The best cycling routes in L'Aquila

The Chiesa della Madonna della Neve on Campo Imperatore is the highest consecrated church in Italy. The small stone church is located at an impressive altitude of 2,130 meters in the Gran Sasso massif, right next to the historic hotel. A special story: the praying Pope Although the church originates from the fascist regime, the best-known anecdote is connected to a man of peace: Pope John Paul II. The Polish Pope was an avid hiker and ski enthusiast. To escape the hustle and bustle of the Vatican, he regularly went incognito to the Abruzzo mountains, where he could walk, pray, and enjoy nature in peace. On June 20, 1993, he paid a discreet visit to Campo Imperatore. During that visit, he officially consecrated the Chiesa della Madonna della Neve. For the inhabitants of the region, this was a special moment, as they knew how strongly John Paul II felt connected to these mountains.

Historical tidbit: the pope who said 'no' The pontificate of Pope Celestine V lasted only five months. The simple hermit did not feel at all at home amidst the political intrigues and corruption of Rome. That is why he made a decision that was unprecedented at the time: he voluntarily resigned from his office to return to his humble life in the mountains. He thus became the first pope in history to abdicate of his own accord. After his death, his body was interred in the Basilica of Collemaggio. His impressive crystal mausoleum can still be admired there today. A special link with Pope Benedict XVI After the severe earthquake that struck L'Aquila in 2009, Pope Benedict XVI visited the heavily damaged basilica. At the tomb of Celestine V, he silently laid down his own pallium, the woolen shoulder band he had received at his papal inauguration. At that moment, it seemed like a subdued tribute to his predecessor. Only four years later did this gesture take on a deeper meaning. In 2013, Benedict XVI himself voluntarily resigned as pope, the first since the late Middle Ages. His symbolic tribute to Celestine V proved, in retrospect, to be a remarkable harbinger of his own historic decision. Thus, centuries after Celestine V's abdication, the Basilica of Collemaggio once again closed a special chapter in papal history.

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.

Explanation for the difference in the number of gargoyles! One of the most striking facts about the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle is that the fountain has 99 water jets, but only 93 sculpted mask heads. According to legend, L'Aquila was founded by 99 villages, but historical research indicates that there were actually 93. Therefore, in 1272, architect Tancredi da Pentima equipped the fountain with 93 stone masks. To later complete the famous legend of the 99, six additional gargoyles without mask faces were added. According to tradition, these six simple spouts refer to the six wounds of Christ. Thus, the fountain is not only a magnificent monument, but also a unique blend of history, symbolism, and legend. Moreover, for many visitors, it remains a fun challenge to count all 99 water jets themselves.

Did you know that the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle legend says it has 99 gargoyles, in tribute to the 99 villages that founded L'Aquila? Those who look closely will see stone masks above the gargoyles, which according to tradition represent castle lords or protective spirits. It is striking that there are only 93 mask heads. Historians believe that the remaining six gargoyles were added later to complete the symbolic number 99. The fountain dates back to 1272, and its five water basins were formerly used as a wash place. Numerous legends also circulate around the fountain: for example, the architect is said to have taken the secret of the water source to his grave, and knights would have ritually cleansed themselves here before entering the Basilica di Collemaggio.

The Lago di Pio, in the charming village of Villa Lago, is a small jewel immersed in nature, perfect for a relaxing break during your hike. A comfortable circular path allows you to go all the way around the lake, offering tranquil views and several panoramic spots, ideal for stopping on the benches and enjoying the silence. This place has become even more special in recent years: starting from 2020, during the lockdown due to covid, deer (especially females) began to approach the village. Over time, they have become accustomed to human presence and today it is possible to encounter them moving freely through the streets of Villa Lago or along the lake shores. A unique experience that makes this stop even more fascinating and memorable.

Spectacular dirt road with a view of the Maiella.

Spectacular view of the mountains and cows!