Events

Recurring Festivals and Events in L’Aquila

Traditions, historical celebrations and cultural events throughout the year.

🕊️ Celestinian Pardon (August)

The most important event in the city, established by Pope Celestine V in 1294. A week of parades, reenactments, shows and the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Collemaggio.

🎭 Cultural events and exhibitions

Throughout the year, especially during the Christmas period, the Municipality hosts exhibitions and cultural initiatives.

  • Artistic nativity scene exhibition
  • “Source of Peace” nativity scene
  • Landscapes of Abruzzo in nativity scene form

🎄 Christmas events

  • Christmas markets
  • Living nativity scenes (Pereto, Roccaraso, Campo di Giove)
  • Exhibitions and initiatives in museums, including MAXXI L’Aquila

🎪 Food and wine festivals

Numerous traditional festivals in the province’s villages, linked to typical local products.

🙏 Feast of Saint Maximus (June 10)

The city’s patronal feast, with religious celebrations and cultural events.

📅 Updated calendar

The Municipality publishes a monthly calendar with exhibitions, shows and traditional festivals.

What to see

Monuments and Attractions in L’Aquila

Landmarks, historical architecture and must‑see sights.

⭐ Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio

A Romanesque‑Gothic masterpiece, famous for its checkered façade and the Holy Door.

⭐ Fountain of the 99 Spouts

A 14th‑century monument with 99 sculpted masks from which water flows.

⭐ Spanish Fortress (16th‑century Castle)

Renaissance fortress hosting the National Museum of Abruzzo.

⭐ Basilica of San Bernardino

Renaissance church with a monumental façade and a richly decorated crypt.

⭐ Piazza Duomo

The heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and the Cathedral.

⭐ Historic centre and medieval walls

  • Porta Napoli
  • Porta Roma
  • Porta Castello
  • Porta San Sebastiano

⭐ National Museum of Abruzzo (MuNDA)

Archaeological finds, medieval works and modern art.

⭐ Historic churches in the centre

  • Santa Giusta
  • San Silvestro
  • Santa Maria del Suffragio
  • San Pietro a Coppito

⭐ Attractions nearby

Mountain

Skiing in L’Aquila

Apennine ski resorts near the city.

The province of L’Aquila offers some of the best ski areas in the Apennines, suitable for skiers of all levels.

🏔️ Campo Felice – Rocca di Cambio

  • Altitude: 1,410–2,064 m
  • Snowmaking with 380 cannons
  • Slopes for all levels
  • Ideal for families and intermediates
  • See the section

🏔️ Ovindoli – Monte Magnola

  • Equipped snowpark
  • Slopes for intermediate and expert skiers
  • Excellent for snowboarders
  • See the section

🏔️ Campo Imperatore – Gran Sasso

  • Maximum altitude: 2,199 m
  • Authentic alpine environment
  • Ideal for experts and freeride
  • See the section

🏔️ Roccaraso – Rivisondoli (Alto Sangro)

  • Up to 91 km of slopes
  • Many lifts and services
  • Perfect for those seeking a large ski area
  • See the section

🏔️ Pescasseroli