L'Aquila
L'Aquila: an introduction to the city
L'Aquila, also known as Aquila degli Abruzzi until 1939, is the capital of the province of L'Aquila and of the Abruzzo region, with a population of around 70,000 inhabitants. The city is located in the Aquilan basin, on the slopes of the Gran Sasso and along the Aterno river. L'Aquila is a city rich in history and culture, founded by a federation of 99 castles in response to the feudal crisis after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Its history
The city was rebuilt as a free commune with Carlo I d'Angiò after being destroyed by Manfredi di Sicilia. It was part of the Kingdom of Naples and, in the 15th century, it became the second most important city in the state after Naples thanks to its prosperous economy. However, after the catastrophic earthquake of L'Aquila in 1703, the city fell into decline. Only in the 19th century did L'Aquila experience economic and cultural development.
The historical and cultural heritage
Despite the numerous earthquakes, including the disastrous L'Aquila earthquake of 2009, L'Aquila boasts a remarkable historical and cultural heritage. The Walls of L'Aquila, which testify to the medieval presence, the numerous Renaissance palaces, and the baroque and neoclassical churches built following the post-18th century earthquake reconstructions, can be admired.
The Perdonanza Celestiniana
L'Aquila is also the seat of an annual jubilee, the Perdonanza Celestiniana, instituted by Pope Celestine V through the pontifical bull ''Inter sanctorum solemnia'' in 1294 and becoming part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2019.
Physical geography
The city is located in the Aquilan basin in the middle of the Aterno valley, surrounded by the Gran Sasso massif and the Sirente-Velino chain. In addition, there are three minor rivers that border it: the Vetoio, the Raio, and the Sorgenti del Fiume Vera Regional Nature Reserve. The historic center is located on a hill at an altitude of 721 meters above sea level, and is the third highest city for provincial capitals in Italy, after Enna and Potenza.
The municipal area
The municipal area of L'Aquila is very extensive, in fact, it is the largest Italian municipality by surface area. More than 75% of the territory is subject to environmental protection, with 49% being protected by national parks or natural reserves.
In summary, L'Aquila is a city rich in history and culture, with an important historical heritage testified by the Walls of L'Aquila, Renaissance palaces, and baroque and neoclassical churches. Despite the numerous earthquakes, the city has survived and today is the seat of an annual jubilee, the Perdonanza Celestiniana, which attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition, the municipal area is very vast and the city is located at a significant altitude compared to other Italian cities.
