Fun things to do in L'Aquila: 10 fun attractions and activities

Our 3-year old loved it. For those who believe what others say or claim, count the heads...... 😉 But yes, worth a little stop...

beautiful place, expect a steep return to the centre. very quiet!

We had this quirky but important historical "fountain" to ourselves for 20 minutes. No other visitors. I found it far more fascinating than the Trevi in Rome 2 days earlier. Total contrast. You can touch this one without being arrested!

Amazing museum! The staff was pleasant trying to answer all our questions in English. You have all kinds of written details next to the máster pieces. What a treat!!!

It is one of the main landmarks of L'Aquila. This monument has the shape of a square with 99 little fountains around the border. It is located at the beginning of Via Borgo Rivera, close to Porta Rivera. In front of this fountain, there are the church of San Vito Alla Rivera, and the museum MUNDA.

a very unic place, don't expect a water show, it's much more ancient and mysthic

Beautiful medieval fountain on a little square. It is a symbol of L'Aquila city. The sound of the water feels refreshing in the hot summer days.

The castle is CLOSED! And judging from other reviews it has been closed for at least 6 years!

Impressive fortress with a large park around. It is a pitty that he is in reconstruction and can not look from the inside.

Nice place to visit! Recommended 👍

Beautiful and peaceful place. Nice park to walk around the Fort. Due to reconstructions you can't visit the inside.

Nice place. Take a round walk.

Beautiful, massive and really interesting to really look at.

we were able to see the great mammuthus skeleton too..and what a wonderful fortress! lets hope they finish the restoration works for that nice place and the city center soon ;) "travel abruzzo" advice me if there are any news about that!

The Basilica of San Bernardino is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in L’Aquila, Italy. It was built in the 15th century in honor of Saint Bernardino of Siena, a Franciscan preacher who had a profound influence in the region. The basilica is an outstanding example of Italian Renaissance architecture, with its grand façade, elegant portals, and a harmonious blend of Gothic and classical elements. Inside, the church houses remarkable artworks, including frescoes, paintings, and intricate altarpieces that reflect the rich artistic heritage of Abruzzo. The basilica also contains the tomb of Saint Bernardino, a significant pilgrimage site for devotees and a symbol of spiritual devotion. Over the centuries, the basilica has survived numerous earthquakes, including significant damage during the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, prompting careful restoration to preserve its structure and art. Today, the Basilica of San Bernardino remains both an active place of worship and a cultural landmark, drawing visitors and scholars interested in its historical, architectural, and religious significance.

Honestly would skip this one as it’s a beautiful structure but just a shrine to a not to nice a person.

Wonderdul spacious basilica of XV century, with facade of XVI century (work of famous Cola del Amatrice). it was renovated twice after terrible earthquakes in 1703 and 2009. Besides beautiful facade you can see altar of Andrea della Robbia, wooden statue of Madonna, Renaissance tomb of mother and daughter Camponeschi. And the final top is mausoleum (XV-XVI century) of st Bernardin with his incorruptible body inside

To me is a must see peace of architecture, a please where to feel silence and where to meditate if one wants to. A 💎 of L'Aquila just steps away from the Spanish fortress known as CASTELLO by many.

One of the most beautiful churches of L'Aquila. A must-visit.

The church of San Bernardino is located at the end of the scenic staircase of the same name, in the historic center of L'Aquila, about 600 m from the Spanish Fort. The construction of a church that would worthily house the remains of San Bernardino da Siena (1380-1444) - the persuasive preacher of the Order of Friars Minor who died in L'Aquila and was proclaimed a saint in 1450 - was strongly desired by the influential friar Giovanni da Capestrano .

Excellent place to visit! Highly recommended 👍

Small but interesting and renovated museum, just beside the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle: it features a collection of painting, sculptures and archeological artifacts from the Neolithic to the XIX century. Plus, with the same ticket you can admire the magnificent Mammut hosted in the Castello Spagnolo (which is worth alone the ticket price).

I hope they rebuild the castle soon and enable the public to visit. The earthquake of 2009 was devastating and its effects are seen all around the town. Even with the reduced exhibits, the museum is a gem. It explores the history of the area, much of which is overlooked and forgotten. Moat museums keep their artifacts shrouded and enclosed. Most pieces here you can examine up close and truly appreciate what the area contributed to Italian history and culture. Fact is we were driving by and noted the sign and went in on a whim. Glad we did. Italy has so many museums it's difficult to get funding for many.

We were very lucky and didn't have to pay anything today. I liked the medieval art

In its current state not worth it, even if the ticket price was ok. It's less a museum and more of religious iconography gallery, endlessly repetitive and utterly redundant in this region dotted with countless churches. You end up learning very little about this region.

Most of the text is in italian, only the exhibits that are behind the class are also marked with english. Othetwise nice colf place to be on a summerday of 30+ degrees.

Interesting works. Too many people watching you.

Top archeological and regional museum in L'Aquila. In addition the stunning "99 cannelle" fountain is next door. Not to miss

Beautiful place

(Translated by Google) The Porta Castello is one of the historic gates of L'Aquila, located in the north-west part of the city. Dating back to the 13th century, this medieval gate was an important access route to the city for those coming from the northern areas, particularly from the surrounding countryside. Its construction was part of the imposing fortifications designed to protect L'Aquila from attacks and invasions. Porta Castello served not only as an entrance, but also as a control and defense point. Travelers and traders who entered the city through this gate were checked to ensure the safety of the L'Aquila population. The name "Porta Castello" reflects the proximity to the sixteenth-century Castle, another important defensive structure of the city. After the 2009 earthquake, Porta Castello was restored, keeping its majesty and historical value intact. (Original) La Porta Castello è una delle porte storiche di L'Aquila, situata nella parte nord-ovest della città. Risalente al XIII secolo, questa porta medievale era un'importante via d'accesso alla città per chi proveniva dalle aree settentrionali, in particolare dalle campagne circostanti. La sua costruzione faceva parte delle imponenti fortificazioni progettate per proteggere L'Aquila da attacchi e invasioni. Porta Castello serviva non solo come ingresso, ma anche come punto di controllo e difesa. I viaggiatori e i commercianti che entravano in città attraverso questa porta venivano controllati per garantire la sicurezza della popolazione aquilana. Il nome "Porta Castello" riflette la vicinanza al Castello Cinquecentesco, un'altra importante struttura difensiva della città. Dopo il terremoto del 2009, Porta Castello è stata restaurata, mantenendo intatta la sua maestosità e il suo valore storico.

(Translated by Google) you arrive here at the castle which is truly wonderful through a beautiful and fresh pine forest. You can go for beautiful walks, there are games for children immersed in the greenery, benches to rest or read, lulled by the wind that moves the trees, there is a lovely bar to refresh yourself. Come here it's very very 👌 good (Original) si arriva qui in castello che è davvero meraviglioso attraversando una bella e fresca pineta. Si possono fare belle passeggiate ci sono giochi per bimbi immersi nel verde panchine per riposare o leggere facendosi cullare dal vento che muove gli alberi c è un grazioso bar per ristorarsi. Venite qui si sta molto molto 👌 bene

(Translated by Google) It is one of the historic gates that in ancient times gave access to the city of L'Aquila when it was surrounded by high walls and guarded to defend against possible enemies. It is currently one of the main accesses to the historic center which is still under reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake and gives tourists and citizens the opportunity to pass through and or stop easily in the park of the Spanish castle, admiring not only the freshness of the vegetation but also the imposing structure of the castle itself still under restoration. Or you can continue on foot towards the city center where you can find refreshment points of all kinds as well as elegant shops of various kinds. Inside the park there is a small but well-equipped play area for the little ones. (Original) Si tratta di una delle porte storiche che anticamente davano accesso alla città di L'Aquila allorquando era cinta da mura alte e sorvegliate a difesa di eventuali nemici. Attualmente è uno degli accessi principali al centro storico che è ancora in ricostruzione da dopo il sisma del 2009 e da l'opportunità ai turisti come si cittadini di transitare e o sostare agevolmente nel parco del castello spagnolo ammirando oltre alla freschezza della vegetazione anche la struttura imponente del castello stesso ancora in fase di restauro. Oppure si può proseguire a piedi verso il centro città laddove si possono trovare dei punti di ristoro di ogni tipo oltre a negozi eleganti si vario genere. All'interno del parco vi è una piccola ma ben attrezzata area giochi per i più piccoli.

(Translated by Google) Robust entrance to the fortified city with elegant gate, remodeled in 1769. Above is the coat of arms of the city of L'Aquila, surmounted by the trigram "IHS" of the name of Jesu, according to the stylization made by San Bernardino of Siena for the diffusion of the devotion and cult of the "Name of Jesus", with the sun that guards it the characters, and the twelve rays they radiate. (Original) Robusto ingresso alla città fortificata con elegante porta, rimaneggiata nel 1769. In alto lo stemma della città de' L Aquila, sormontato dal trigramma "IHS" del nome di Jesu, secondo la stilizzazione operata da San Bernardino da Siena per la diffusione della devozione e culto del "Nome di Gesù", col sole che ne custodisce i caratteri, e i dodici raggi che irradiano.

(Translated by Google) Ancient gate of the city walls of L'Aquila, historically very dear to the inhabitants and which gives its name to the street of the same name that runs along the park of the sixteenth-century castle (Original) Antica porta della cinta muraria della città di L'Aquila, storicamente molto cara agli abitanti e che dà il nome alla omonima via che costeggia il parco del castello cinquecentesco

(Translated by Google) Splendid city wall gate, located in front of the Spanish fort in a magnificent view, with the evergreen trees of the park as a backdrop. (Original) Splendida porta di mura urbiche, collocata dinanzi al forte spagnolo in una vista magnifica, a cui fanno da sfondo gli alberi sempre verdi del parco.

In remodeling after the earthquake

Ok

Much to learn

Amazing

(Translated by Google) Ruins of the castle in Barisciano passing through the Via Mariana Greater care for both the castle and the Way would be useful (Original) Ruderi del castello a Barisciano passando per la Via Mariana Sarebbe utile una maggiora cura sia per il castello che per la Via

(Translated by Google) Wonderfully beautiful and clean. Experienced politely by the people of Acquila, both day and night. Wonderful surprise to visit this beautiful city center. (Original) Meravigliosamente bella e pulita. Vissuta educatamente dagli Acquilani, sia di giorno che di sera. Meravigliosa sorpresa visitare questo stupendo centro della città.

(Translated by Google) Crossroads between the cardo and the decumanus, it was once the meeting point of the people of L'Aquila. In the vicinity there was all the social life of the city, the Municipal Headquarters, the high schools, the Theatre, the large public offices, elegant shops, the Basilica of S. Bernardino, the National Boarding School which saw me as a middle school student. I can't wait for the Four Cantons to return to being the beating heart of the City. Finally, a few days ago (July 2022) the repair work began on the damage that the earthquake caused to the complex. (Original) Incrocio tra il cardo ed il decumano, una volta era il punto di incontro degli aquilani. Nei paraggi c'era tutta la vita sociale della città, la Sede Municipale, i Licei, il Teatro, i grandi Uffici pubblici, negozi eleganti, la basilica di S. Bernardino, il Convitto Nazionale che mi vide studente di scuola media. Non vedo l'ora che i Quattro Cantoni tornino ad essere il cuore pulsante della Città. Finalmente, da qualche giorno (luglio 2022) sono iniziati i lavori di riparazione dei danni che il sisma ha causato al complesso.

(Translated by Google) The park is well-stocked with children's playground equipment. Excellent cleanliness. Notes for improvement: 1) The rubber flooring requires minor maintenance as it is deteriorated in some areas. 2) The access gates should be better managed (it would be better to lock them), as opening and closing is at the discretion of park users, both adults and school-age children, with a significant risk of crushing fingers, especially given the consistency of the structures. (Original) Parco fornitissimo di giochi per bimbi. Ottima la pulizia. Note di miglioramento: 1) la pavimentazione in gomma necessita' di piccoli interventi manutentivi in quanto deteriorata in qualche punto. 2) andrebbero meglio gestiti i cancelli di accesso ( sarebbe meglio bloccarli) in quanto l'apertura/chiusura e' a discrezione dei friutori del parco ,sia grandi che di eta' scolare, con una significativa probabilita' d schiacciamento delle dita, vista anche la consistenza dei manufatti.

(Translated by Google) A playground designed for children ages 1-3 and 4-10. Guarded and supervised, it's therefore off-limits to teenagers who haven't grown up. Soft flooring, sound games, and a water fountain. For older children, there's also a kiosk for aperitifs. (Original) Un parco giochi a misura di bambino 1-3 e 4-10. Custodito, sorvegliato e pertanto interdetto ad adolescenti mai cresciuti. Pavimento morbido, giochi sonori, fontanino con acqua. Per i più grandi c'è anche un chiosco per aperitivi.

(Translated by Google) Very nice and well-kept. Attention for children up to 14 years old. (Original) Molto carino e curato. Attenzione per bimbi fino ai 14 anni.

(Translated by Google) Very well equipped play area with zip lines and a whole range of games for all ages (Original) Area giochi molto bene attrezzata di zip line e tutta una serie di giochi per tutte le età

(Translated by Google) Great playground right next to the park and the Castello in the shade with lots of play options. (Original) Toller Spielplatz direkt neben dem Park und dem Castello im Schatten mit vielen Spielmöglichkeiten.

(Translated by Google) A top park for children: beautiful, well-organized, well-kept, and large, with musical instruments as well. (Original) Parco top per i bambini, bello, organizzato, curato e grande, con anche strumenti musicali. Suoer

(Translated by Google) A fairytale place like no other! For children aged 3 to 10 years old, the attractions are nothing short of spectacular. Management of the green areas to be envied and clean at the top. Separate dog area. Maintenance present. Fully stocked kiosk bar attached to the playground with large outdoor spaces. (Original) Un posto da favola come non ce ne sono più! Per i bambini dai 3 ai 10 anni attrazioni a di poco spettacolari. Una gestione delle aree verdi da far invidia e pulizia al top. Area cani separata. Manutenzione presente. Chiosco bar fornitissimo attaccato al parco giochi con ampi spazi esterni.

(Translated by Google) Well maintained and cared for, beautiful view. Organization to be reviewed a bit (Original) Ben tenuto e curato, bellissimo panorama. Organizzazione da rivedere un po'

(Translated by Google) Arcobaleno Summer Camp, a name a guarantee. We discovered this structure last summer, large spaces both indoors and outdoors, restaurant room with kitchen and chef who delights the palates of adults and children every day. A variety of activities and sports, characteristics of a real CAMPUS, one of a kind in our city, a happy island that allows us parents to spend a peaceful summer and the children a summer full of energy. All the instructors are highly trained in the different disciplines, the pride of which is the director Giuseppe Lucente, a point of reference on the Campus! We have already booked summer 2023!! Don't let me tell you ^_^ (Original) Summer Camp Arcobaleno, un nome una garanzia. Abbiamo scoperto la scorsa estate questa struttura, spazi ampi sia al chiuso che all’aperto, sala ristorante con cucina e chef che ogni giorno delizia i palati di grandi e piccini. Una varietà di attività e sport, caratteristiche di un vero e proprio CAMPUS, unico nel suo genere nella nostra città, un’isola felice che permette a noi genitori di trascorrere un’estate serena ed ai bambini un’estate piena di energia. Tutti gli istruttori sono altamente preparati nelle diverse discipline, fiore all’occhiello il direttore Giuseppe Lucente, punto di riferimento del Campus! Noi abbiamo già prenotato l’estate 2023!! Non fartelo raccontare ^_^

(Translated by Google) Really welcoming and multipurpose. And the owner is truly a great person. A reference. (Original) Davvero accogliente e polivalente. E il proprietario è davvero una persona eccezionale. Un riferimento.

(Translated by Google) Excellent fully equipped sports center with 1/10 electric RC track (Original) Ottimo centro sportivo attrezzatissimo con pista RC elettrico 1/10

(Translated by Google) Fantastic, wonderful, beautiful. I've been going there for years and every year I find it more and more organised, clean, efficient and with lots of services and entertainment. Big. Federica (Original) Fantastico, meraviglioso, bellissimo. Sono anni che ci vado ed ogni anno lo trovo sempre più organizzato, pulito, efficiente e con tanti servizi e divertimenti. Grandi. Federica

(Translated by Google) Ate at the sports center restaurant, Vittorio always kind and helpful, the amazing lunch, the Abruzzo tradition in every succulent course, closing with "Genziana" produced by himself, I'll be back soon!!!!!! (Original) Mangiato al ristorante del centro sportivo , Vittorio sempre gentile, e disponibile, il pranzo stupefacente,la tradizione abruzzese in ogni succulenta portata, chiusura con "Genziana " prodotta da lui stesso, tornerò presto!!!!!!

(Translated by Google) Bad experience, I spent a very boring evening, with terrible music, on the other hand I ate decent..... without exaggerating...... of course next time I'll make sure who does the musical entertainment, another evening nailed to the chair better to stay at home 😒 (Original) Pessima esperienza, ho passato una serata noiosissima, con della musica pessima, in compenso ho mangiato decente.....senza esagerare...... certo la prossima volta mi accerterò di chi effettua l'animazione musicale, un'altra serata inchiodata alla sedia meglio restare a casa 😒

11euro and extra cost for shower etc. is this normal in italy? come siete in grado di?

Top

(Translated by Google) Dated but well maintained building. The pool is clean, 25 m long and has a depth of 6m at the highest part. Thanks to this generosity it is also used for diving courses. The pool is used mainly by teenagers for various courses, but also by synchronized swimming and water polo teams. In the complex there is also a smaller pool which, in addition to being used to train novice children, is used for water aerobics, rehabilitation and gymnastics courses for pregnant women. The changing rooms are large and equipped with coin-operated telephones. The big flaw of the structure remains the parking. (Original) Struttura datata ma ben tenuta. La vasca é pulita, lunga 25 m gode di una profondità di 6m alla parte più alta. Grazie a questa generosità viene sfruttata anche per corsi da sub. La piscina viene sfruttata principalmente da teenager per corsi vari, ma anche da squadre di nuoto sinctonizzato e pallanuoto. Nel complesso c'è anche una vasca più piccola che oltre ad essere usata per addestrare i bambini alle prime armi viene utilizzata per corsi di acquagym, riabilitazione e ginnastica per gestanti. Gli spogliatoi sono grandi e dotati di fono a gettoni. Il grande neo della struttura rimane il parcheggio.

(Translated by Google) Small parking but with charging for electric cars, very nice pools but stripped in a labyrinth style, behind the pool there is a large space both paved and with grass and a bar. A nice experience. (Original) Parcheggio piccolo ma con ricarica x auto elettrica,piscine molto belle ma spogliati stile labirinto,dietro piscina con ampio spazio sia pavimentato che con prato e un bar.una bella esperienza.

(Translated by Google) A fantastic place! When you enter here you breathe an air of serenity! Not to mention the various activities that take place inside, from free swimming to diving courses. The instructors are all very good, highly trained and professional, friendly and courteous! Highly recommended! (Original) Un luogo fantastico! Quando si entra qui dentro si respira aria di serenità! Per non parlare delle varie attività che vi si svolgono all'interno, dal nuoto libero ai corsi subacquei. Gli istruttori sono tutti molto bravi, preparatissimi e professionali, simpatici e cortesi! Consigliatissimo!

(Translated by Google) It would be 5 stars, but the changing rooms (at least the women's ones) could use a bit of updating. Otherwise, between the facilities and the staff, it's an excellent pool: clean, spacious, and bright. (Original) Sarebbero 5 stelle ma gli spogliatoi (quantomeno quelli femminili) sono leggermente da svecchiare. Per il resto, tra struttura e personale, è un'ottima piscina, pulita, spaziosa e luminosa.

(Translated by Google) Historic. It's been there since 1933 and unlike the other more modern ones, it has decent stands. The only flaw is the external stairs to reach the changing rooms. Be careful not to arrive late for the games, otherwise there is no parking for cars. (Original) Storica. È lì dal 1933 e a differenza delle altre più attuali ci sono gli spalti decenti. Unica pecca sono le scale esterne per raggiungere gli spogliatoi. Occhio a non arrivare in ritardo per le gare, pena nkn si trova parcheggio per le auto.

(Translated by Google) A little rainy but a good match....shame...we could have won!! (Original) Un po piovosa ma una bella partita ....peccato ...si poteva vince !!

(Translated by Google) Nice people at the bar (Original) Persone gentili al bar