A Day in L’Aquila
Some places creep into your heart slowly; others hit you with their charm the moment you arrive. L’Aquila? It’s the latter. Just a couple of hours from Rome, this city in the Abruzzo region manages to feel both ancient and alive—a place where medieval fortresses stand beside cozy cafés, and the mountains seem close enough to touch.
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| L'Aquila |
For a closer look at our adventure, check out the video vlog of our L’Aquila trip—it's packed with stunning views, delicious food, and unforgettable moments!
We arrived early on a crisp autumn morning, stepping off the bus into a city that seemed to hum quietly under the weight of its history. The first stop? Forto Spagnolo, a fortress built to withstand time and invaders. The sheer size of its stone walls is enough to make you pause. Inside, an unexpected sight: a Mammoth exhibit.
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| Mammoth exhibit |
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| Forto Spagnolo |
A mammoth in a medieval castle—welcome to L’Aquila, where the past and the prehistoric casually coexist.
Outside the castle, the gardens stretch wide, with paths that lead toward the Fontana Luminosa. The fountain glinted in the morning sun, its waters catching the light just right. Around it, the city was waking up—locals sipping espresso, friends meeting for a Sunday stroll, and the kind of quiet buzz that makes you want to join in, no matter where you’re from.
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| Fontana Luminosa |
Coffee, History, and the Street That Feels Like a Storybook
If you want to understand a place, taste it. And we did. At Bar Fratelli Nurzia, a café that’s been around since 1835, we discovered Café Torrone—coffee kissed with nougat. Sweet, strong, and deeply local, it’s the kind of drink that lingers on your tongue long after you’ve left.
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| Caffe Torrone |
From there, it was a short walk to Piazza del Duomo. The square is vast, framed by the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio and the L’Aquila Cathedral. Both buildings wear their history like a badge of honor, standing tall despite the earthquakes that have tested them over the years.
There’s something humbling about standing in a place that has endured so much. You can feel it in the air—the resilience, the pride, and a quiet determination to keep going, no matter what.
Lunch wasn’t just a meal; it was a deep dive into Abruzzese flavors. We sat down at a small restaurant where Mauro, our local guide and friend, had a connection. Plates of pasta alla chitarra, arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), and local cheeses filled the table. Each bite was a conversation between tradition and taste, ending with a shot of Ratafia, a cherry liqueur that tasted like a secret recipe passed down through generations.
A View That Stopped Us in Our Tracks
After lunch, we climbed—a short drive and a little walk—to a viewpoint near the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio. And then, there it was: L’Aquila from above, nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains that stood like silent sentinels.
Nearby, a small laghetto shimmered under the afternoon light. It wasn’t grand or imposing, just quietly beautiful. Silvia, our friend and unofficial tour guide, explained how the lake came to be. Mauro, ever the proud local, listened with a smirk as Silvia, a Roman, tried to claim that L’Aquila’s charm couldn’t compare to the grandeur of Rome.
“Maybe,” Mauro said, “but you don’t get views like this in Rome.”
Touché, Mauro.
Stories, Cultures, and a Cat Named Simba
Before we wrapped up the day, we stopped by Mauro’s home. His mom greeted us with warmth and curiosity about our Indian culture. We exchanged stories about our many gods, colorful festivals, and the regions we come from. Their cat, Simba, watched the conversation unfold from a cozy corner, occasionally meowing as if he had something to add.
It’s moments like these—sharing stories across cultures, finding common ground in the little things—that remind you why travel matters.
Winding Down with Hot Chocolate
As the day slipped into evening, we returned to the city center for one last treat: hot chocolate. Rich, warm, and comforting, it was the perfect end to a day that had been equal parts adventure and reflection.
L’Aquila is one of those places that doesn’t scream for your attention but quietly earns it. It’s not Rome, Florence, or Venice—it’s something else entirely. A city that feels like a secret, waiting to be discovered.
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| The Gang - Rajiv, Aimee, Mauro, Silvia |
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