L’Aquila
By admin | March 10, 2008
L’Aquila is the capital of the province of the same name in the region of Abruzzo in Italy and is located in the northern part of the province. It is a small, pleasant city that is surrounded by high mountains. The city was established by the German Emperor Frederick II in 1242. According to legend, Frederick gathered the population from 99 local villages into the one city. Each group of villagers in-turn created their own church, resulting in a city of 99 churches. Unfortunately, only a very few remain.
There are several attractions for travelers to visit. There are at least six churches to visit including the Duomo (the city’s main church), located on the Piazza del Duomo, and Santa Maria di Collemaggio (located outside the city walls), a Templar church with beautiful rose windows.. The final confrontation scene in the move Ladyhawke was filmed in this church.
Other places to see include the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo, which is located in the sixteenth century Castello located in the northend of the city. The castle was designed by the Spanish architect “Don Pirro Aloisio Escriva” and is one of the most impressive castles in central Italy and possibly one of the earliest types of this type constructed. The Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo has several different sections including paintings, Roman finds, but its most famous feature is the skeleton of a mammoth that was found in the local area.
There is also a daily market that is held each day (except Sunday) in the Piazza del Doumo. There you can find a wide variety of goods including clothing on sale by small vendors. The market is open from 8AM-2PM.
Finally, there is the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, which is located outside the western walls. The fountain has 99 fountains that represent the 99 churches that were originally in the city.
Besides the sites inside L’Aquila, there are many places to visit outside of the city including the churches of San Pelligrino and Santa Maria dell’Assunta in Bominaco, the medieval castle at Calascio, and the Gran Sasso National Park. In wintertime, Because of the nearby mountains there are several ski resorts throughout the region. Many of these skiers stay in L’Aquila which, could cause problems finding a hotel room in the winter season.
Topics: Abruzzo |