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The Province of L'Aquila: A Treasure to Discover
The province of L'Aquila is a beautiful area in Abruzzo that attracts many tourists every year for its enchanting natural and cultural beauty. With a population of 287,565 inhabitants, it is the largest inland province and has no access to the sea. But don't be fooled, because the beauty of the territory here is unmatched. In this article, we will explore the physical geography and morphology of the province to let you discover this hidden treasure of Italy.
Physical Geography
The province of L'Aquila covers the entire interior part of the region and extends over an area of 5,035 square kilometers, placing it ninth in terms of national extension. The province borders with the province of Teramo to the northeast, with the province of Pescara and the province of Chieti to the east, with Molise (province of Isernia) to the southeast, and with Lazio (province of Frosinone, metropolitan city of Rome Capital, and province of Rieti) to the west.
Morphology
Orography
The province is characterized by three series of massifs that extend from northwest to southeast, parallel to the coastline. The chain formed by the Monti della Laga, Gran Sasso, and Maiella Mountains is the northeastern boundary of the province, while the southwestern area is characterized by the mountain system of the Monti del Cicolano, Monti Simbruini, and Monti Ernici.
Geographical Characteristics
The province of L'Aquila is characterized by various lacustrine basins, which host the major anthropic settlements in the area. These basins are surrounded by mountain groups such as the Massicci del Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga to the northeast, the Sirente-Velino and Monti Carseolani, Monti Simbruini, Monti Cantari, and Monti Ernici to the west, Maiella to the east, and Massicci dei Monti Marsicani and Monti della Meta to the south.
Among these mountain groups, there are karst plateaus at altitude such as the Altopiano di Cascina, Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice, Piano del Voltigno, Altopiano delle Rocche, Piani di Pezza, and the major plateaus of Abruzzo.
Geological Zones
The province of L'Aquila is divided into four main geological zones, each with unique characteristics.
The Aquilana Basin
The Aquilana Basin is the northernmost part of the province, which passes above the Aterno River and includes the Alto Aterno, the Aquilana Basin, the Altopiano delle Rocche, the Subequana Valley, and the Navelli Plain.
The Marsica
The Marsica is located in the area of the ancient Lake Fucino, drained at the end of the 19th century, and is the westernmost zone of the province, bordering Lazio.
The Valle Peligna
The Valle Peligna is located in the Sulmona area and is the closest zone to the coast and the border with the province of Pescara.
The Alto Sangro
The Alto Sangro is located in the southern zone of the province, shared with Molise.
Conclusions
In summary, the province of L'Aquila is a hidden treasure of Italy that attracts many tourists every year for its natural and cultural beauty. The area is characterized by mountains, lacustrine basins, and karst plateaus, and each of the four geological zones has its peculiarities. If you love nature and history, the province of L'Aquila will not disappoint you. Come and discover this treasure for yourself, and we promise you won't regret it!
