L’Aquila is one of the most beautiful cities in the central Italy. It is the capital city of the Abruzzo region.
Overlooked by the Gran Sasso, the highest Mountain of the Appennini, L’Aquila was founded in the 13th Century and the long history of the city can be seen in the monuments, palaces and churches of the center like Basilica di SantaMaria Collemaggio , Chiesa di San Berardino e il Castello.
The story of the L’Aquila and of Abruzzo is Marked by Earthquakes as the city is situated partially on an ancient lake-bed that amplifies seismic activity.
Since 1315 L’Aquila has been damaged and destroyed by several earthquakes. The latest one on April 6th 2009 an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude struck central Italy with its epicenter near L’Aquila, at Many buildings in L’Aquila were damaged.
Many historic buildings collapsed in the center of L’Aquila,and at least 294 deaths, 1,500 injuries, and 40,000 homeless have been reported.
