L’Aquila, capital of the Abruzzo region, is Italy’s newest cultural powerhouse. Reborn and revitalised after the devastating earthquake of 2009, this mountain city has become the Italian Capital of Culture for 2026. But what does this mean and what can you expect in L’Aquila in 2026?
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What Is The Italian Capital Of Culture?
The title is awarded by the Italian Ministry of Culture as a way of supporting initiatives to enhance local culture and tourism. The aim is to provide a long term boost to the chosen city’s economy and social environment.
The selection process considers factors such as cultural heritage, innovative projects, and community engagement in the arts and tourism. The award brings prestige, visibility, and crucial state funding, enabling the winning city to develop cultural infrastructure and to deliver ambitious programming.
Previous titleholders have included Procida in 2022, Bergamo and Brescia (jointly) in 2023, Pesaro in 2024, and Agrigento in 2025. Pordenone, in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, will be Italian Capital of Culture for 2027.
L’Aquila, Italian Capital Of Culture 2026
L’Aquila was selected as the 2026 Capital of Culture from among ten finalist cities.
This marks a milestone in its long journey of reconstruction following the massive earthquake that devastated L’Aquila and the surrounding towns in 2009. The title recognises not only the city’s architectural and artistic treasures but also its resilience and commitment to renewal.
L’Aquila sits high in the Apennines, surrounded by mountains but within reach of the Adriatic coast. Its winning proposal, titled “L’Aquila Multiverse City”, presents the city as a dynamic cultural ecosystem that combines history, creativity and community. The project incorporates socioeconomic and artistic goals, emphasising innovation, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
Why Visit L’Aquila?
The city’s compact medieval centre, framed by mountain peaks, invites exploration on foot. Visitors can wander through narrow streets lined with Baroque churches, Renaissance palaces, and newly restored civic buildings. Culturally, the city is thriving, with many theatres, museums, and public spaces.
Highlights include the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture; Forte Spagnolo, the imposing 16th century fortress; Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, a fountain depicting the city’s origins; and MAXXI L’Aquila, a contemporary art museum which will be hosting major exhibitions during 2026.
Further afield, the surrounding region offers dramatic landscapes, medieval villages, and easy access to both mountains and sea. As the capital of the Abruzzo region, L’Aquila is perfectly placed for exploring Gran Sasso National Park, taking a day trip to the Adriatic coast, or for skiing in winter.
What To Expect In L’Aquila In 2026
During 2026 the city will host more than 300 events across 300 days, transforming its piazzas, palaces and monuments into open-air stages. Exhibitions, concerts, theatre, contemporary art installations, and community-led initiatives will animate the newly restored historic centre.
The programme promises a vibrant, immersive cultural experience. Internationally recognised artists will contribute to exhibitions and public art projects. At the same time, local associations, schools, and cultural organisations will play a central role. It is all part of L’Aquila’s commitment to reinvigorating the community as well as the built environment.
Many historic buildings damaged in the earthquake will reopen in 2026, offering visitors a chance to witness the city’s rebirth firsthand. And environmental sustainability is a core theme of the programme, reflecting Abruzzo’s identity as one of Europe’s greenest regions.
Your Visit To L’Aquila
- L’Aquila is around 110 km from Rome and 100 km from Pescara.
- The nearest airports are Rome Fiumicino and Abruzzo International (Pescara). Buses run to L’Aquila from both airports.
- You may choose to hire a car for your visit.
- There is a wide choice of accommodation available in L’Aquila.
