L’Aquila sits in a high valley of the Apennines, ringed by peaks that hold snow well into spring. It’s the capital of Abruzzo, a region most travellers speed through on the way to the coast, and for the past decade and a half it’s been known for something else entirely: the 2009 earthquake that killed more than 300 people and damaged an estimated 100,000 buildings across the area. But 2026 is the year that changes. L’Aquila has been named Italy’s Capital of Culture, and the city has put together a programme of over 300 days of events at 100 locations — including a new opera by an Oscar-winning composer, a major Renaissance masterwork going on public display for the first time, and contemporary shows from artists like Ai Weiwei and Maurizio Cattelan. This guide covers what’s happening, how to plan a visit, and what to know before you go.
L’Aquila’s calendar for 2026 will see over 300 days of events at 100 locations, among them a new opera by an Oscar-winning composer, the debut of a major Renaissance masterpiece, contemporary shows with top artists, and a glorious revival of the city’s many palazzi and churches.
– Forbes
This isn’t a city that’s been polished into a tourist product. The recovery has been slow and painstaking — parts of the historic centre were off-limits for years due to collapse risk — and that gives L’Aquila a texture you won’t find in Florence or Rome. You’ll see restoration cranes alongside 15th-century palazzi, and the cultural programme is built around that tension: art as a tool for rebuilding, not just decoration.
L’Aquila in 2026 is genuinely exciting — a chance to see a city redefining itself through culture, with world-class exhibitions and performances in newly restored spaces. But it’s not a polished tourist machine. Some venues are still being finished, public transport from Rome is slow, and you’ll want a car to make the most of the surrounding mountains and hilltop towns. Go for the art and the story, not for a seamless five-star holiday.
L’Aquila and Abruzzo: What to Expect
Culture travellers who want something off the main circuit
Skiers and hikers combining city with mountain time
Travellers interested in post-disaster urban recovery
L’Aquila sits more than 700 metres above sea level in the Apennines, about a two-hour drive from Rome. The region of Abruzzo is one of Italy’s least-visited by international tourists, which means you won’t be queueing for tickets or navigating selfie-stick bottlenecks. The trade-off is that infrastructure is less geared toward visitors: there are no direct trains from Rome, the trip by rail can take twice as long as driving, and English isn’t as widely spoken as in the big cultural capitals.
The city’s winning proposal for the Culture Capital title, called “L’Aquila Multiverse City,” follows the four axes of the New European Agenda for Culture: social cohesion, public health and well-being, creativity and innovation, and socio-environmental sustainability. That’s not just bureaucratic language — it means the programme is spread across the entire city, not concentrated in a single museum district, and many events are designed to be free or low-cost. As part of the designation, L’Aquila will receive €1 million in government funding to carry out the project.
Government funding awarded to L’Aquila for its 2026 Culture Capital programme.
Italy Magazine
What’s On in 2026: Key Exhibitions, Performances, and Spaces
The 2026 programme is built around newly restored venues, major contemporary art shows, and a rare chance to see a Renaissance masterwork that has never been publicly displayed in Italy before.
Ai Weiwei and Maurizio Cattelan at MAXXI L’Aquila
Palazzo Ardinghelli, one of L’Aquila’s most notable Baroque buildings, was among the first structures restored after the 2009 quake. It now houses MAXXI L’Aquila, a satellite of Rome’s National Museum of 21st Century Arts, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. In 2026, the venue hosts two major shows. The first is Aftershock, a survey of the five-decade career of multimedia artist Ai Weiwei, curated by British art historian Tim Marlow, running from April 29 to September 6. Then in September, a second exhibition dedicated to avant-garde artist Fabio Mauri will be curated by Maurizio Cattelan — the provocateur behind the solid-gold toilet — and curator Marta Papini.
A Renaissance Masterwork at Forte Spagnolo
The National Museum of Abruzzo, housed in the 16th-century Forte Spagnolo (the Castello Cinquecentesco), reopened to the public in December 2025 after extensive restoration. Its headline attraction for 2026 is Ecce Homo by Antonello da Messina, a pivotal Sicilian painter of the early Renaissance who brought Northern European oil-painting techniques to Italy. The work was recently purchased by the Italian government from Sotheby’s, having previously been in a private collection, and L’Aquila will be its first public exhibition venue before it tours other Italian cities.
New Opera and Theatre Reopenings
Oscar-winning composer Nicola Piovani — best known for his score to Life Is Beautiful — is writing a new opera for the 2026 celebrations, commissioned by the Barattelli Society, one of L’Aquila’s oldest cultural institutions. The title and premiere date are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, two major performance venues will reopen for the festivities: the Teatro Comunale, the city’s historic opera house that also hosts symphonic concerts and ballet, and the Teatro San Filippo, a former church now used for contemporary theatre, dance, and literary productions.
For the Ai Weiwei show at MAXXI L’Aquila, book tickets online as early as possible — the venue is relatively small, and this is likely to be the most popular exhibition of the year. The museum’s website should open bookings a few months ahead.
Open Palaces Programme
L’Aquila has fine examples of architectural styles spanning the last 1,000 years, and many of its most notable private palazzi have been rebuilt repeatedly after earthquakes. The “Open Palaces” programme provides access one day a month to some of these structures. Among the properties to look for: Palazzo Alfieri, with roots in the 1400s, whose post-2009 reconstruction uncovered new period frescoes; Palazzo Carli Benedetti, designed by Silvestro dell’Aquila, considered the greatest sculptor of the Abruzzo Renaissance; the neoclassical Palazzo Cipolloni Cannella; and the Baroque Oratory of Sant’Antonio dei Cavalieri de Nardis, known for its lavish frescoes.
Planning Your Visit: Timing, Transport, and Practicalities
L’Aquila is not a city you can wing — transport options are limited, the altitude affects weather, and the 2026 programme is spread across many venues. Here’s what to factor in.
| Factor | Details | What to Know | Insider Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting there from Rome | ~2 hours by car; no direct trains | Rail takes twice as long with a change | Rent a car — it opens up the mountains too |
| Best time to visit | April–October for weather and events | Winter is cold and some mountain roads close | May and September have the best balance of events and crowds |
| Key 2026 exhibitions | Ai Weiwei (Apr 29–Sep 6); Antonello da Messina (dates TBC) | Both are in relatively small venues | Book tickets as soon as they go on sale |
| Accommodation | Limited in the city centre; albergo diffuso options nearby | Sextantio in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is 45 min away | Book well ahead for 2026 — demand will spike |
Getting to L’Aquila
The best option is by car from Rome — it’s about a two-hour drive on the A24 motorway, which cuts through the Apennines via a series of tunnels. If you’re relying on public transport, you can take a train from Rome’s Termini station to L’Aquila, but there are no direct services and the journey can take twice as long as driving. Buses from Rome’s Tiburtina station are a more direct alternative, though schedules can be sparse on Sundays.
L’Aquila’s historic centre has limited traffic zones (ZTL) that are strictly enforced. If you’re driving, check with your accommodation about parking before you arrive — many hotels have arrangements with garages outside the restricted area.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in L’Aquila itself is limited, and demand will be high during 2026. One standout option is the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in the medieval hilltop village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, about a 45-minute drive from L’Aquila. As an albergo diffuso — a “scattered” hotel — it has 27 rooms and suites spread across restored stone buildings in the village, with rustic country-chic decor. It’s not cheap, but it’s an experience in itself. For more conventional options, look for hotels and B&Bs in the city centre, but book early.
What to Eat and Drink
L’Aquila’s culinary heritage is shaped by its mountain location and long sheep-herding traditions. Expect lamb in many forms — grilled, braised, or in ragus. Local pasta to try is spaghetti alla chitarra, a square-shaped pasta made on a device with guitar-like wires (hence the name; chitarra means guitar in Italian), served with seasonal sauces. The city’s best-known product is saffron, a high-altitude crop that appears in pasta sauces and pollo alla cacciatore. Don’t miss pan dell’orso, a sweet cake made with almonds, honey, and covered in chocolate. The local wine is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a red made from the Montepulciano grape — different from Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which comes from Sangiovese.
On the Ground: What to Know Before You Go
L’Aquila is a working city, not a museum set. That’s part of its appeal, but it also means a few things to adjust to.
Language and Etiquette
English is not as widely spoken here as in Rome or Florence. Younger people and those working in tourism will have some, but it’s worth learning a few phrases in Italian — buongiorno, grazie, per favore — and using them. Italians appreciate the effort, and in a city that doesn’t see mass tourism, it goes a long way. When visiting churches — and there are many — dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. This applies to the Oratory of Sant’Antonio dei Cavalieri de Nardis and any other religious site.
Packing for the Altitude
At over 700 metres, L’Aquila’s weather can shift quickly. Even in summer, evenings are cool, and spring and autumn can bring rain. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes — the historic centre is hilly and many streets are cobbled. If you’re planning to hike in the nearby Gran Sasso or ski at Campo Felice (20 kilometres away) or Campo Imperatore (40 kilometres), bring appropriate gear. A compact umbrella is also a good idea for sudden mountain showers.
Getting Around the City
The historic centre is walkable, but it’s spread out and hilly. The main sights — MAXXI L’Aquila, Forte Spagnolo, the Teatro Comunale — are within a 20-minute walk of each other, but you’ll be doing a lot of uphill. There are local buses, but schedules can be irregular. If you’re driving, remember the ZTL restrictions. For the “Open Palaces” programme, check the schedule in advance — access is one day a month, and some palaces require a reservation.
- Rent a car in Rome — it cuts travel time in half and lets you explore the Abruzzo mountains and hilltop villages.
- Book tickets for the Ai Weiwei show and the Antonello da Messina exhibition as soon as they go on sale; venues are small and demand will be high.
- Pack for variable weather and bring comfortable walking shoes — L’Aquila is hilly and cobbled, and you’ll be on your feet.
Common Questions About Visiting L’Aquila in 2026
Is L’Aquila safe to visit after the 2009 earthquake?
Yes. The historic centre has been extensively rebuilt and reinforced. Many buildings were off-limits for years, but the major cultural venues — MAXXI L’Aquila, Forte Spagnolo, the theatres — have all been restored to modern safety standards. You’ll still see construction work in parts of the city, but it’s a sign of recovery, not danger.
The real friction is practical, not safety-related: some streets are still closed or have temporary barriers, and navigation can be confusing. A good offline map app helps.
How many days should I spend in L’Aquila?
Two full days is enough to see the main exhibitions, visit Forte Spagnolo, and explore the historic centre. Add a third day if you want to do the “Open Palaces” programme or take a day trip into the Gran Sasso mountains.
The trade-off is that L’Aquila is not a city with endless layers of attractions like Rome or Florence. The appeal is in the focused, high-quality cultural programme and the chance to see a city in the middle of a remarkable recovery — not in quantity of sights.
Can I visit L’Aquila as a day trip from Rome?
Technically yes, but it’s a long day — two hours each way by car, longer by train or bus. You’d have time for one or two exhibitions and a meal, but you’d miss the atmosphere of the city in the evening and the chance to explore the surrounding area.
If you’re short on time, it’s better to skip L’Aquila than to rush it. The city rewards a slower pace, and the mountain setting is part of the experience.
What’s the best time of year to visit for the 2026 programme?
May and September offer the best combination of good weather and event density. The Ai Weiwei show runs from late April to early September, so either month gives you access to that. Summer (July–August) is warmer but also busier, and some mountain hiking trails can be crowded.
Winter is cold and some mountain roads close, but if you’re a skier, the nearby resorts like Campo Felice and Campo Imperatore are excellent, and the city is quieter.
Is L’Aquila family-friendly?
Yes, with caveats. The city is hilly and cobbled, so a stroller can be a challenge. The National Museum of Abruzzo at Forte Spagnolo is engaging for older kids — the fortress itself is impressive — but younger children may find the walk up tiring. The Cantieri dell’Immaginario festival includes theatre and music performances that often have family-friendly programming.
The bigger issue is that L’Aquila doesn’t have the kid-focused infrastructure of larger Italian cities. Restaurants are welcoming, but there aren’t many playgrounds or dedicated children’s activities outside the festival programme.
L’Aquila in 2026 is not a polished, easy destination. It’s a city that’s still rebuilding, still figuring out its relationship with its own history, and using culture as the tool to do it. That rawness is exactly what makes it worth the trip — you’re not visiting a finished product, you’re watching something being made. For a different perspective on Italy’s cultural landscape, day trips from Rome offer another way to see how the country’s smaller cities and towns tell their own stories.
Sources and further reading
The New Italian Art City Waiting To Be Discovered. Forbes, 2026.
Get to Know L’Aquila, Abruzzo: Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2026. Italy Magazine, 2026.