The best cycling routes around Longone Sabino

view of Borgo Antuni (for guided tours www.camminandocon.org)

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.

The monumental Scalinata di San Bernardino in L'Aquila is one of the most characteristic and photogenic urban elements of the city. This wide, stately staircase connects the lower Via Fortebraccio with the higher Piazza di San Bernardino. Origin and architecture (16th century) Simultaneous construction: the staircase was built in the 16th century, at the same time as the Renaissance facade of the Basilica di San Bernardino (designed by architect Cola dell'Amatrice between 1525 and 1542). It served as the perfect extension of the religious complex. Urban planning purpose: the staircase had two functions. Practically, it was intended to connect the lower districts around the city walls with the centre. Aesthetically, it created a theatrical and baroque visual axis; pilgrims coming from below saw the monumental church facade slowly tower above them. Imposing dimensions: The staircase is no less than 30 metres wide and 68 metres long. The steps were deliberately designed to be very low and deep, so that large groups of worshippers and processions could comfortably ascend the slope. Striking features and details. The watchtowers: at the beginning (bottom) and end (top) of the staircase are a total of four small, robust turrets (torrette) that flank the staircase and give it a slightly military or monumental character. The edicolae: along the sides of the staircase are three stone niches or chapels (edicole) per side. These historically served during religious festivals and processions.

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.

Basilica di San Bernardino – a Renaissance pearl of L’Aquila The Basilica di San Bernardino is one of the most beautiful Renaissance monuments in Abruzzo and tells the story of faith, art, and resilience. The impressive facade, designed by Cola dell'Amatrice, is inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture. The three layers show the different styles: Doric at the bottom, Ionic above it, and Corinthian at the top. On the facade and in the interior, the golden IHS monogram shines with sunbeams, a symbol that Bernardino of Siena used during his sermons to reconcile rival families. Inside is the beautiful marble mausoleum of Saint Bernardino, created by Silvestro dell'Aquila. After his death in 1444, L’Aquila grew into an important pilgrimage site around his tomb. The basilica also symbolizes the city's reconstruction. The 2009 earthquake caused severe damage, including the collapse of part of the bell tower. After a six-year restoration, the church was reopened in 2015 and shines again as one of L’Aquila's major attractions.

The Amiternum amphitheater is a solemn testament to Abruzzo's glorious Roman past, located on the San Vittorino plain a few kilometers from L'Aquila. Built in the 1st century AD on the edge of the ancient Sabine city, it still retains its imposing elliptical structure with two tiers of arches that once accommodated up to six thousand spectators. Today, it offers a striking blend of the austere monumentality of ancient brickwork and the rural tranquility of the Aterno Valley.

The bar looks good with the two tarts. Last stop before reaching the top

At this site, you can see the ancient ruins of Amiternum, a city founded by the Sabines. Also in the area, in addition to the theater, amphitheater, and remains of a domus, you can see the remains of the ancient Via Cecilia, which connected Rome with the Abruzzo colonies in the present-day province of Teramo.