2nd day
In the morning, breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide and whole day dedicated to the discovery of L’Aquila, Italian Capital of Culture 2026. The fortified city was built in 1254 near the ancient Roman Amiternum, thanks to the 99 surrounding “castles” who joined in this purpose, each one making its own square with its church and fountain. The city became a free municipality from the second half of XIII century and then grew up until it became the second city of the Kingdom of Naples thanks to the many activities (wool, silk, lace and saffron) and the role of a major cultural centre, with a “Studio Generale” and many printing houses. Among the many monuments we will visit, is it worth mentioning the singular Fountain of the 99 Spouts (by the number of masks that make it up) and the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio: this last one, founded in 1287 by celestine monks, represents the best example of church with horizontal crowning architecture typical of Abruzzo; still houses the remains of San Celestino V, creator of the Bull of Forgiveness from which derives the wonderful feast of the Perdonanza considered an Intangible Heritage of Unesco. In addition, in the historic centre, we will visit the Basilica of San Bernardino, the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, Piazza del Duomo and the Spanish Fortress. In the late afternoon free-time for shopping. Lunch in a typical restaurant. At the end of the day, return to hotel and overnight.