Things to do near Country of L'Aquila Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Pescasseroli - Parks and nature reserves

Parco nazionale, Abruzzo Lazio e Molise

Avezzano - Museums

Museo Lapidario Marsicano

The Marsicano Lapidary Museum in Avezzano was created in 1888. Inside it we find more than one hundred tombstones dating back to the Roman period, but also to the medieval and Renaissance period kept in seven rooms where you can admire the wrecks of a glorious past.

Avezzano - Museums

Pinacoteca d'Arte Moderna

The Art Gallery of Modern Art in Avezzano was set up in the Orsini Castle - Colonna and exhibits sculptures, paintings and graphics acquired since 1949, the year of the first Marsican Painting Exhibition which later took place would be called the Avezzano Prize. Over the years the collection has been greatly enriched and today it is possible to admire the works of numerous artists. On the floor below the Art Gallery is housed in a Multipurpose Room.

L'Aquila - Museums

Forte spagnolo

Seth in the northern part of the town, it was built by the Spanish. The rectangular building is part of the well preserved walls of the town. It is made up of four solid ramparts at the four angles and it hosts the National Museum of Abruzzo.

Ateleta - Museums

Museo della Civiltà Contadina

The Museum of Peasant Civilization is located inside the building of the town hall of Ateleta, located in Piazza Carolina. It was established in 1987 with the aim of preserving and presenting the national heritage of the area. The Museum houses a large collection of objects, tools and photos, which represent the testimonies of the past.

Villavallelonga - Museums

Museo dell'Orso

The Bear Museum is set up inside the structure of the Bear Visitor Center in Villavallelonga. The exhibition focuses on the life of the most beloved plantigrade in Italy. The Museum hosts temporary exhibitions and sections dedicated to children to learn, through films, the habits of the Bruno Marsicano Bear. Currently, the Museum is open to the public.

Opi - Museums

Museo del Camoscio

The Chamois Museum was created by the National Park Authority of Abruzzo with the participation of the Municipality of Opi. It was opened to the public on 23 June 1992. The gallery is divided into three rooms, the first of which is addressed to the testimonies of the suede. In the second and third rooms, on the other hand, there are objects, documentation, and a screening room, concerning the protected areas throughout Italy. We can also find chamois, which live in a space of almost 20 square meters.

Sulmona - Museums

Museo Civico

The Civic Museum of Sulmona is located inside the Palazzo dell'Annunziata. It was built in 1500 and covers ten rooms. In the first four rooms we find archaeological objects. Instead, the Art Gallery, located inside the museum, occupies six rooms. All the furniture in the room is very nice with furniture from the period. It houses a large collection of works ranging from the 13th to the 18th century. Among the artists we can certainly mention Giovanni da Sulomna, Giuseppe Simonelli and numerous others of the past centuries. Admission to the museum is free of charge.

Sulmona - Museums

Museo "In Situ"

The In Situ Museum is located in the municipality of Sulmona. It is located inside the Palazzo della Santissima, which dates back to the fifteenth century. The Museum presents archaeological finds and popular art and culture to the public. In addition, it offers a large collection of prehistoric archaeological objects.

Sulmona - Museums

Museo dell'Arte e della Tecnologia Confettiera

The Museum of Art and Technology Confettiera is located at the Pelino Confetti Factory and was created by Olindo Pelino. The factory presents in the machine rooms, relics, rare and precious objects. The museum also holds the recognition diplomas obtained in world exhibitions from the 800 to the present day. In 1992, the museum was declared a national monument.

Sulmona - Museums

Museo della Transumanza e del Costume Abruzzese Molisano

The Museum of Transhumance and Costume of Abruzzo Molise is located at the Santissima Annunziata complex built in 1320. The Museum is divided into four sections: archaeology, medieval - modern times, the Roman Domus Hall and the Museum of Folk Costume. These sections contain sculptures, paintings, goldsmith art and popular costumes from the 12th to the 18th century.

Sulmona - Museums

Museo Diocesano

The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art exhibits works that date from the twelfth century until the 18th century. It is located at the former Convent of Santa Chiara founded in 1269. The works present are both by famous artists and unknown artists.

Castel del Monte - Museums

Museo Civico - Etnografico

The Ethnographic Civic Museum is divided into a series of exhibition venues distributed within the historic center.The tourist, walking among squares and alleys, can descend into the ancient traditions of Castel del Mount The museum tour touches: “The oven of the dance”, "The Ancient House”, "The Work of the Fields”, “The Art of Wool” and “Shepherding”.

Roccacasale - Fortresses And Castles

Castello di Roccacasale

The Castle of Roccacasale dates back to 925. The building was built by the Count of Spoleto to protect himself from the attacks of the Arabs. It was owned by the Barons De Sanctis until 1803, when it was destroyed by the Napoleonic invasion. It is currently owned by the Municipality and is the seat of the Museum of Documentation and Popular Traditions.

L'Aquila - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio

The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio is an important place of Catholic worship in the city of L'Aquila. Founded in 1287 at the behest of Pietro da Morrone, crowned Pope Celestine V in 1294, it is the most important religious monument in the city. It contains the world's first Holy Door and is home to a unique annual jubilee. The basilica was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake and is still closed for restoration work that is expected to end in 2016.

L'Aquila - Churches and places of worship

Basilica di San Bernardino

Set in the city centre, a few meters from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. The huge stairsand the Rinascimental facade by Cola Dell'Amatrice, rebuilt in 1703 after an earthquake, are truly impressing.

L'Aquila - Churches and places of worship

Santuario Giovanni Paolo II

It is a medieval Romanesque building probably dating back to the first half of 1300. Since 2005 it has officially become “The Pope's Church” as on that date an important demonstration was held for the name of the former Gendarme summit (m.2424) to Pope John Paul II.

L'Aquila - Archaeological Sites

Amiternum - scavi archeologici

A community of L'Aquila, where you can find a first century amphitheatre, a Roman theatre, the old spas and an aqueduct. Under the church of San Michele Arcangelo you can also visit the catacombs.

L'Aquila - Streets and Squares

Piazza del Duomo

The biggest square in town; it also hosts the most important monuments. Here, every week the market takes place. The Cathedral dates back to the XIII century and it has been rebuilt after the earthquake of the XVIII century.

Castel del Monte - Historic Centres

Centro storico di Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is an important example of urban fortification. The two most important architectural features are: the wall-houses, buildings having a dual function, residential and defensive, and the sports, tunnels dug into the rock to connect various parts of the inhabited.

Caporciano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Bominaco Diroccato

The Castle of Bominaco was erected for reasons of defense. The first nucleus of the castle dates back to the twelfth century. In 1424 the structure was destroyed by the expedition of Braccio da Montone. Currently, only its ruins are visible.

Campotosto - Natural Areas

Lago di Campotosto

The largest artificial reservoir in Europe, represents a very important place of rest and reproduction for thousands of migratory and settlement birds. On the lake, you can also go canoeing, windsurfing and birdwatching. The lake is part of the state nature reserve at a height of 1313 a.s.l.

Calascio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Rocca Calascio

A charming fortress in the Province of L'Aquila, considered by National Geographic one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world. Quadrangular in shape with square stones, it has been set of numerous internationally renowned films such as 'Lady Hawke' and 'The Name of the Rose' to name a few.

Barrea - Historic Centres

Borgo di Barrea

San Demetrio Nei Vestini - Caves

Grotte di Stiffe

The Grotte di Stiffe are one of Italy’s most popular kartisque phenomenon. Situated at the apex of the valley of Stiffe and embed in the various vegetation of the Natural Park Sirente-Velino, the cave can be defined a resource, or a cave with a water flow. The river accompanies the visitor long the 700 m tourist-tour and forms in the heart of the cave a spectacular cascade. Nearby you can find a restauration point, a picknick area, a camper area,a playing round, a naturalistic pathes and a souvenir shop and sale of typical products Tel. +39 0862 86142 • Fax +39 0862 86111 • Cell. +39 327 9728914 www.grottestiffe.it • info@grottestiffe.it

Villalago - Hermitages

Eremo di San Domenico

The Hermitage of San Domenico is a small church located in the Municipality of Villalago. In the building there are paintings by the great painter Alfredo Gentile, depicting the history of some miracles. Inside the church there is a statue of the Saint, while on the right there is a fresco of the Madonna with the Child. The building was restored in 2012 and every 19 August it is visited by pilgrims.

Sulmona - Lakes, rivers and canals

Acquedotto Svevo

The Aqueduct was built around the middle of the thirteenth century by the Sulmonese themselves, during the period of Manfredi. The building has a length of almost 100 meters and covers 21 arches. A lot of invested in the maintenance of the aqueduct. It has always been a structure that characterized the city, being put on the paintings and postcards of Sulmona.

Sulmona - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di San Panfilo

It is the cathedral Church of the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva and was built in 1075. Initially, it was dedicated to Santa Maria, then, undergoing a couple of transformations in the twelfth century it was dedicated to the Patron Saint of Sulmona, San Panfilo from which it also took its name. In 1706 it was renovated in Baroque style due to an earthquake that struck it.

Scanno - Lakes, rivers and canals

Lago di Scanno

Lake Scanno is located downstream of the village of Scanno, and is the largest natural lake in the region. The lake has a heart shape from some views. Here you can go for walks, and observe the characteristic local flora and fauna.

Prata d'Ansidonia - Archaeological Sites

Peltuinum

Peltuinum is an archaeological area that houses the remains of an ancient Roman city of the 3rd century. The city was inhabited by more than 11,000 inhabitants and consisted of different structures among which we can distinguish the theater dedicated to the worship of Apollo. Due to a strong earthquake, the city was razed to the ground. Currently, there are only a few ruins left.

Assergi - Parks and nature reserves

Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso

The Park occupies 150 thousand hectares of area, covers three Italian regions Abruzzo, Marche and Lazio and five provinces: Teramo, L'Aquila, Pescara, Ascoli Piceno and Rieti.

Anversa Degli Abruzzi - Parks and nature reserves

Oasi Gole del Sagittario

The canyon was created by the erosion of the Sagittarius River, and is one of the most important regional nature reserves in Europe. It was listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, and not without reason, given the particular flora and the wonderful fauna it possesses. It's the perfect place for nature lovers.

Castel del Monte - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Colelli

Between the '500 and 800 the Colelli family was one of the richest and most famous in the country. Around its riches and the behavioral originality of its members, numerous anecdotes and legends were born, among which there is also that of the famous 'treasure room' (among one hundred) which still was not found.

L'Aquila - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Centi

This palace is set on Santa Giusta Square, in front of the homonymous church. it has been built in 1776 by Loreto Cicchi Pescocostanzo in Borromean Style. Today it is the seat of the Abruzzo Region.

L'Aquila - Historic Centres

Costa Masciarelli

This alley in the historical centre is surrounded by medieval palaces, old portals, passages and stairs. It is one of the most beautiful palces in town and it leads to Piazza del Duomo in Collemaggio.

L'Aquila - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Comunale

Set in the lower part of the town, close to Porta Napoli, it is surrounded by a number of parks with beautiful fountains. Here there also is a restaurant and various sports fields. The Villa is set in front of Palazzo Emiciclo.

Opi - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa madre “Santa Maria Assunta”

Pescasseroli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Sipari

Pescasseroli - Natural Areas

Museo Naturalistico

Campo di Giove - Hermitages

Eremo della Madonna di Coccia

Fossa - Archaeological Sites

Parco archeologico della necropoli di Fossa

Tione Degli Abruzzi - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Medievale

The Medieval Tower was built in the fourteenth century with the function of defense and warning in case of danger. At first, the building was part of a fortification which no longer exists today. The Tower has a square structure, which was accessed by a retractable staircase. In 1951, it underwent some changes: an entrance was opened at the base and a clock was placed on the façade. Today, the Tower performs a civic function.

Trasacco - Walls, towers and gates

Torre dei Febonio

According to scholars, this Tower is from the Middle Ages. It takes its name from the family who ordered its construction, the Feboni. It has a cylindrical shape and was used as a viewing point on Lake Fucino. Today it is slightly damaged due to the 1915 earthquake.

L'Aquila - Fountains

Fontana delle 99 cannelle

It is the symbol of the town and dates back to the XIII century. But what you see today, has been built during the last century, piece by piece, in the enlargment of the church. The fountain is covered in white and pink stones.

San Pio delle Camere - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello-Recinto di S.Pio delle Camere

The Castle-Recinto was built in the highest part of the resort. It is one of the most beautiful examples of this type of construction in the area and beyond. It is assumed to have been built around the 12th century. The enclosure has the form of an isosceles triangle, in which a pentagonal tower stands out. It was assumed that the castle was built at different historical moments. Today it is in good condition.

Scurcola Marsicana - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Orsini

The Orsini Castle was built around 1200. It has a triangular structure with two cylindrical towers. After a long period of abandonment, the building was restored. Today you can visit only the outside.

Avezzano - Museums

Mostra della Civiltà Contadina e Pastorale

Inside the A.R.S.S.A. headquarters in the city of Avezzano is the Casino of Caccia Torlonia, which today houses the Museum of Peasant and Pastoral Civilization. In the Museum, where content and container have equal charm, the arrangement of objects within the display cases does not follow chronological criteria or material affinity, but we have tried to group them according to areas thematic. Admission to the Museum is free of charge.

Acciano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Beffi Diroccato

Built in 1185, it corresponds to a defensive castle being built on a slope. Losing his function of time, he was abandoned. It has been restored lately. Today it is a theater with characteristic re-enactments in costume.

Acciano - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Roccapreturo

The Tower of Roccapreturo was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. The medieval building is located on a rocky spur in a position high from the town and has an irregular pentagonal structure, 10 meters high. In the past, the tower was part of the territorial defensive system.

Fagnano Alto - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Retenga Diroccato

The castle of Retenga was erected during the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside there is a small church dedicated to San Pietro. Currently, the castle is open to the public and guided tours are organized.

L'Aquila - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di L'Aquila

The Castle of L'Aquila is a fortress that was built at the behest of the Viceroy of Naples Don Pedro di Toledo in the first half of the 500, during the Spanish settlement. The building was built to suppress the rebellion of the citizens who had joined the French. The Castle was also used as accommodation for French and German soldiers in the nineteenth century and during World War II.

Ocre - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello d'Ocre Diroccato

The Castle of Ocre is located in the Province of Aquila. The walls of the castle, whose perimeter would be 470 meters, have been preserved and maintained until today in good condition. The property is located on a hill with an extraordinary view. The origins of the castle are ancient even if you do not know a specific date. A peculiar feature of the castle would be the seven towers. The already existing ruins of the castle were further damaged during the earthquake that struck L'Aquila in 2009.

Ortucchio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Piccolomini

The Piccolomini Castle was erected during the fifteenth century by Antonio Piccolomini of Aragon. The structure is very similar to the nearby strongholds, that of Ortona and Avezzano. It is currently open to the public and welcomes numerous tourists throughout the year.

Ovindoli - Walls, towers and gates

Torre di Santo Iona

The Tower of Santo Iona was built on a hill from the Counts of Celano in the 13th century. The structure, with a circular plan, was divided into two rooms: the lower one, at a height of seven meters, was used as a warehouse, while, the upper part, with an octagonal plan, was destined for the body on guard. At the beginning of its construction, the building had a higher structure, however, the historical events and the earthquake of the year 1915 destroyed part of its construction.

Pacentro - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Cantelmo-Caldora

The Caldora Castle, also known as the Cantelmo Castle, was built between the end of the '300 and the beginning of the '400. The building is located in the Municipality of Pacentro. This has a trapezoidal construction consisting of four towers, of which only three are left. The building was restored in the 1960s.

Pettorano sul Gizio - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Cantelmi

The Cantelmo Castle was built in the 11th century. The building played a very important role in the surveillance of the territory. Inside the castle there were houses. In 1990, the structure was modernized. Currently, it is the property of the Municipality of Pettorano.

Pizzoli - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Dragonetti de Torres

Dragonetti de Torres Castle was built in the 17th century on a project by Pietro Larbitro. The structure has a square plan with impressive angular turrets at the top.

Poggio Picenze - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Poggio Picenze

The Poggio Picenze Castle was built in the 9th century. Its structure consisted of six towers. Currently, there are only a few ruins left of the castle that testify to its existence.

Rocca Pia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Rocca Pia ruderi

The ruins that remain of the Rocca Pia Castle are located on a hill, surrounded by greenery. Precisely because of its location it was also called “Rocca Valle Oscura”. The building was built in the fourteenth century at the behest of the Cantelmo family. After the 18th he moved to the Tocco. The few parts left help us understand the extent of this construction, which is very important for those times.