L'Aquila

Capuccino

On our 2005 trip we stayed in L'Aquila for a few nights. We found the town to be interesting and easy to walk about. Here is a town with a rich history.

Of course, visit one of the cafes on the Piazza Duomo for a great cappuccino.

Emperor Frederick II established L'Aquila in 1240 as a means of protection of his holdings from the Popes. To create L'Aquila he brought together people from 99 different villages. So there is a theme — 99. At one time there were 99 churches, 99 piazzas etc. He built, and it still remains, a fountain with 99 spouts - one to represent each of the 99 villages. Most of the churches and piazzas were destroyed by earthquakes but the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is still there, and according to the tour books, the town hall bell chimes 99 times every evening, but I must admit I don't remember actually hearing that many chimes.

The advantage of keeping good friends paid off, as since the town was loyal to Queen Giovanna II, after a long drawn out attack in 1423, the Queen thanked the city by granting L'Aquila a range of privileges that made it the second ranking city, in what was then the Kingdom of Naples.

Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio

Plan to see the Basilica Santa Maria di Collemaggio. It ust hits you when you walk down the long road that takes you to the grounds in front of the church.

The large rose window is encased with a delicate pattern of pink and white stone. The Basilica has an interesting history. A hermit, Pietro da Marrone, was elected Pope, and at the age of 80 in 1294 he started the building of the Basilica.

He took the name Pope Celestine V. He was, however, no match for the crafty politicians of the day and he was forced to abdicate. Pope Boniface VIII took over and viewed Celestine as a threat. Celestine was placed in prison until he died. His tombs lies inside the basilica.

While the exterior of the basilica is stunning when you enter the inside is a large, bare building. The previously rich interior has been stripped. The tomb of Celestine V is the main decoration left inside the Collemaggio. Visit the cloisters which are accessible from the exterior of the church.

Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio

Forte Spagnolo

The Forte Spagnolo is one of the largest structures in L'Aquila. It houses the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo.

Make time to view the museum. An interesting, easy to take collection is well worth your time. Kind of out of the theme of the majority of the works, there is the skeleton of a mammoth found near the town in the early 1950's.

Fontanna Delle 99 Cannelle

The Fontanna Delle 99 Cannelle is located well out of the centre of town. It is about a 20 minute walk and be prepared to go down, and back up, a fairly substantial hill.

Built in the 13th Century the source of its constantly running water is not actually known. You can count the heads, I did not, but reports indicate there are only 93 heads and six regular spouts. They all add up 99.

Piazza Duomo

We stayed at a hotel across from the Piazza Duomo, and this is a great location for walking about the city.

If you walk from the Piazza Duomo and take Corso Vittorio Emanuele you will arrive at the Quattro Cantoni, the four corners, the city's main cross road.

Go to the left on Corso Umberto and arrive at the Piazza del Palazzo, and it has the Palazzo di Giustizi. The bell in the palace's town sounds 99 strokes every day at dusk.

If you leave the Quattro Cantoni along via San Bernardino you will find yourself at the San Bernardino, a masterpiece of architecture.