Moderate
4.5
(14)
148
hikers
L'Aquila – Forte Spagnolo loop from L'Aquila
02:26
8.78km
150m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: August 1, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
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1
1.24 km
Cipolloni Cannella Palace & Elodia Restaurant
Highlight • Historical Site
The history of the palace and restaurant reflects the resilience of L’Aquila.
The Palazzo Cipolloni Cannella was built around 1490 on behalf of the noble Bonanni family and grew into one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
After the devastating earthquake of 2009, the palace was carefully restored and made earthquake-proof. The atmospheric courtyard with loggias, the historical frescoes, and the vaulted halls were fully restored.
Today, Ristorante Elodia in Palazzo Cipolloni Cannella is a beautiful example of L’Aquila’s rebirth: a place where centuries-old heritage and contemporary gastronomy meet.
The Palazzo Cipolloni Cannella was built around 1490 on behalf of the noble Bonanni family and grew into one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
After the devastating earthquake of 2009, the palace was carefully restored and made earthquake-proof. The atmospheric courtyard with loggias, the historical frescoes, and the vaulted halls were fully restored.
Today, Ristorante Elodia in Palazzo Cipolloni Cannella is a beautiful example of L’Aquila’s rebirth: a place where centuries-old heritage and contemporary gastronomy meet.
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Tip by
2
1.36 km
Old Fountain
Highlight • Religious Site
The two fountains in the square have a long history dating back to the early 14th century. The travertine water basins, originally built around 1303, were located on either side of the market square. They provided fresh drinking water for merchants, travelers, and residents, and were an essential part of daily life in the city.
In 1934, the fountains were given a new look. Following the construction of a modern aqueduct, the Italian sculptor Nicola D'Antino was commissioned to embellish the historic fountains. He added a striking bronze statue to each fountain: two different male nude figures casually leaning on the upper water basin. These statues give the centuries-old fountains their characteristic appearance and form a captivating combination of medieval architecture and twentieth-century sculpture.
In 1934, the fountains were given a new look. Following the construction of a modern aqueduct, the Italian sculptor Nicola D'Antino was commissioned to embellish the historic fountains. He added a striking bronze statue to each fountain: two different male nude figures casually leaning on the upper water basin. These statues give the centuries-old fountains their characteristic appearance and form a captivating combination of medieval architecture and twentieth-century sculpture.
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Tip by
3
2.51 km
Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
Highlight • Religious Site
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio is the absolute symbol of L'Aquila. This magnificent basilica has a fascinating history full of mysteries, unique traditions, and remarkable resilience.
Some interesting facts:
Founded by a hermit who became Pope (and resigned) 👑 The church was founded in 1288 by the monk and hermit Pietro del Morrone. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a church here. Just a few years later, in 1294, this same hermit was crowned Pope Celestine V here. However, he found the papacy in Rome so corrupt and overwhelming that he voluntarily resigned after barely five months, one of the few popes in history to do so. His mummified body is still displayed in a glass shrine in the basilica.
The world's very first "Holy Door" (The Celestinian Forgiveness)
Upon his coronation, Pope Celestine V issued a papal bull: the Perdonanza Celestiniana (the Celestinian Forgiveness). Anyone who entered through the Holy Door (on the left side of the church) between August 28th and 29th and showed sincere repentance was granted full remission of sins. This was a revolutionary historical moment: it was the very first time in history that poor people could receive forgiveness for free, without having to pay for indulgences or go on a crusade. This ritual still takes place every year and is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
The secret of the unique pink-and-white facade 🌸 The iconic facade of the basilica is world-famous for its geometric pattern of pink and white stones. The stones come from the nearby Abruzzo region (specifically from the quarries of San Demetrio). According to historians and esotericists, the pattern is not merely decorative: the play of lines contains symbolism that was linked at the time to the Knights Templar, who had close ties to the church's founder.
The miraculous recovery after the 2009 earthquake 🏗️ During the devastating earthquake in 2009, the roof above the altar and the transept completely collapsed, severely damaging the unique baroque structures. The restoration of the basilica became a national prestige project.
Some interesting facts:
Founded by a hermit who became Pope (and resigned) 👑 The church was founded in 1288 by the monk and hermit Pietro del Morrone. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a church here. Just a few years later, in 1294, this same hermit was crowned Pope Celestine V here. However, he found the papacy in Rome so corrupt and overwhelming that he voluntarily resigned after barely five months, one of the few popes in history to do so. His mummified body is still displayed in a glass shrine in the basilica.
The world's very first "Holy Door" (The Celestinian Forgiveness)
Upon his coronation, Pope Celestine V issued a papal bull: the Perdonanza Celestiniana (the Celestinian Forgiveness). Anyone who entered through the Holy Door (on the left side of the church) between August 28th and 29th and showed sincere repentance was granted full remission of sins. This was a revolutionary historical moment: it was the very first time in history that poor people could receive forgiveness for free, without having to pay for indulgences or go on a crusade. This ritual still takes place every year and is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
The secret of the unique pink-and-white facade 🌸 The iconic facade of the basilica is world-famous for its geometric pattern of pink and white stones. The stones come from the nearby Abruzzo region (specifically from the quarries of San Demetrio). According to historians and esotericists, the pattern is not merely decorative: the play of lines contains symbolism that was linked at the time to the Knights Templar, who had close ties to the church's founder.
The miraculous recovery after the 2009 earthquake 🏗️ During the devastating earthquake in 2009, the roof above the altar and the transept completely collapsed, severely damaging the unique baroque structures. The restoration of the basilica became a national prestige project.
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Tip by
4
2.52 km
Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
Highlight • Religious Site
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio is undoubtedly the architectural and spiritual jewel of L'Aquila. Located at the end of an impressive green lawn just outside the city walls, this 13th-century church combines a unique Abruzzian Romanesque-Gothic style with a history that forever changed the Catholic Church.
The history of the basilica is closely linked to Pietro da Morrone, a devout hermit who had retreated to the remote mountains of Abruzzo. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to him with the instruction to build a church on the hill of Collemaggio. Construction began in 1287.
A few years later, in 1294, the Church found itself in a deep crisis. After the death of the pope, the cardinals had failed to elect a successor for more than two years. Finally, they appointed the simple hermit Pietro as a compromise. To everyone's surprise, he accepted the choice and was crowned Pope Celestine V in this basilica – and not in Rome.
Shortly after his coronation, Celestine V issued the "Bulla del Perdono", a papal bull that granted believers full forgiveness of their sins if, with sincere repentance, they passed through the Holy Door (Porta Santa) of the basilica on August 28 or 29. This created the very first Holy Year or Jubilee in the history of the Catholic Church, six years before Rome introduced its own official jubilee.
This special tradition, known as "La Perdonanza Celestiniana", is still celebrated every year and has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
The history of the basilica is closely linked to Pietro da Morrone, a devout hermit who had retreated to the remote mountains of Abruzzo. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to him with the instruction to build a church on the hill of Collemaggio. Construction began in 1287.
A few years later, in 1294, the Church found itself in a deep crisis. After the death of the pope, the cardinals had failed to elect a successor for more than two years. Finally, they appointed the simple hermit Pietro as a compromise. To everyone's surprise, he accepted the choice and was crowned Pope Celestine V in this basilica – and not in Rome.
Shortly after his coronation, Celestine V issued the "Bulla del Perdono", a papal bull that granted believers full forgiveness of their sins if, with sincere repentance, they passed through the Holy Door (Porta Santa) of the basilica on August 28 or 29. This created the very first Holy Year or Jubilee in the history of the Catholic Church, six years before Rome introduced its own official jubilee.
This special tradition, known as "La Perdonanza Celestiniana", is still celebrated every year and has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
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Tip by
5
3.95 km
L'Aquila
Highlight • Settlement
In L'Aquila, a rich medieval past effortlessly merges with admirable modern resilience. The proud capital of Abruzzo rises in full glory and is best discovered on foot. Wandering through the atmospheric streets, you'll encounter one architectural treasure after another. For example, start at the iconic Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, where 99 mystical stone masks continuously spout water. Climbing further up, you'll reach the massive 16th-century Forte Spagnolo. From this impressive fortress, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the rugged, often snow-capped peaks of the Gran Sasso massif. The city's rich history is also palpable in the many beautifully restored palazzi and churches. For instance, the Basilica di San Bernardino overwhelms every visitor with a breathtaking baroque ceiling adorned with gold leaf. After all the cultural immersion, lively squares like Piazza del Duomo invite you for a well-deserved break. It's the perfect place to enjoy the local cuisine and a good glass of Abruzzese wine at an outdoor cafe. As a grand finale, the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio should not be missed. This striking, pink-and-white checkered church houses a true world first: the very first Holy Door in the world. Thanks to the central, free parking facilities just outside the city walls, this compact art city is the ideal destination for a carefree and inspiring cultural walking holiday.
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Tip by
6
4.33 km
Fontana Luminosa
Highlight • Monument
Fontana Luminosa – the icon of L'Aquila
The Fontana Luminosa is one of L'Aquila's most famous sights and a beloved photo stop. This monumental fountain, designed in 1934 by local sculptor Nicola D'Antino, stands in Piazza Battaglione Alpini.
The artwork depicts two imposing bronze female figures who together carry a traditional Abruzzese water basin (conca), from which the water flows. Especially when the fountain is atmospherically illuminated in the evening, it truly lives up to its name – Luminous Fountain.
A beautiful place to pause and admire one of L'Aquila's iconic symbols up close.
The Fontana Luminosa is one of L'Aquila's most famous sights and a beloved photo stop. This monumental fountain, designed in 1934 by local sculptor Nicola D'Antino, stands in Piazza Battaglione Alpini.
The artwork depicts two imposing bronze female figures who together carry a traditional Abruzzese water basin (conca), from which the water flows. Especially when the fountain is atmospherically illuminated in the evening, it truly lives up to its name – Luminous Fountain.
A beautiful place to pause and admire one of L'Aquila's iconic symbols up close.
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Tip by
7
4.69 km
Parco del Castello
Highlight • Forest
Parco del Castello – L'Aquila's green oasis
Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle? Then be sure to take a walk through Parco del Castello, L'Aquila's largest city park. The park surrounds the impressive 16th-century Forte Spagnolo and is the perfect place to combine nature, history, and beautiful views.
Follow the path through the former, dry castle moat and admire the impressive fortress walls up close. Thanks to the shady and flat paths, this is a lovely place to walk or rest for a while. From the north side of the park, you also have a magnificent view of the rugged Gran Sasso massif.
Particularly special: the fort houses the almost completely intact skeleton of a prehistoric mammoth, discovered in 1954 in the vicinity of L'Aquila. If only for that reason, a visit to this park is more than worth it.
Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle? Then be sure to take a walk through Parco del Castello, L'Aquila's largest city park. The park surrounds the impressive 16th-century Forte Spagnolo and is the perfect place to combine nature, history, and beautiful views.
Follow the path through the former, dry castle moat and admire the impressive fortress walls up close. Thanks to the shady and flat paths, this is a lovely place to walk or rest for a while. From the north side of the park, you also have a magnificent view of the rugged Gran Sasso massif.
Particularly special: the fort houses the almost completely intact skeleton of a prehistoric mammoth, discovered in 1954 in the vicinity of L'Aquila. If only for that reason, a visit to this park is more than worth it.
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Tip by
8
5.01 km
Forte Spagnolo
Highlight • Castle
The Forte Spagnolo (also known as Castello Cinquecentesco) is one of the most impressive 16th-century military strongholds in Central and Southern Italy. Although it is a defensive work, its true historical significance lies in the fact that it was never built to protect the city, but rather to suppress it. Once the Spanish threat subsided over time, the complex successively served as the residence of the Spanish governor, barracks for French troops in the 19th century, and headquarters for the German occupiers during World War II.
In 1902 it was officially declared a national monument. Shortly after World War II, it became the home of the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MuNDA).
Since the devastating earthquake of 2009, the fort has been undergoing a lengthy and complex restoration, but it remains one of the most impressive symbols of the city when viewed from the outside.
In 1902 it was officially declared a national monument. Shortly after World War II, it became the home of the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MuNDA).
Since the devastating earthquake of 2009, the fort has been undergoing a lengthy and complex restoration, but it remains one of the most impressive symbols of the city when viewed from the outside.
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Tip by
6.30 km
Casa Campione
Castle
7.43 km
Palazzo Quinzi
Castle
B
8.78 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.31 km
2.58 km
1.94 km
930 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.81 km
3.37 km
1.28 km
307 m
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Elevation
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Highest point (730 m)
Lowest point (670 m)
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 30 August
32°C
15°C
14 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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