L'Aquila, the rebirth

L'Aquila - L'Aquila is the capital of the province and of the Abruzzo region. Located on the slopes of the Gran Sasso whose tunnel measures 10 km, it has 70,000 inhabitants. Cultural treasure chest of Abruzzo, a proud city of noble spirit, was mortally wounded by the earthquake of 06/04/2009 and forced to rise again as the Phoenix. Today it can be said that the enterprise of rebirth is largely accomplished.

Founded in 1254 by the league of various villages united in an anti-feudal key, it was completely razed to the ground by the Swabian Manfredi who was then defeated by the French Carlo D 'Anjou who rebuilt it. We come to the artistic jewels. Surely the choreographic and spectacular monumental fountain of the rivera, in marble and travertine, very bright, made up of 99 spouts. The basilica of Collemaggio in Romanesque style with Gothic influences. Here Pope Pier da Morrone, better known as Celestino V, was crowned and buried here. Another jewel is certainly the basilica of San Bernardino from the mid-15th century, Renaissance style with a wooden ceiling and baroque gold. Inside a reliquary rest the remains of the Saint. To mention Piazza Duomo, the Municipal Theater, the university area and the medieval quarter. Last curiosity: this is the starting point of one of the transhumance routes to Puglia, the so-called tratturo. The mighty and Pharaonic Castle built by the Spaniards with an evident defensive function is noteworthy.