Province of L'Aquila

Access

Accessibility to the province is ensured by the motorway network with the (Rome-Teramo) and the (Torano-Pescara), while the city of L'Aquila is connected by bus to the main Italian centres. There are no airports in the province, but those of reference are Rome Fiumicino, Rome Ciampino and Pescara.

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Introduction

The province of L'Aquila, the largest in Abruzzo and among the largest in Italy, is located in the heart of the central Apennines. Characterised by a predominantly mountainous landscape, it is home to some of the highest peaks of the Apennine chain, including Gran Sasso d'Italia and Majella. It is a land rich in history and culture, with well-preserved medieval villages, valuable natural areas and a tradition strongly linked to both transhumant sheep-farming and religious life. The city of L'Aquila, the capital of the province and the region, is known for its history, artistic heritage and reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake.

Description

The territory of the province of L'Aquila is entirely mountainous and hilly, characterised by alternating mountain ranges, plateaus and river valleys. The main reliefs include the Gran Sasso, with the Corno Grande (2,912 m, the highest peak in the Apennines), and the Majella, while the plateaus include the Rocche and the Navelli plateau, famous for saffron cultivation. National and regional parks protect an environmental heritage of exceptional value: from the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park to the Majella National Park, not forgetting the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. The wealth of fauna includes rare species such as the Marsican bear, the Apennine chamois and the wolf.
The province's history is marked by the presence of Italic populations, in particular the Vestini, Marsi and Peligni, who resisted Roman expansion for a long time. Later, during the Middle Ages, the area saw the birth of important fortified centres and abbeys, including the famous abbey of San Pietro ad Oratorium and that of Bominaco. L'Aquila was founded in the 13th century and soon became one of the most important cities of the Kingdom of Naples, a crossroads of trade and culture.
The province's economy has long been linked to sheep farming and transhumance, which has shaped its society and traditions. Today, it is characterised by a mixed productive fabric, which includes quality agriculture (L'Aquila saffron PDO, Santo Stefano di Sessanio lentils, typical cheeses and cold cuts), small manufacturing industries and a fast-growing tourism. The ski resorts of Campo Felice, Ovindoli and Roccaraso attract winter sports enthusiasts, while medieval villages such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte and Scanno attract visitors in search of authenticity.
In terms of culture and religion, the province is known for the Perdonanza Celestiniana, a spiritual event instituted by Pope Celestine V in 1294 and recognised as a UNESCO intangible heritage. Popular traditions are interwoven with patronal festivals and fairs linked to typical products, which help keep local identities alive. The cuisine ranges from pecora alla cottora, maccheroni alla chitarra, to desserts such as mostaccioli and ferratelle.
Hiking finds an ideal setting in this province: from the climbs on the Corno Grande to the scenic routes of the Majella, from the Sagittario gorges to the lakes of Scanno and Campotosto. Enthusiasts can choose from trekking, mountaineering, skiing, cycling and spiritual routes along ancient sheep-tracks and religious paths.

Information

Hometown: L'Aquila
 Area:5,047.55 sq. km
Minimum elevation:340m
Maximum elevation: Corno Grande (2912m)
 Number of inhabitants: 306,701 (as of 30.06.2011)
 Municipalities: 108
 Border provinces: Province of Teramo, Province of Pescara, Province of Chieti, Province of Isernia, Province of Frosinone, Metropolitan City of Rome, Province of Rieti
 Institutional site: www.provincia.laquila.it