L’Aquila 2026: Italy’s Next Cultural Capital You’ve Never Heard Of (Yet)

Far from the spotlight, yet increasingly present on the routes of those seeking a more authentic and unpredictable Italy, L’Aquila, the Abruzzo regional capital surrounded by the Apennine mountains, has been chosen as Italy’s 2026 Capital of Culture because it has turned its complexity into an exclusive advantage.

Its monuments, basilicas, and historic neighborhoods hold stories you won’t find in traditional travel guides. And that is the true secret of a city that unites community and territory, where you can explore cultural paths at a slow pace, feeling the privilege of accessing a world still untouched by mass tourism.

Get ready for a truly special experience, one that demands attention and curiosity, but rewards you with a city that leaves an indelible mark on the eyes and heart of those who know how to truly see.

L’Aquila isn’t a city that reveals itself immediately, nor a destination chasing mass tourism. It’s different, and you can notice it easily by walking through its streets, admiring its historic buildings, visiting its churches, and even pausing to observe the areas recently restored after the devastating 2009 earthquake.

The exclusivity that defines L’Aquila 2026 isn’t about luxury, but about context. Exhibitions, cultural events, and special initiatives let you explore hidden corners that usually stay in the background, and experiences that reveal the city’s story, including its more recent and challenging past, the resilience of the local community, and the continuous connection between past and present.

In short, the Abruzzo capital offers a mosaic of experiences, inviting you to explore at your own pace through attractions, cultural events, and unique curiosities.

- The city and its territory;

- Opening ceremony for L’Aquila, Italian Capital of Culture 2026;

- Key events of 2026;

- Traditions to discover;

- Curiosities for L'Aquila 2026; 

- Practical tips for visiting the city.

L’Aquila is not alone. Its year as Italian Capital of Culture stretches far beyond the historic center, embracing the villages and landscapes of Abruzzo, which take center stage alongside the city. Wandering through hidden alleys or exploring the smaller, more authentic towns, you can uncover different stories and traditions just a few kilometers away.

This is where the idea of a diffused capital comes to life, where every place contributes to a unique cultural mosaic. Trails, exhibitions, and events unfold across the whole area, immersing you in evocative atmospheres far from the usual tourist routes.

In this way, L’Aquila becomes the beating heart of a vibrant and participatory network, and every stop on your journey offers an exclusive discovery, as if the city opens itself only to those who truly know how to look.

January 17 marks the official launch of the Year of Culture, with a day structured around two main moments: the institutional ceremony in the morning and a large, city-wide event in the historic center in the afternoon and evening. Below is the day’s program:

Morning
11:00 a.m.
Institutional ceremony at the Auditorium of the Guardia di Finanza
In the presence of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella
Live broadcast on Rai 3 and on the L’Aquila 2026 social media channels

Afternoon and Evening – Historic Center

5:30 p.m.
Drone Show “Under One Single Sky”
Fontana Luminosa – Piazza Battaglione degli Alpini
(Repeat at 9:15 p.m.)

5:45 p.m.
Parade “The Journey of Light”
Featuring Dundu, the Giant of Light
From the Fontana Luminosa along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza Duomo

6:15 p.m.
Show “The Celestial City”
Molecules of light and lighting of the luminous installation “Faro 99”
Piazza Duomo

From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Art in Motion
Street artists’ performances and roaming live music
Historic center

Throughout 2026, when is the best time to explore L’Aquila’s cultural attractions? The truth is, there isn’t just one perfect moment: every part of the year is filled with some of Italy’s most captivating events, each offering a different side of the city to discover.

- ItARTS – Back to L’Aquila is an international contemporary arts festival that brings the journey, started abroad with stops in Uzbekistan, China, and France, to the Abruzzo capital. From January to February, it offers concerts, performances, and installations combining music, visual arts, and digital technologies.

- I Cantieri dell’Immaginario is a summer festival that turns the historic center into a map of live performances: music, theatre, and dance come to life across squares, cloisters, and historic sites, giving you a unique way to experience the city in the evening hours.

- Historic residences: select palaces and historic homes open their doors for special visits, letting you explore rooms, courtyards, and halls that usually remain hidden. It’s a chance to step into a world few visitors ever see.

Beyond the events tied to the official program of L’Aquila as Italian Capital of Culture 2026, there are other fascinating traditions that have shaped the life of the city for centuries. Among them, the Celestinian Forgiveness is a historic-religious celebration dating back to the 14th century, still held today on August 28 and 29.

The streets of the historic center fill with both faithful and locals, many dressed in traditional attire, as processions and ancient rites unfold—including the opening of the Holy Door at the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio: a gesture commemorating the plenary indulgence granted by Pope Celestine V, who was crowned here in 1294, making this site an unmissable gem of the city.

As songs and melodies echo through the alleys, enlivened by small markets and artisan stalls, you can feel the deep connection between L’Aquila and its history, breathing in an authentic atmosphere that makes the city more vibrant and distinctive than ever.

2026 will not be just a calendar of events, but a year in which L’Aquila tells its story through an original, complex, and innovative development.

- A project beyond events: “L’Aquila Città Multiverso” is not just a program, but a full-fledged model focused on art, innovation, sustainability, and community cohesion.

- Five dimensions: the program is built around multiculturalism, multidisciplinarity, multitemporality, multireproducibility, and multinaturality—guiding concepts for exhibitions, performances, and installations.

- The logo: the official symbol of L’Aquila 2026 is inspired by the rose window of the Basilica of Collemaggio, reinterpreted in a three-dimensional design with five colors representing the project’s different dimensions. It embodies a synergy between past and future, technology and tradition.

- A network of culture ambassadors: the “Culture Ambassadors” initiative is aimed at tourism operators, artisans, accommodation providers, and local organizations to enhance hospitality and the quality of the visitor experience.

If you’re planning a trip to L’Aquila during its year as Italian Capital of Culture, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is how to get there. The city can be reached by car via the A24 motorway, which connects it to Rome taking you into the heart of Abruzzo in just over an hour and a half.

If you’re traveling by train, keep in mind that L’Aquila is not served by high-speed rail. You can use Rome Tiburtina or Pescara as reference stations, then continue with regional trains or bus connections. Buses, in particular, are a practical and frequent option, especially from Rome, for reaching the Abruzzo capital.

Once you arrive, getting around L’Aquila is easy. The historic center can be comfortably explored on foot, or by using the green shuttle that connects the main points of the city center and makes getting around more sustainable. To venture further, towards the surrounding villages, a car is the most flexible option, but you can also rely on local public transport to reach the main points of interest.

One final tip: in 2026, the many events scheduled throughout the year will attract a growing number of visitors. Booking accommodation, guided tours and cultural experiences a little in advance will allow you to enjoy L’Aquila without giving up the authentic atmosphere that makes it so special.