’Aquila and spend the night on a nearby hill, called Colle di Maggio. While he was asleep the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream, surrounded by angels at the top of a golden stairway and ordered him to build a church in her honour on that very site. The church was consecrated in 1288 and it was here that Pietro was crowned pope on August 29, 1294, a hugely significant date in the history of this city that has celebrated the annual Perdonanza indulgence rite ever since.

Your next stop is the massive fortress, built between 1534 and 1567, during the Spanish domination. Situated at the highest point of town and surrounded by a deep moat, mighty walls connect four corner bastions. These were originally built not to defend L’Aquila against enemy attacks but to control its rebellious citizens and prevent uprisings. As a stark reminder of the Spanish rulers’ supremacy and power, an entire neighbourhood was demolished to make way for the fortress and all the town’s bells were used to cast its cannons. As your guide will explain, the burdensome taxation imposed on the population to bear the costs of the castle’s construction impoverished the city and led to a period of decline.

From here make your way through the wounded but charming historic centre and pause to admire its squares and palazzi. You will certainly come across Piazza Santa Maria Paganica, surrounded by splendid buildings and a historic church which has sadly suffered much damage after the seism, Piazza Palazzo, the heart of L’Aquila’s political life, and Piazza Duomo, dominated by the imposing Cathedral of Saints Massimo and Giorgio.

Not to be missed is the 15th century Basilica of San Bernardino, built to safeguard the earthly remains of Saint Bernardino da Siena. The church’s facade is reputed to be the finest example of Renaissance architecture in Abruzzo and its lavish Baroque interior preserves a host of precious works of art, including a splendid ceramic altarpiece by Andrea della Robbia, Saint Bernardine’s marble funerary monument and an elaborately worked gilded wooden ceiling.

After some free time for lunch rejoin your driver and return to your accommodation.