Listen, there is no denying that Rome is the most iconic destination in Italy, if not Europe as a whole: it is the home of world-famous sights such as the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain, and it even plays host of the Vatican City, so you can’t be exactly angry with tourists for there in the first place.
Whatever the case, we cannot be the only ones who feel that the novelty of Rome is worn out. It is already at least two millennia on the radar of travelers and things only become intensifying in the age of social media.
However, we are called Travel Off Path for a reason, and as you may have guessed at the moment, it is the lesser -known gems that Real weed our interest – and if you happen to be looking for an underrated Italian destination that still has to be spoiled by the masses, You have come to the right place with us:
The Italian capital of culture for 2026 is …
Every year the Italian Ministry of Culture chooses a new ‘capital of culture’. In other words, a city that has contributed considerably to the cultural carpet of the country, and that is not necessarily Rome, Florence or Venice.
We had Pesaro in 2024, Agrigento (a hidden jewel of Sicily) in 2025, and before 2026, The crown goes to L’AquilaThe capital of Abruzzo, which is very overlooked, a small Italian region east of Rome, which extends over the Adriatic Sea.
However, if you expect turquoise seas, postcard -card -ready pebble beaches and lively beach bars, you might be a bit of a surprise. L’Aquila is not a coast: it actually punishes a hill in the middle of the Apennine Mountains.
With only about 70,000 inhabitants, it is much smaller, more compact Then the vast cities of Milan or Naples, and unlike these other metropolitan examples, it is not exactly outgrown from the original, largely medieval cityscape:
A medieval city surrounded by walls
Surrounded by walls, just as it was in the 13th century when it was initially founded, it consists of a maze of paved, narrow streets, Piazza’s bordered by charming cafés and a collection of impressive baroque churches.
As you may have guessed, it simply checks all the boxes As for the Italian city breaks, but you might wonder what it is about L’Aquila In particular, the capital of culture designation justifies. Well, to begin with, it is a well -repeated university city:
The University of L’Aquila, whose history can be reduced to the 16th century, hosts a number of institutions, from an academy in Fine Arts to a state conservatory, a film institute and even a repertoire theater.
In other words, art lovers from all over Italy, including many more developed urban centers, come to L’Aquila to continue their studies, giving it a single intellectual atmosphere. Only this can justify the designation ‘capital of culture’, but There is more.
What to see in L’Aquila
The architectural wealth of L’Aquila is unparalleled, starting with the striking Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggiobuilt all the way back in 1288. With a pink and white facadeIt is best known for hosting the Perdonanza CelestianianaA religious festival rooted in medieval customs.
Located in a public square surrounded by stately buildings, the Fountain of 99 Tuiten is probably the most iconic monument: as the name indicates, it has just a hundred puckers, and each of them represents the 99 villages that are said to have emerged the larger city of L’Aquila.
The history of L’Aquila is characterized by devastating earthquakes from 1703 to the present.
The Bodily fountainA modern installation, symbolizes the resilience of the city and repeated re -births. Go to the rebuilt basilica di San Massimo, or the baroque Santa Maria del Suffragio to experience this lasting spirit up close.
Looking for fairytale castles? After all, this is Europe and L’Aquila is no exception to the old world rule: it is dominated by a 16th-century Forte SpagnoloBuilt by the Spaniards on their conquest of the city during the Renaissance era.
Explore Abruzzo’s lush nature
Although the surrounding nature does not necessarily contribute to the culture of L’Aquila, it is an inherent part of its attraction as a destination. Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, a short drive from the city, is a national park for Italy ‘Small tibet. ‘
The paradise of a walker, it is characterized by its myth-propheted hermitage trails, old chestnut forests that seem to stretch out for endless miles, alpine meadows who competed in the beauty of Switzerland and rising with snow-covered peaks.
Over Sirent Velinoon the other hand, you will find softer paths that lead to Procedy-ready limestone GorgesFilled with alpine rivers, rich animals in the wild and medieval villages at a distance, including the Hilltop, Storybook Town Rocca di Mezzo.
Finally, when it comes to the Adriatic Sea, L’Aquila is a bit too far from the coast to double as a beach outing, but if you don’t mind the (somewhat) long ride, the resort cities of Pescara, Montesilvano and Francavilla Al Mare are about 1.5-2 hours by car.
L’Aquila is much cheaper than the average Italian city
We must add that, unlike the usual hotspots of Italy, L’Aquila a lot cheaper: B&B remains in the heart of the old city Average $ 70 – $ 85 per nightWhile 3-star hotels start from around $ 95, such as at Hotel Amiternum, a modern list of short walking distance of the most important sights.
Food is just as cheap: a dinner in Osteria Corridore, a traditional eatery in the family business in the historic center, will deliver you on average $ 16- $ 28, depending on whether you order a starter and how many glasses locally lured red wine that you have to do to wash it all.
The Locally famous Ristorante da Lincosta is in the more expensive end, with Prices on average $ 22 – $ 39But it will not break the couch precisely, and the lamb and fresh burrata soaked with herbs are worth splitting up.
Instead, longing for pasta? Pisellino Uova E Farina serves the best pizza frita And Spaghetti Alla Chitarra In the city (an Abruzzo specialty), and the quality of the wine selection is quite impressive for a medium-sized eatery where the prices on average only $ 20- $ 31.
How to reach l’Aquila when you are in Italy
If you are wondering how you can reach L’Aquila this fall, The easiest way is via Rome. The Abruzzo capital itself has no international airport, which is part of the reason that it remains authentic Italian and protected against surpassing.
Direct regional trains are available daily at Roma Termini Station; However, some routes may require a transfer at Sulmona.
In general, The travel time is 2 hours (or 2.5 hours in the case of a connection), and prior tickets cost between $ 15 and $ 25.
Book your tickets directly via Trenitalia, the Italian national railroad operator, here.
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