Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Italy

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The Basilica of San Giuseppe Artigiano which was seriously damaged by the 2009 earthquake. The restoration started in 2011 and it was reopened to the public in 2012. The building goes back to the middle of the 13th century, which means to the foundation of L'Aquila. The earthquake of 1703 completely destroyed the church, which was rebuilt starting in 1708. However, the works proceeded very slowly, so much so that in 1722 the reconstruction of a single lateral nave was attested and in 1748 the works were not yet completed. In 1754, with reconstruction still underway, the parish was deprived of the privileges it had enjoyed for five centuries; subsequently, the title was taken away from it, and, after a few years, religious functions were no longer celebrated there. Restoration started end of the 19th century. The church, now deconsecrated, remained abandoned and was used, during WWII, as a dormitory for soldiers. In 2008 the building became a university parish. The funerary monument of Pietro Lalle Camponeschi, vice-king of Abruzzo, was created in 1432 by Gualtiero d'Alemagna in a Flamboyant Gothic style. Gualtiero d'Alemagna is the name of Munic-born artist Walter Monich, who mainly worked in Italy.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The Basilica of San Giuseppe Artigiano which was seriously damaged by the 2009 earthquake. The restoration started in 2011 and it was reopened to the public in 2012. The building goes back to the middle of the 13th century, which means to the foundation of L'Aquila. The earthquake of 1703 completely destroyed the church, which was rebuilt starting in 1708. However, the works proceeded very slowly, so much so that in 1722 the reconstruction of a single lateral nave was attested and in 1748 the works were not yet completed. In 1754, with reconstruction still underway, the parish was deprived of the privileges it had enjoyed for five centuries; subsequently, the title was taken away from it, and, after a few years, religious functions were no longer celebrated there. Restoration started end of the 19th century. The church, now deconsecrated, remained abandoned and was used, during WWII, as a dormitory for soldiers. In 2008 the building became a university parish

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public. The tomb of pope Celestine V. was commissioned by a guild of wool workers in 1517: it is the work of Girolamo da Vicenza, and contains the remains of the Pope in a silver urn. The present urn was made at the end of the Second World War. It replaced an urn stolen by French troops in 1646, which itself replaced the first urn, removed by the Prince of Orange in 1530.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public. A detail of the facade

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public. The central portal

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public. The central rose window

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homelessThe then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century, it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless. The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. Santa Maria di Collemaggio is a large Romanesque-early Gothic church set in a park on the outskirts of town. It is known for its architecture, the extraordinary jewel-box style facade made of red and white stones. The origin of the church dates back to 1274. At this time, the hermit and founder of an order, Pietro del Murrone, later Pope Celestine V, returned from the Council of Lyons, where he had gained recognition of the Order he had founded. On the way, he spent the night on the hill of Collemaggio and in a dream received from Maria the commission to build a church there. In 1287 Pietro acquired the land and the following year began construction, which was completed in 1289. When Pietro was elected Pope Celestine V in 1294, he had himself crowned in Santa Maria di Collemaggio and granted the privilege of a plenary indulgence. From then on, the church became a popular place of pilgrimage, especially when Celestine V was canonized in 1313 and buried in Santa Maria di Collemaggio in 1326. The festivities of the “Perdonanza Celestiniana” have been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019. The church was badly damaged during the 2009 earthquake with the roof and dome collapsing over the transept and part of the choir. However, the reliquary with the bones of Pope Celestine V was recovered from the rubble. The shrine was subsequently transferred to the crypt of Sulmona Cathedral, near which St. Celestine had lived as a hermit for a long time. In 2013, his bones were returned to Santa Maria di Collemaggio. Works for the restoration of the building were concluded in 2017 and since then the church is open to the public.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The cathedral was originally built in the 13th century and destroyed in the earthquake of 1703. It was restored in the 19th century. It was seriously damaged in the earthquake of 2009 and was still closed for reconstruction in 2022.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The construction of this church was begun on October 10, 1713, ten years after the 1703 L'Aquila earthquake ruined the Confraternita del Suffragio's former seat. The building, whose execution was entrusted to the architect Carlo Buratti, was completed after several construction phases. In 1770 began the realization of the facade by Gianfrancesco Leomporri, while the dome was added in 1805 by Giuseppe Valadier. The church was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2009 and several aftershocks. Due to the almost total collapse of the dome, which happened to be broadcast live on a RAI news program, its image became a symbol of the earthquake and the destruction of L'Aquila.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The construction of this church was begun on October 10, 1713, ten years after the 1703 L'Aquila earthquake ruined the Confraternita del Suffragio's former seat. The building, whose execution was entrusted to the architect Carlo Buratti, was completed after several construction phases. In 1770 began the realization of the facade by Gianfrancesco Leomporri, while the dome was added in 1805 by Giuseppe Valadier. The church was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2009 and several aftershocks. Due to the almost total collapse of the dome, which happened to be broadcast live on a RAI news program, its image became a symbol of the earthquake and the destruction of L'Aquila.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The construction of this church was begun on October 10, 1713, ten years after the 1703 L'Aquila earthquake ruined the Confraternita del Suffragio's former seat. The building, whose execution was entrusted to the architect Carlo Buratti, was completed after several construction phases. In 1770 began the realization of the facade by Gianfrancesco Leomporri, while the dome was added in 1805 by Giuseppe Valadier. The church was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2009 and several aftershocks. Due to the almost total collapse of the dome, which happened to be broadcast live on a RAI news program, its image became a symbol of the earthquake and the destruction of L'Aquila.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century, it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The earthquake in April 2009 seriously ruined the basilica`s apse, the campanile, the longitudinal walls, and the adjacent cloister. The cost of rebuilding was evaluated at over 40 million euros. With lots of public support it was done in six years and in 2015, the basilica was reopened to the community. Call a taxi!

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The earthquake in April 2009 seriously ruined the basilica`s apse, the campanile, the longitudinal walls and the adjacent cloister. The cost of rebuilding was evaluated at over 40 million euros. With lots of public support it was done in six years and in 2015, the basilica was reopened to the community. Saint Bernardine, who, although he was seriously sick, in 1444 went to Aquila to try to reconcile two adversarial groups, died there and the citizens attained by Pope Eugene IV the authorization to guard the corpse of the saint. The works began in 1454 with the realization of the cupola, later began the building of the facade under the direction of Silvestro dall'Aquila. When he died in 1504, the works stopped for twenty years. In 1524, the job was taken by Cola dell'Amatrice, and the church was completed in 1542. After the earthquake in 1703, the inside of the church was completely rebuilt in Baroque style.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The earthquake in April 2009 seriously ruined the basilica`s apse, the campanile, the longitudinal walls and the adjacent cloister. The cost of rebuilding was evaluated at over 40 million euros. With lots of public support it was done in six years and in 2015, the basilica was reopened to the community. Saint Bernardine, who, although he was seriously sick, in 1444 went to Aquila to try to reconcile two adversarial groups, died there and the citizens attained by Pope Eugene IV the authorization to guard the corpse of the saint. The works began in 1454 with the realization of the cupola, later began the building of the facade under the direction of Silvestro dall'Aquila. When he died in 1504, the works stopped for twenty years. In 1524, the job was taken by Cola dell'Amatrice, and the church was completed in 1542. After the earthquake in 1703, the inside of the church was completely rebuilt in Baroque style.

L'Aquila is located about 700 meters high in the valley of the Aterno. It is dominated on all sides by the mountains of Abruzzo, including to the east the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest mountain in mainland Italy outside the Alps. In 1230, Emperor Frederick II founded Aquila on the site of - according to tradition - 99 villages. Since then, the number 99 has a special meaning for the Aquilians. The city walls were completely built in 1316. In the 15th century it had about 8000 inhabitants and was the most important fortress of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1528 the city was conquered by Emperor Charles V for the Spanish crown. After the earthquake of 1786, the city was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style. On April 6, 2009, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. There were 308 fatalities, and about 1,500 people were injured. Around 65,000 people were rendered homeless The then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immediately promised help to the earthquake victims of L'Aquila. There is circumstantial evidence that the mafia has infiltrated the authorities and is leaking aid money. It took almost five years for construction work to begin in L'Aquila. The earthquake in April 2009 seriously ruined the basilica`s apse, the campanile, the longitudinal walls and the adjacent cloister. The cost of rebuilding was evaluated at over 40 million euros. With lots of public support it was done in six years and in 2015, the basilica was reopened to the community. Saint Bernardine, who, although he was seriously sick, in 1444 went to Aquila to try to reconcile two adversarial groups, died there and the citizens attained by Pope Eugene IV the authorization to guard the corpse of the saint. The works began in 1454 with the realization of the cupola, later began the building of the facade under the direction of Silvestro dall'Aquila. When he died in 1504, the works stopped for twenty years. In 1524, the job was taken by Cola dell'Amatrice, and the church was completed in 1542. After the earthquake in 1703, the inside of the church was completely rebuilt in Baroque style.