The facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L'Aquila

City guide

L’Aquila

A practical guide to discovering the historic centre, local flavours and the Gran Sasso area during your stay at B&B Interno SG.

Start with the city

Places not to miss in L’Aquila

L’Aquila can be explored at a relaxed pace. From the B&B you can reach the main streets of the historic centre, monuments and cultural venues on foot.

01

Basilica of Collemaggio

The city’s most recognisable church, with its distinctive white-and-pink stone facade and the Holy Door associated with the Perdonanza Celestiniana.

History and visitor tips
02

Piazza Duomo and Corso

The heart of city life: start from the main square and walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele through historic buildings, cafes and shops.

History and visitor tips
03

Fountain of the 99 Spouts

One of the symbols of L’Aquila, in the Borgo Rivera district. Nearby, the former slaughterhouse houses the National Museum of Abruzzo.

History and visitor tips
04

San Bernardino

The monumental Renaissance facade opens onto a broad staircase and one of the most impressive views in the historic centre.

History and visitor tips
05

MAXXI L’Aquila

Contemporary art and culture inside the restored Palazzo Ardinghelli, a short walk from the main street and Fontana Luminosa.

History and visitor tips
06

Spanish Fort

Walk around the sixteenth-century fortress and the surrounding park. Check current openings before planning an interior visit.

History and visitor tips
Traditional Abruzzo foods: arrosticini, pecorino, salami, pasta alla chitarra, saffron and ferratelle

Flavours of Abruzzo

What to eat in L’Aquila

In the historic centre you will find restaurants, trattorias, wine bars and bakeries. Explore the restaurant list and map below; check opening days on each venue’s listing.

  • Arrosticini
  • Maccheroni alla chitarra
  • L’Aquila saffron
  • Local cheeses and cured meats
  • Ferratelle
  • Traditional Abruzzo wines

Recommended by Interno SG

Where to eat in L’Aquila: our recommended restaurants

Restaurants, pizzerias and osterias in and around the historic centre: B&B Interno SG’s selection for lunch or dinner during your stay in L’Aquila. Explore the addresses and map to choose where to go.

Our Google Maps list

14 recommended restaurants

  1. Il Tavernacolo - Osteria

    Via Santa Giusta, 6/7, L’Aquila

    Directions
  2. Ristorante Ernesto 1968 s.r.l.s.

    Piazza della Repubblica, 7, L’Aquila

    Directions
  3. Antica Trattoria dei Gemelli

    Via Rosso Guelfaglione, 29, L’Aquila

    Directions
  4. Aprutium Arrosticini

    Via d'Appari, 3, L’Aquila

    Directions
  5. Ristorante Pizzeria FM99

    Corso Federico II, 43, L’Aquila

    Directions
  6. Ristorante Spapizar al Vicolaccio

    Via Sallustio, 27, L’Aquila

    Directions
  7. Arrosticini Divini centro storico

    Via Castello, 13/15, L’Aquila

    Directions
  8. Pizzeria Old City - Historic centre

    Via Salvatore Tommasi, 7/9, L’Aquila

    Directions
  9. Hysteria - Salad & Pizza

    Via Fabio Cannella, L’Aquila

    Directions
  10. Parià Pizzeria Partenopea

    Piazza della Repubblica, 16, L’Aquila

    Directions
  11. Nonna Cristina pizzeria ristorante

    Via San Flaviano, Via delle Grazie, 24, L’Aquila

    Directions
  12. Ristorante Elodia

    Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 9, L’Aquila

    Directions
  13. L'Unico Posto

    Viale Giacomo Caldora, 14, L’Aquila

    Directions
  14. La Grotta di Aligi Osteria

    Viale Luigi Rendina, 2, L’Aquila

    Directions

Opening hours, availability and menus may change: use each restaurant’s Google Maps listing to check details and directions before setting off.

Arriving by car

Parking without the stress

The historic centre has traffic restrictions and temporary road changes. The most convenient solution is often to leave the car close to the walls and continue on foot.

Lorenzo Natali Terminal, Collemaggio

The terminal car park is close to the Basilica of Collemaggio and within walking distance of the historic centre. It is also convenient for guests arriving or departing on regional buses.

Ideas for your stay

The city today, Gran Sasso tomorrow

L’Aquila is a good base for combining art, food and mountain landscapes. Choose an easy city walk or add a day trip to the surrounding area.

One day in the city

Start at Collemaggio, walk towards Piazza Duomo and Corso, then continue to San Bernardino. In the afternoon choose between the MuNDA and MAXXI L’Aquila, and end with an aperitif or dinner in the centre.

A longer stay

Dedicate a second day to Campo Imperatore and the Gran Sasso National Park, or discover the villages and castles of the L’Aquila area. Weather and road conditions should always be checked before travelling to the mountains.

Beyond the historic centre

Gran Sasso and the L’Aquila area

From the city you can reach Campo Imperatore, scenic trails and villages such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Calascio. The mountain is a different experience in every season, so plan clothing and routes accordingly.

Gran Sasso landscape near L'Aquila

The Interno SG guide

Discover L’Aquila and its surroundings: monuments, villages, mountains and lakes, with maps and practical tips for your own itinerary.

Explore the guide