Moderate
4.5
(13)
137
hikers
L'Aquila – Forte Spagnolo loop from L'Aquila
02:26
8.81km
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: May 14, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.47 km
Palazzo Manieri
Castle
2
2.58 km
Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio
Highlight • Religious Site
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio was founded in 1288 at the behest of Pietro da Morrone (who 14 years later was crowned Pope here taking the name of Celestine V). This basilica is considered the highest expression of Abruzzo architecture as well as the symbol of the city and was declared a national monument in 1902.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
2.78 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
3.99 km
L'Aquila
Highlight • Settlement
L'Aquila is the capital of the Abruzzo region. During the Roman era, L'Aquila was called Amiternum: the remains of a Roman amphitheater can still be visited.
L'Aquila boasts numerous monuments worthy of a visit: the fountain of the 99 spouts, the basilica of Collemaggio, the Cathedral and the luminous fountain are unmissable.
L'Aquila boasts numerous monuments worthy of a visit: the fountain of the 99 spouts, the basilica of Collemaggio, the Cathedral and the luminous fountain are unmissable.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
4.37 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
6
4.72 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
7
5.05 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
8
6.57 km
Basilica of San Bernardino
Highlight • Religious Site
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 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.
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Tip by
7.44 km
Palazzo Quinzi
Castle
10
7.96 km
Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Highlight • Structure
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – the historic main street of L'Aquila
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II has been the most important street in L'Aquila since the Middle Ages. Originally, it was called Strada del Corso, with 'corso' literally meaning 'racecourse'. This is where the famous Palio horse races, festive parades, and religious processions once took place.
Together with Corso Principe Umberto, this street forms the heart of the city, according to the classic Roman street plan with a north-south axis (Cardo) and an east-west axis (Decumanus). Their intersection is known as Quattro Cantoni – the Four Corners.
As you walk, take a good look at the street itself. The southern part is wide and stately, with elegant arcades, while the northern part is strikingly narrow. This is no accident: in the early 20th century, noble families refused to give up their palaces for a widening, and moreover, the budget ran out. Thanks to that failed expansion, this part of the Corso has retained its atmospheric, medieval character.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II has been the most important street in L'Aquila since the Middle Ages. Originally, it was called Strada del Corso, with 'corso' literally meaning 'racecourse'. This is where the famous Palio horse races, festive parades, and religious processions once took place.
Together with Corso Principe Umberto, this street forms the heart of the city, according to the classic Roman street plan with a north-south axis (Cardo) and an east-west axis (Decumanus). Their intersection is known as Quattro Cantoni – the Four Corners.
As you walk, take a good look at the street itself. The southern part is wide and stately, with elegant arcades, while the northern part is strikingly narrow. This is no accident: in the early 20th century, noble families refused to give up their palaces for a widening, and moreover, the budget ran out. Thanks to that failed expansion, this part of the Corso has retained its atmospheric, medieval character.
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Tip by
B
8.81 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.37 km
2.52 km
1.97 km
930 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.92 km
3.27 km
1.30 km
304 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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Wednesday 8 July
30°C
16°C
49 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 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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