L'Aquila is the capital of the Abruzzo region. It lies at the foot of the Apennines and is a good base for exploring the Gran Sasso National Park.
The city has a long history, but lacks more significant monuments. This is due to repeated earthquakes that have devastated the area about once every century. The last one took place in 2009 and caused enormous damage mainly in the historic part of L'Aquila.
The old town of L'Aquila was raised from its ruins, although you can still see partially destroyed tenement houses here. Its most important monument is the Church of San Bernardino, the construction of which began in the 15th century. Inside there is a saint's tomb with early Renaissance sculptures. Baroque palaces and the 16th century Forte Spagnolo castle also regained their former glory.
The location of L'Aquilia at the foot of the Apennines makes it a good base for tourists who like active tourism. These areas include the Gran Sasso National Park, which is home to the highest peak in the Apennines. There is a ski station on its slopes in winter. An interesting fact about this part of the Apennines is the Campo Imperatore plateau, sometimes called Little Tibet, with landscapes resembling the areas of Central Asia. You can reach it from L'Aquila by a road that opens in the summer season.
